Korean Beef Sloppy Joes: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a perfect blend of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. The richness of the beef combined with the umami of soy sauce and the sweetness of brown sugar creates a mouthwatering filling for the buns. Sesame oil adds depth, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds elevates the dish with extra crunch. Plus, it’s a quick and easy meal that everyone will love, from kids to adults. You get all the delicious flavors of Korean cuisine in a fun, handheld format.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
• 4 hamburger buns
• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

directions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Make sure all ingredients are measured and ready to go before starting.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Sauces

Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until everything is fully combined.

Step 5: Simmer

Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6: Add Green Onions

Turn off the heat and stir in the sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch.

Step 7: Toast the Buns

While the beef mixture is simmering, toast the hamburger buns either on a skillet or in the oven until golden brown.

Step 8: Assemble the Sloppy Joes

Spoon the Korean beef mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun.

Step 9: Garnish

Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added flavor and texture.

Step 10: Serve

Top with the top half of the buns and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Add spice: If you love spicy food, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add chopped fresh chili peppers to the beef mixture.
• Add cheese: Melt cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar) over the beef mixture before assembling the sloppy joes for a cheesy version.
• Vegetarian option: Swap the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian take on the recipe.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze the beef mixture for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the Korean beef mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before serving.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken as an alternative to ground beef.

How do I make this less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a sugar substitute.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, feel free to add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for a spicier version.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you need a gluten-free option, make sure to use gluten-free buns and soy sauce (tamari is a good alternative).

Conclusion

These Korean Beef Sloppy Joes are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of Korean cuisine with the classic comfort of a sloppy joe. The sweet and savory beef filling, topped with green onions and sesame seeds, makes for a satisfying meal. Serve it at your next dinner or barbecue, and watch everyone rave about this fun, flavorful twist on a classic!

Korean Beef Sloppy Joes: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

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• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Korean-American Fusion
• Diet: Halal

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Description

These Korean Beef Sloppy Joes bring a unique twist to the classic American sloppy joe with savory ground beef, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Served on toasted buns and topped with sesame seeds, these are a fun, quick, and flavorful meal for any occasion.

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Ingredients

For the Beef Mixture:

1 lb ground beef

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1/4 cup onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoon sesame oil

1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

1/4 cup green onions, sliced

For the Buns:

4 hamburger buns

Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are measured and ready to go before starting.
2. Cook the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add Aromatics: Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Combine Sauces: Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well until everything is fully combined.
5. Simmer: Let the mixture simmer on low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Add Green Onions: Turn off the heat and stir in the sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch.
7. Toast the Buns: While the beef mixture is simmering, toast the hamburger buns either on a skillet or in the oven until golden brown.
8. Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Spoon the Korean beef mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun.
9. Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added flavor and texture.
10. Serve: Top with the top half of the buns and serve immediately.

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Notes

Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers to increase the heat.

Cheesy Version: Melt cheese over the beef mixture before assembling for a cheesy sloppy joe.

Vegetarian Option: Use lentils or plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version of the dish.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 sloppy joe
• Calories: 330 kcal
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: undefined
• Trans Fat: undefined
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: undefined