Korean BBQ Nachos Bold Flavors (Printer-Friendly)

Tortilla chips layered with marinated beef, Korean cheeses, and fresh vegetables for a flavorful bite.

# What You'll Need:

→ Gochujang Beef

01 - 10 oz flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
02 - 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
03 - 1 tbsp soy sauce
04 - 1 tbsp brown sugar
05 - 2 tsp sesame oil
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
08 - 1 tsp rice vinegar
09 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Nachos

10 - 7 oz tortilla chips (about 1 large bag)
11 - 3.5 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
12 - 3.5 oz shredded Korean cheese blend (mozzarella-cheddar or pizza cheese)
13 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
14 - 1 small carrot, julienned
15 - 1/2 cucumber, seeded and thinly sliced
16 - 2 scallions, finely sliced
17 - 1 red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
18 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

→ Garnish

19 - 2 tbsp kimchi, chopped
20 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or shiso leaves, chopped
21 - 1 tbsp sriracha mayo or gochujang mayo (optional)
22 - Lime wedges (optional)

# Method:

01 - Combine gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and black pepper in a bowl. Add the sliced beef and marinate for at least 20 minutes.
02 - Set oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
03 - Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear marinated beef in batches for 2 to 3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
04 - Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Spread tortilla chips evenly, then layer half of the shredded cheeses, followed by cooked beef, and finish with the remaining cheese.
05 - Place the tray in the oven and bake for 6 to 8 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling with a golden color.
06 - Remove from oven and scatter red onion, carrot, cucumber, scallions, red chili, and toasted sesame seeds over the nachos.
07 - Top with chopped kimchi and fresh herbs, drizzle sriracha or gochujang mayo if desired, and serve with lime wedges on the side.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It's the rare appetizer that feels substantial enough to be a main, so everyone goes home satisfied.
  • The interplay between crispy chips, melting cheese, and cool fresh vegetables hits every texture you didn't know you were craving.
  • You get to play with bold Korean flavors without needing any special equipment beyond a skillet and oven.
02 -
  • Don't skip the marinating time; even fifteen minutes makes a difference in how well the beef absorbs those bold flavors.
  • The cheese will continue melting after you pull the tray from the oven, so pull it out when it looks barely done rather than waiting for it to look perfect.
  • Add fresh vegetables only after baking, or they'll wilt and lose their crunch, which is half the appeal.
03 -
  • Slice your beef while the marinade ingredients are coming together, and you'll save time; alternatively, ask your butcher to slice it, which is genuinely worth it.
  • If you're cooking for a crowd, prepare two trays and bake them on separate racks, rotating halfway through, so everyone gets hot nachos at the same time.
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