Description
A flavorful twist on the classic sloppy joe, this Korean Beef Sloppy Joes recipe combines savory ground beef with a spicy and slightly sweet Korean-inspired sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that brings bold flavors and a satisfying meal on a bun, garnished with fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
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
Garnish
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
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 keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Add the Aromatics: Stir in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic into the pan with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onions are softened and the mixture is fragrant, building the flavor base for the sauce.
- Prepare the Sauce: Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, gochujang (if using), ketchup, and grated ginger to the pan. Mix well to combine all ingredients and simmer the mixture for 3-4 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in 1/4 cup of water and stir it into the beef mixture. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Optionally toast the burger buns or sandwich rolls in a toaster or on a skillet to add texture and warmth. 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 filling for a fresh burst of flavor and visual appeal. Place the top bun halves on and serve the sloppy joes immediately while warm.
Notes
- Gochujang adds a spicy kick but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure ketchup does not contain gluten.
- For a thicker sauce without cornstarch, simmer longer to reduce liquid.
- Leftover sloppy joe mixture can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop.
- Try serving with a side of kimchi or pickled vegetables for an authentic Korean twist.
