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Korean Beef Sloppy Joes Recipe

Korean Beef Sloppy Joes Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 14 reviews

This Korean Beef Sloppy Joes recipe brings a delicious twist to the classic American sandwich by infusing it with bold Korean flavors like gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Ground beef is cooked with aromatic onions and garlic, then simmered in a tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce before being served on toasted buns with a garnish of green onions and sesame seeds. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with an exciting flavor profile.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste, optional for heat)
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp ginger, grated
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

For Serving

  • 4–6 burger buns (or sandwich rolls)
  • 1/2 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or pan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the mixture from being greasy.
  2. Add the Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan with the beef. Cook together for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and the garlic is fragrant, enhancing the base flavor.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, gochujang (if using), ketchup, and grated ginger. Mix well to blend all the flavors. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to develop a rich taste.
  4. Thicken the Sauce: For a thicker consistency, dissolve the cornstarch in 1/4 cup water, then stir this slurry into the skillet. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef perfectly.
  5. Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Toast your burger buns or sandwich rolls if desired, either in a toaster or on a skillet to add a little crunch. Spoon generous amounts of the Korean beef mixture onto the bottom halves of the buns.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the meat on each bun. Top with the remaining bun halves and serve immediately while warm for the best experience.

Notes

  • Gochujang adds a spicy kick; adjust the amount or omit for a milder flavor.
  • To keep the beef lean, drain excess fat after cooking.
  • Cornstarch is optional but helps to achieve a saucier sloppy joe filling.
  • Use buns of your choice, brioche buns work great for a richer taste.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with finely chopped mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean beef sloppy joes, Korean sloppy joe recipe, spicy sloppy joes, Korean fusion sandwich, easy weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/korean-beef-sloppy-joes-recipe/