Description
This Korean Beef Sloppy Joes recipe transforms a classic American comfort food with bold Korean flavors. Ground beef is simmered with a savory and sweet sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, gochujang, and more, then served on toasted buns with green onions and sesame seeds for a delicious fusion meal ready in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 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)
- 4-6 burger buns (or sandwich rolls)
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds (for garnish)
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.
- Add the Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, gochujang (if using), ketchup, and grated ginger. Mix everything well and let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup water until smooth and stir it into the beef mixture. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Toast the burger buns or sandwich rolls in a toaster or on a skillet if desired. Spoon the Korean beef mixture generously onto the bottom halves of the buns.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds over the beef mixture to add flavor and texture. Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately for the best taste and warmth.
Notes
- Gochujang adds authentic Korean heat and flavor, but you can omit or reduce it if you prefer a milder taste.
- The cornstarch slurry is optional but recommended if you want a thicker, more cohesive sauce that clings to the beef better.
- For a lighter version, use leaner ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- To enhance texture, consider lightly toasting buns on a skillet with a bit of butter before assembling.
- This recipe can easily be doubled or halved depending on serving needs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-American Fusion
