Imagine a grilled cheese sandwich that's not just comfort food, but a flavor explosion that combines the crispy, melty goodness of a classic American favorite with the spicy, tangy kick of Korean kimchi. This isn't just another sandwich - it's a culinary experience that will transform your lunch game forever. Perfect for adventurous foodies and those looking to take their grilled cheese from basic to absolutely mind-blowing, this Viral Kimchi Grilled Cheese is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Korean-American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bread
- 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup kimchi, chopped
- Butter for spreading
Instructions
- Drain the kimchi thoroughly, pressing out excess liquid to prevent soggy sandwiches. Roughly chop the kimchi into smaller pieces for even distribution.
- Butter one side of each bread slice generously. This will create a golden, crispy exterior when grilled.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-low heat. The key is to cook slowly to achieve a perfectly melted interior and crispy exterior.
- Place two bread slices butter-side down on the skillet.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese on each bread slice, covering the surface evenly.
- Distribute the chopped kimchi over the cheese, ensuring an even spread for balanced flavor in each bite.
- Top each sandwich with the remaining bread slices, butter-side facing up.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt.
- Carefully flip the sandwiches using a spatula and cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes until golden and cheese is completely melted.
- Remove from heat, let rest for 1-2 minutes, then slice diagonally and serve hot.
Tips
- Drain Kimchi Thoroughly: Excess liquid is the enemy of a crispy sandwich. Use a fine-mesh strainer or paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Cook your sandwich over medium-low heat to ensure the cheese melts completely while achieving that perfect golden-brown exterior.
- Choose the Right Cheese: While the recipe suggests cheddar or mozzarella, experiment with cheese blends for extra flavor complexity.
- Butter is Your Friend: Don't skimp on butter - it's the secret to that irresistible crispy, golden crust.
- Let It Rest: Allow the sandwich to sit for 1-2 minutes after cooking. This helps the cheese set and makes cutting easier.Pro Tip: For an extra flavor boost, try adding a light spread of gochujang or sriracha mayo inside the sandwich for an additional kick of Korean-inspired flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 70mg
