Korean-American Fusion in Texas

Published in

Lifestyle Journalism

4 min readMay 8, 2024

By Amsal Madhani

In Texas, a state known for its big flavors and hearty meals, a new culinary trend is capturing taste buds: Korean-American fusion. This innovative cuisine melds the bold, spicy flavors of Korea with beloved American staples such as barbecue, hot dogs, and french fries, creating dishes that are both intriguingly familiar yet tastefully twisted. At the forefront of this movement are dishes like Bulgogi Fries, Korean Hot Dogs, and Korean Barbecue, each offering a fascinating blend of culinary integration.

According to Rentech Digital, Texas has the third most Korean restaurants in America with many blending sweet and savory Korean food with American tenderness.

Take the Bulgogi Fries, for instance, a creation you might stumble upon at a brick and mortar restaurant on Westheimer Road in Houston, Texas. Here, crispy, golden fries serve as a bed for richly marinated bulgogi beef. The meat is seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and sugar, striking a balance between sweet and salty, then sizzled in a hot pan until the edges caramelize slightly. This hot, flavorful beef is then heaped atop the fries, drizzled liberally with a spicy mayo that adds a hint of heat and a touch of sweetness. A sprinkle of fresh onions and a dash of cilantro complete the dish, adding a crunchy texture that elevates the fries from mere comfort food to a gourmet treat.

Meanwhile, over in Austin on 7th Street, the Korean Hot Dog at DittyDog offers a crunch that your normal American hot dog does not offer. This hot dog, a favorite at the food truck, begins with a tender, juicy sausage encased in a light, airy dough that is spread with butter and cream cheese. The result is a golden-brown dough surrounding a 1 ⁄ 4 pound beef sausage, topped off with caramelized onions, fried onions and potato chips, honey-mayo, chipotle mustard, sriracha and green sauce. This set of ingredients creates a blend of crunch and fluff, while keeping a healthy ratio of sweet and spice.

“I’ve been going to this food truck since I moved here for college,” Rayyan Maknojia, a student at The University of Texas at Austin, said.

“I’m not a huge fan of hot dogs, but I like the twist they made by adding crunchy mix and caramelized onions. I’ve been here in Austin for three years now, and I remember getting here and eating the same food over and over. But this is different.”

Back in Houston, where Korean-American fusion has become prominent, downtown on Louisiana Street, the fusion theme continues with a Korean Barbecue restaurant that has blended Texas barbecue traditions with Korean culinary techniques, Gen Korean BBQ House. Here, tender cuts of smoked steak are given a Korean makeover, marinated in a blend of soy, sugar, and spices that penetrate deep into the meat, infusing it with complex, deeply layered tastes. The steak, cooked to your preference, pulls apart easily, its edges charred slightly, adding a smokey depth that complements the bright, piquant notes of traditional Korean seasonings. Served with a side of ssamjang — a thick, spicy paste — and crisp, tangy kimchi, each mouthful is a blend of smokey, spicy, and sweet notes.

“Being able to determine how you want to cook the meat is a cool concept,” Azeem Lalani, a Houston native, said. “The meat was marinated really well, and I enjoyed the sweetness the Korean flavors added.”

Lalani has lived in Houston for over 20 years and has had many different cuisines in the area. He is appreciative of the increase in diversity of restaurants around him.

“I’m happy Texas is expanding its palette. Here in Houston, there’s all different kinds of people with different backgrounds and cultures. Finding a way to blend these cultures with American traditions is interesting and exciting.”

This culinary trend extends beyond just flavor; it represents a blending of cultures, a meeting of two distinct culinary traditions that both respect and enhance one another. The result is a series of dishes that are as delightful to the palate as they are representative of the cultural melting pot that Texas has become. Whether it’s the unexpected crunch of a Korean Hot Dog, the rich complexity of Bulgogi Fries, or the smoky-spicy fusion of Texan-Korean barbecue, these dishes offer a fresh perspective on what it means to enjoy American food with a Korean twist.

Recipe for Bulgogi Fries:

Ingredients:

2 lbs of frozen French fries

1 lb of thinly sliced beef ribeye

1/4 cup of soy sauce

1 tablespoon of sugar

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper

2 tablespoons of sesame oil

1/4 cup of chopped green onions

1 tablespoon of cilantro

Onions