This Korean BBQ Burger with Kimchi Slaw is a bold and flavorful fusion dish that combines juicy, gochujang-spiced beef patties with a tangy kimchi slaw and a rich Korean BBQ glaze. Served on toasted brioche buns, this gourmet burger is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and umami flavors, making it an irresistible choice for burger lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold Korean Flavors – Gochujang, sesame oil, and soy sauce create a deliciously savory and spicy burger.
Perfectly Juicy Patties – The 80/20 beef blend ensures a tender and flavorful bite.
Tangy Kimchi Slaw – A crunchy and zesty topping that adds a refreshing contrast to the rich beef.
Homemade Korean BBQ Sauce – A sticky, sweet, and spicy glaze that elevates the burger.
Ideal for Grilling or Pan-Frying – A versatile recipe that works year-round.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Burger Patties:

1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tsp grated ginger
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp brown sugar

For the Korean BBQ Sauce:

¼ cup soy sauce
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp gochujang
1 tsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water)
1 tbsp sesame seeds

For the Kimchi Slaw:

1 cup shredded cabbage
½ cup chopped kimchi
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tsp sesame oil
½ tsp chili flakes
1 green onion (sliced)

For Assembly:

4 brioche buns (toasted)
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp sesame seeds

Directions

Prepare the Burger Patties: In a large bowl, mix ground beef with soy sauce, sesame oil, gochujang, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and brown sugar. Form into 4 patties and refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up.
Make the Korean BBQ Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey, gochujang, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened. Add sesame seeds and set aside.
Prepare the Kimchi Slaw: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage, chopped kimchi, mayonnaise, sesame oil, chili flakes, and sliced green onion. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cook the Patties: Heat a grill or pan over medium-high heat. Cook the burgers for about 3-4 minutes per side, brushing them with Korean BBQ sauce as they cook.
Assemble the Burgers: Butter the toasted brioche buns and place a BBQ-glazed patty on the bottom bun. Top with a generous portion of kimchi slaw, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and add the top bun.
Serve Warm: Enjoy immediately with fries, pickled vegetables, or a side salad.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 burgers
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Pork or Chicken Patties: Substitute ground pork or chicken for a lighter option.
Cheesy Twist: Add a slice of cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella to the burger for extra richness.
Extra Spicy: Increase the gochujang and chili flakes in both the patties and slaw.
Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef for a grilled portobello mushroom or a plant-based patty.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free buns and tamari instead of soy sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the slaw separate to prevent sogginess.
Freezing: Freeze raw or cooked patties for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before cooking.
Reheating: Warm patties in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals.

FAQs

What is gochujang?

Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste with a rich, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor. It adds depth and heat to the burger.

Can I make the patties ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the patties a day in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.

How do I keep my burger patties juicy?

Using an 80/20 beef blend ensures a juicy texture. Avoid overmixing the meat, as it can make the patties dense.

Can I grill these burgers?

Absolutely! Grill over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side, basting with BBQ sauce.

What buns work best for this burger?

Brioche buns are ideal because they are soft, slightly sweet, and sturdy enough to hold the juicy patties.

Can I make the BBQ sauce spicier?

Yes! Add extra gochujang or a pinch of red pepper flakes for more heat.

Is kimchi slaw necessary?

While optional, the kimchi slaw adds crunch, acidity, and extra umami flavor that complements the burger perfectly.

Can I use regular mayo instead of Kewpie mayo?

Yes, but Kewpie mayo has a richer, slightly tangier taste that enhances the slaw.

What side dishes go well with this burger?

Try it with crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, Asian-style slaw, or pickled cucumbers.

How can I make this burger healthier?

Use lean ground turkey, a whole wheat bun, and reduce the amount of mayo and BBQ sauce.

Conclusion

This Korean BBQ Burger with Kimchi Slaw is a must-try for burger enthusiasts who love bold flavors. With its juicy, gochujang-spiced patty, tangy kimchi slaw, and rich Korean BBQ glaze, every bite is packed with a delicious balance of heat, sweetness, and umami. Whether grilled or pan-seared, this burger is a perfect fusion of Korean and American flavors, making it a standout dish for any occasion.

Korean-Style BBQ Burger