Kimchi Grilled Cheese with Gochujang Butter

Crunchy, golden bread with a melty cheese pull and a punchy, tangy kimchi kick—comfort food with attitude.

Ingredients

• 4 slices bread (sourdough, white, or sandwich bread)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 cup kimchi, well-drained and finely chopped
• 2 tsp neutral oil (or use a bit more butter)
• 6 oz (170g) melty cheese, grated (mozzarella, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mix)
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise (optional, for extra crisp exterior)
• Black pepper, to taste

Method

• 1

  Step 1: Make gochujang butter

  In a small bowl, mix the softened butter and gochujang until evenly streaked red. Add a few grinds of black pepper.

• 2

  Step 2: Prep the kimchi (no soggy sandwiches!)

  Squeeze the chopped kimchi firmly in your hands or in a clean towel to remove excess juice. This is key for maximum melt and crunch.

• 3

  Step 3: Assemble

  Lay out the bread slices. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the outside of each slice (optional but excellent for browning).

• 4

  Step 4: Pan-grill low and slow

  Heat a skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1 tsp oil. Spread about half the gochujang butter on the top slice of each sandwich.

• 5

  Step 5: Flip and melt

  Carefully flip. Spread the remaining gochujang butter on the new top sides. Cook another 3–4 minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese is fully melted.

• 6

  Step 6: Rest, slice, eat

  Rest 1 minute (the cheese sets slightly so it doesn’t all escape), then slice and serve hot.

Tips

• **Cheese choices:** A mix is best—cheddar for flavor + mozzarella/Jack for stretch.
• **No gochujang?** Skip it and just use butter + a pinch of chili flakes or paprika (pantry staple).
• **Extra-crisp exterior:** Use mayo on the outside *and* cook on medium-low; rushing on high heat burns before the middle melts.
• **Make-ahead:** Chop and squeeze kimchi up to 3 days ahead; keep refrigerated.
• **Serve with:** A simple cucumber salad, or a bowl of tomato soup for the ultimate comfort combo.

Nutrition (per serving, estimate)