Description
Korean Beef Sloppy Joes are a flavorful fusion twist on the American classic, featuring ground beef cooked in a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy Korean-inspired sauce, served on toasted buns with optional crunchy slaw for texture.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp ketchup (optional, for a classic Sloppy Joe touch)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 burger buns, toasted
- Optional toppings: shredded cabbage slaw, sliced green onions, sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, rice vinegar, and ketchup (if using). Simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- If a thicker sauce is desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 more minutes until thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Spoon the beef mixture onto toasted buns. Add slaw, green onions, or sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust gochujang based on your spice preference.
- Serve with a quick slaw made from cabbage, carrots, rice vinegar, and a pinch of sugar for crunch.
- Leftovers are great in lettuce wraps or over rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: korean sloppy joes, gochujang beef sandwich, fusion burger, spicy sloppy joe, korean ground beef