Bored with the same old sandwich or toast (almost) every morning? Why not try making your own Korean breakfast sandwich a.k.a. Korean street toast for a change? Otherwise known in Korean as tost-u (toast) or gaeran tost-u (egg toast), this type of sandwich is usually sold by street vendors as a grab-and-go breakfast staple for busy individuals. It is basically a Korean version of a typical American-style egg sandwich, with the exception of added cabbage and sugar (typically brown sugar). This makes the sandwich all the more appetising, thanks to its winning combination of savoury and sweet taste in every bite.
The good news is, you don’t have to fly all the way to Korea just for a taste. And while you can always buy them here at some of the cafes or joints specialising in Korean breakfast sandwiches, you can easily recreate them in the comfort of your own home. Best of all, it doesn’t require any special skills to whip up and put together this hearty sandwich. All the ingredients are easily available in your local supermarket and grocery store. You might already have them in your kitchen and fridge! That being said, here is a step-by-step guide on how to make a Korean breakfast sandwich at home.
Ingredients:
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- 2 slices of white bread (any brand of your choice)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cabbage
- 1 whole carrot
- 1/3 onion
- 1 sliced ham
- 1 sliced cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (brown/white)
- Ketchup/tomato sauce
- Mayonnaise (optional)
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Directions:
Prep The Omelette
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- Prepare your chopping board and start by slicing the cabbage, onion and carrot into julienne strips.
- Add in all the thinly-sliced vegetables in a bowl. Crack a large egg and whisk them all together with a fork. You can also season them with a pinch of salt and pepper to help boost the taste if desired.
- Next up, add oil or butter in the hot pan and pour in the egg mixture. Cook under medium heat and make sure to flip the omelette until both sides are completely set.
- Place the omelette aside on a plate and fry the sliced ham in the hot pan. Remember to defrost them for a few minutes prior to quick-frying if you have kept the package of sliced hams in a freezer.
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Prep The Sandwich
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- Prepare two slices of white bread and spread them evenly with butter or margarine on both sides.
- Place the bread in a hot pan greased with some oil or preferably, use butter and toast both sides until golden brown by flipping over your buttered bread.
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Korean Toast, Assemble!
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- Now, for the final steps. Place the omelette on the slice of toast and sprinkle some sugar evenly. Then, top it with a slice of cheddar cheese and cooked ham. Add in ketchup (and mayonnaise if desired). Cover the other slice of toast on top of it. You can cut them into half or just enjoy immediately!
Although the Korean breakfast sandwich is typically enjoyed during well, breakfast, this comfort food is versatile enough to be eaten any time of the day!
Image Credit: thesquishymonster.com
