20 minutes
A popular Korean street food sandwich made with a savory vegetable and egg mixture, served on buttery toasted bread with sweet and tangy condiments.
1. Prepare Vegetables
Begin by combining the sliced cabbage, carrot, and scallions in a small bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then give the vegetables a gentle massage. This isn't just to make them feel appreciated—it actually softens them up, making for a more enjoyable texture in your toast.
2. Add Egg to Vegetables
Crack the egg into the bowl with your seasoned veggies and stir it in, ensuring a nice, even coating.
3. Toast Bread
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a cast-iron or nonstick skillet. Once melted, lay down your slices of bread, toasting each side to a golden brown, which should take about 2 minutes per side. This isn't just for taste; a good toast provides a sturdy base for the hefty filling to come.
4. Sweeten Bread
Once your bread is toasted to perfection, transfer it to a plate and sprinkle each slice with sugar, or if you're feeling fruity, spread on some jam.
5. Cook Cabbage and Egg Mixture
Now, here's where the magic happens. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of butter and pour in your cabbage and egg mixture. As it cooks, about 2-3 minutes per side, nudge and shape it to match the size of your bread. You'll know it's ready to flip when the bottom turns a nice golden color.
6. Add Ham and Cheese
If you're using ham and cheese, now's the time to add them to the top of the cabbage mixture. Let them join the party for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is just melting and the ham is heated through.
7. Assemble and Serve
It's assembly time! Stack your cabbage, ham, and cheese mixture onto one slice of bread. Drizzle with ketchup and mayonnaise to your liking, cap it with the other slice, and voila! Your Gilgeori Toast is ready to be devoured. Slice it in half if that's your style, and enjoy it while it's hot.
Instead of just ketchup and mayonnaise, create a signature sauce by combining these with a bit of honey for sweetness and a dash of soy sauce for umami. A small amount of finely minced garlic and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also add layers of flavor.
Elevate your egg mixture with a blend of seasonings. A dash of toasted sesame oil can add a nutty depth of flavor, and a sprinkle of gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) can provide a subtle heat. Mix these directly into the beaten eggs before cooking.
Layer the ingredients thoughtfully. Start with a slice of cheese on the bottom to melt against the warm bread, followed by the egg and cabbage mixture, then the sauce, and finally another slice of cheese before topping with the second slice of bread.
Choose a sturdy, high-quality bread that can hold up to the filling without becoming soggy. A good artisanal sandwich loaf or a soft yet dense bread like brioche can add a touch of gourmet to this street food classic.
While processed cheese is traditional, you can upgrade by using a good-quality sharp cheddar or Gruyère. This not only melts beautifully but also adds a complexity of flavor that complements the other ingredients.
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