Description
These Korean Sloppy Joe Sandwiches offer a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food, blending savory ground beef with a sweet and tangy Korean-inspired sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe delivers a delicious umami punch with garlic chili sauce, soy, and sesame, topped with fresh green onions and sesame seeds for a satisfying sandwich experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1.25 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp garlic chili sauce
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp green onions, diced
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 8 burger buns
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix ketchup, brown sugar, water, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, garlic chili sauce, minced garlic, ginger paste, salt, and pepper until combined. Set aside to let flavors meld.
- Cook the ground beef: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it gently into quarter-sized pieces to maintain chunkiness, and cook until fully browned, about 6 minutes.
- Combine with sauce: Drain excess grease from the skillet. Return the beef to medium-low heat and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir to fully coat the beef and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and clings to the beef.
- Toast buns and assemble: Optionally toast the burger buns lightly. Spoon generous portions of the Korean sloppy joe mixture onto the buns. Garnish with diced green onions and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Add pickled vegetables or kimchi for an extra burst of flavor if desired.
Notes
- Leaving the beef in larger chunks helps the sandwich hold together better and creates a more satisfying texture.
- Pickled vegetables or kimchi add an authentic Korean touch and balance the sweetness of the sauce.
- For a spicier version, increase the garlic chili sauce or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
- Make sure to drain excess grease to prevent the sandwich from becoming soggy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-American
