Missing the vibrant flavors of Korean street food? You’re not alone! If you’ve been searching “Korean Street Food Near Me” online, dreaming of those savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, I have fantastic news. You can bring a taste of Seoul’s bustling streets right into your kitchen. Today, I’m sharing a beloved Korean street food recipe: Gilgeori Toast (길거리토스트), or Korean street toast. This isn’t just any toast; it’s a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying sandwich that captures the essence of Korean street food culture. Imagine biting into crispy, buttery toast filled with a savory-sweet cabbage and vegetable omelette, topped with a drizzle of sugar and ketchup – it’s a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the heart of Myeongdong or Hongdae.
My memories of Korean street toast go back to my university days in Seoul. Every morning, a street vendor near my campus would set up her tent and griddle, filling the air with the irresistible aroma of butter and sizzling vegetables. She’d expertly assemble these toasts right before my eyes, each one a perfect balance of textures and tastes. The vendor would generously melt margarine on the hot griddle, creating a flavorful base for both the omelette-like patty and the toasting bread. The simple sprinkle of white sugar and a squirt of ketchup were the finishing touches that made it uniquely Korean. Paired with a cup of sweet instant coffee, it was the perfect, energizing breakfast for a student on the go.
Years later, when I revisited Korea, the street food scene was even more diverse and exciting. Yet, the humble street toast still held a special place. I watched a vendor skillfully prepare it, noticing the generous amount of shredded cabbage and the seemingly effortless cooking process. Just like in my memories, sugar and ketchup were key ingredients. The way she wrapped it in foil, a slight update from the plastic plates of the past, added to the charm.
This recipe is my attempt to recreate that authentic Korean street toast experience in your home. While you can certainly customize it to your liking, I want to show you the traditional way, the taste that truly defines Korean street food. So, skip the search for “Korean street food near me” for today, and let’s make some Gilgeori Toast together! It’s easier than you think, and the taste is absolutely worth it.
Ingredients
Yields: 1 serving
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
- 5 to 6 ounces shredded cabbage
- About 2 tablespoons sliced onion
- 2 green onions, sliced diagonally
- About 1 tablespoon carrot matchsticks
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 2 slices of milk bread (or multi-grain bread), 4 to 5 inches each
- 1 to 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, for cooking
- 2 teaspoons sugar (or 0 calorie natural sweetener like Swerve)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (optional, but recommended for authentic flavor)
Directions
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Prepare the Vegetable Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, sliced onion, green onions, and carrot matchsticks. Gently massage the vegetables with your hands to soften them slightly. Add the salt and crack the egg into the bowl. Mix everything together thoroughly with a spoon until well combined.
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Heat the Skillet and Butter: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, reduce the heat to medium and melt about 1 tablespoon of butter, ensuring the skillet is evenly coated.
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Cook the Cabbage Patty: Pour the entire cabbage mixture into the hot skillet. Use your spatula to roughly shape it into a rectangle. The patty should be slightly larger than the size of your bread slices.
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Crisp the Patty: Cook the cabbage patty for about 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat. Continue shaping it with your spatula as it cooks, until the bottom becomes lightly browned and crispy.
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Flip and Toast the Bread: Flip the cabbage patty using your spatula. Add a bit more butter to the skillet if needed. In a corner of the skillet, melt some butter and toast the two slices of bread until both sides are lightly golden and crispy.
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Finish Cooking the Patty: Cook the cabbage patty for another 2 to 3 minutes, until both sides are golden brown and slightly crispy. Ensure it’s cooked through.
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Assemble the Toast: Place one slice of toasted bread on a plate. Carefully transfer the cooked cabbage patty onto the bread. Sprinkle the sugar evenly over the patty, then drizzle generously with ketchup and yellow mustard (if using).
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Serve Immediately: Top with the other slice of toasted bread. Serve your Gilgeori Toast right away. You can enjoy it on a plate, cut in half for easier eating, or wrap it in tin foil like a true street vendor would, for an authentic Korean street food experience.
Now you can enjoy a taste of Korean street food without even leaving your home! This Gilgeori Toast is perfect for a quick breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or even a fun snack. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s such a popular and beloved Korean street food. Enjoy!
