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Korean Sloppy Joes

by chunkyinkentucky Leave a Comment

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Make this easy recipe for Korean Sloppy Joes in no time. The rich and tangy sauce blends Asian flare with a delicious ground beef mixture of Sriracha, brown sugar, garlic and sesame oil. Serve these easy sandwiches on a Brioche Bun or Hawaiian rolls for a new twist on an old favorite.

a hand holding a thick and juicy sloppy Joe sandwich with a golden bun
Juicy sloppy Joe on a tender Brioche bun

Contents

  • Asian sloppy joes are easy and flavorful
  • main ingredients
  • instructions
  • How do I make this recipe in advance?
  • tips
    • recipe substitutions
  • FAQs
    • How to store leftover sloppy joes
    • Can I freeze sloppy Joe leftovers for later?
  • best sides for sloppy joes
  • Korean Sloppy Joes
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Nutrition
  • BEST SIDES FOR THIS DISH…

Asian sloppy joes are easy and flavorful

My family gobbles this one-pot recipe because it’s a more complex and flavorful take on traditional Sloppy Joes and inspired by a Korean beef bowl and easy ground beef recipes.

This recipe is a variant on the Korean cuisine bulgogi and traditional sloppy Joes, making this dish both affordable and easy.

We make this recipe year-round when we’re looking to mix it up, as it is one of our favorite comfort foods made in less 30 minutes. I often serve this dish with my Macaroni and Cheese, soup or a side salad.

ingredients for Korean sloppy Joes, including brown sugar, sriracha, soy, hoisin, ketchup, onion and sesame oil
vibrant, flavorful ingredients

main ingredients

  • Ground beef – 85/15 is best and less greasy
  • Sesame oil– made from sesame seeds and perfect for Asian flare
  • Onion – white or yellow onions are best
  • Minced garlic– garlic powder will also work
  • Ginger root– fresh ginger is best
  • Ketchup– any brand works
  • Hoisin– hoisin sauce is similar to bbq, but less sweet and saltier
  • Soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce– any brand
  • Light brown sugar-adds a sweetness you can’t resist
  • Sriracha– adds a bit of spice
  • Green onions– optional, garnish
  • Brioche buns– this is a must: soft, sweet, and fluffy
  • Korean quick pickles, optional
easy instructions for making Korean sloppy Joes recipe in a large frying pan
easy to make in only 20 minutes

instructions

Equipment needed: pan for sautéing

  1. In a large sauté pan, cook the hamburger until it is no longer pink.
  2. Push the beef to the outside borders of the pan and pour the sesame oil into the pan to coat it.
  3. After that, simmer for 4 minutes while adding the onions and garlic.
  4. Except for the sliced green onions, combine all of the remaining ingredients and add to the pan.
  5. Continue to cook for another 10 minutes before serving on the hamburger (Brioche) buns with pickles and green onions.

How do I make this recipe in advance?

Follow these steps to save time

  1. combine all ingredients except for the beef, buns, and green onions.
  2. Add the sauce mixture to a large canning jar and store in the refrigerator until ready to cook the beef.
two sloppy Joe sandwiches on parchment paper with a bowl of quick pickles and a spoon full of beef mixture on a metal tray
a recipe you’re sure to keep on rotation

tips

Follow these tips for the best Korean sloppy joes

  • You can simmer the Sloppy Joes for up to 20 minutes for extra flavor. I especially love leftovers because the beef has had time to collect the flavors of the other ingredients.
  • Make a Korean quick pickle (takes less than 10 minutes) to serve on the sloppy Joes, or use your favorite pickles.
large bite taken from a sloppy Joe sandwich with quick pickles
a new savory twist on the classic comfort food

recipe substitutions

  • Make it vegan by using a combo of black beans and mushrooms instead of beef.
  • Hamburger beef may be substituted for ground pork, chicken or turkey.
  • Add-ons: Top off your Korean Manwhich with bean sprouts or coleslaw.
  • Make it low-carb by ditching the bun for lettuce boats or stuffing mushrooms.
  • No buns? Add the beef mixture to a rice bowl with avocado.
Sloppy Joe beef in a bowl next to a sloppy Joe sandwich made of Brioche on parchment paper
Tired of regular sloppy Joes? This quick recipe is for you!

FAQs

How to store leftover sloppy joes

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze sloppy Joe leftovers for later?

Yes, in fact, leftovers make great meal-prep for later. The cooked meat and sauce sloppy Joe mixture can be frozen in a zippered air-tight bag for up to 3 months.

Simply thaw overnight in the fridge and re-heat on the stovetop or microwave in a bowl to re-heat.

tray with ground beef bowl, bowl of pickles, and kitchen towel next to two sloppy joe sandwiches
the perfect comforting recipe any time of year

best sides for sloppy joes

  • french fries
  • mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower
  • potato salad
  • cucumber kimchi salad
  • tater tots
  • salad
  • roasted potatoes
a hand holding a thick and juicy sloppy Joe sandwich with a golden bun

Korean Sloppy Joes

This 20-minute recipe for Korean Sloppy Joes is perfect for busy weeknights. Whip this easy dinner up in no time and serve on a light and fluffy Brioche bun for the ultimate dinner winner!
5 from 4 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese, Korean
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 771kcal
Author: chunkyinkentucky

Ingredients

  • 1½ lb lean ground beef
  • 2 tsp sesame oil do not substitute
  • 1 tbsp garlic minced
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • ½ cup ketchup
  • ½ cup hoisin sauce
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp light brown sugar
  • ½ tbsp Sriracha *off brand is ok
  • 2 green onions sliced thin
  • 4 brioche buns *or 8 Hawaiian rolls
  • ½ cup pickles Korean quick-style, *optional

Instructions

  • Cook the hamburger in a large pan until no longer pink.  
  • Push the beef to the edges and pour the sesame oil in the pan.  Then add the onions and garlic and cook for 4-6 minutes.
  • Add the remaining wet ingredients.
  • Simmer for 5-10 minutes, then serve on buns with pickles and green onions.

Nutrition

Calories: 771kcal | Carbohydrates: 73g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 250mg | Sodium: 2071mg | Potassium: 869mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 975IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 113mg | Iron: 6mg

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Asian, Beef, Dinner Recipes, Main dishes, One Pot

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