Description
This Korean Beef Sloppy Joes recipe offers a flavorful twist on the classic American sandwich by incorporating savory Korean ingredients like gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Ready in just 25 minutes, it features ground beef cooked with aromatic onions and garlic, simmered in a sweet and spicy sauce, then served on toasted buns with crunchy green onions and sesame seeds for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4-6 burger buns or sandwich rolls
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds (for garnish)
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)
Instructions
- 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 avoid greasiness in the final dish.
- Add the Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté them together for 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and fragrant, enhancing the dish’s flavor base.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, gochujang (if using), ketchup, and grated ginger. Mix well to combine all flavors and let it simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to meld the ingredients together.
- Thicken the Sauce: If a thicker sauce is desired, create a slurry by mixing the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water, and stir it into the beef mixture. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Lightly toast the burger buns or sandwich rolls in a toaster or skillet to add texture and warmth. Spoon a generous amount of the Korean beef mixture onto the bottom halves of the buns.
- Garnish and Serve: Top each portion with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor. Cover with the top half of the buns and serve hot for a delicious and hearty meal.
Notes
- Gochujang adds heat and depth; omit for a milder dish.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce to make the recipe gluten free.
- Toast the buns to prevent sogginess from the sauce.
- Cornstarch is optional but recommended to achieve the perfect thick sauce consistency.
