Korean Beef Sloppy Joes recipe
Korean Beef Sloppy Joes are a delicious fusion of classic American comfort food and bold Korean flavors. Tender ground beef is cooked with a savory-sweet sauce featuring gochujang, soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil, then piled onto soft sandwich buns. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or casual gatherings, offering a satisfying mix of spicy, sweet, and umami flavors.
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio recommended)
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 4-6 soft sandwich buns (brioche, potato rolls, or classic buns)
- Optional toppings: kimchi, scallions (thinly sliced), toasted sesame seeds, shredded carrots, cucumber slices
Instructions
- Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink. Avoid overcrowding the pan for better caramelization. Drain excess fat if desired.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and brown sugar or honey.
- Combine and simmer: Pour the sauce over the browned beef and stir well. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10–15 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Prepare buns: Lightly toast buns in a skillet or oven for added texture and flavor.
- Assemble: Spoon generous amounts of the beef mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with optional garnishes like kimchi, scallions, sesame seeds, or fresh veggies. Cover with the top bun.
- Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of gochujang to control the heat level—less for mild, more for spicy.
- For a leaner version, substitute ground turkey or chicken.
- Vegetarian/vegan options can be made using plant-based crumbles or lentils.
- Leftover beef mixture stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheat leftovers gently and toast buns fresh before serving for best texture.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce and buns to make this recipe gluten-free.