Bulgogi Sloppy Joes

If you’re looking for a unique and delicious twist on the classic sloppy Joe, my Bulgogi Sloppy Joes are the perfect answer. This recipe combines the rich, savory flavors of Korean cuisine with the comforting, hearty nature of sloppy Joes. It’s an ideal dish for an easy weeknight dinner or a fun BBQ with friends and family. Here’s how to make this mouthwatering meal, along with some tips, substitutions, and serving suggestions to elevate your culinary experience.

Korean BBQ meets and American Classic

---

The perfect mashup

If you’re not sure what to cook for dinner and have ground meat in the freezer this is a quick and easy dinner idea! This is exactly what happened to me the other night when I was trying to decide what to do with all the ground beef I had in the freezer. This is a one pan meal that comes together quickly with little fuss or mess and is so satifying. My husband was a huge fan!

Substitutions:

• Ground beef: Don’t eat beef? Substitute with any ground meat!
• Honey substitute: If you don’t have honey, you can use 2 tablespoons of agave or maple syrup for a similar sweetness.
• Spice it up: add some chili paste or gochujang for a spicy kick.

Tips:

• Make ahead: The bulgogi mixture can be prepared a day in advance and reheated before serving, making it even more flavorful.
• Vegetarian option: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
• Extra veggies: Add finely chopped bell peppers or carrots to the beef mixture for added nutrition and crunch.

What to Serve with Bulgogi Sloppy Joes

These Bulgogi-Style Sloppy Joes are versatile and pair well with various sides:

• Fried egg: Top your sloppy Joe with a sunny-side-up fried egg for an extra layer of richness and texture.
• Korean-inspired slaw: A tangy cabbage slaw with a sesame dressing complements the rich flavors of the sloppy Joes.
• Pickled vegetables: Serve with a side of pickled radishes or cucumbers for a refreshing contrast.
• Sweet potato fries: Crispy sweet potato fries are a great accompaniment to these savory sandwiches.
• Rice: For a more traditional take, serve the sloppy Joe mixture over steamed rice.

---

Ingredients!

Bulgogi Marinade:

• 1/3 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 3 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp corn starch (to thicken)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, finely chopped

Sloppy Joes:

• 2 lbs ground beef (85%-90% lean prefered)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (optional to tenderize the beef)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup bulgogi marinade (details above)
• Chopped green onion and sesame seeds for garnish
• 8 hamburger buns
• Optional toppings: kimchi and a fried egg

---

Instructions :

1. Tenderize the beef: In a large bowl, mix the ground beef with 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Let it sit for 15 minutes to tenderize and allow it to come to room temperature. (Read more about how baking soda tenderizes ground beef here.)

2. Prepare the marinade: Mix all the bulgogi marinade ingredients together in a mixing bowl and set aside.

3. Cook the beef: : In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. When the meat is no longer pink (3-5 minutes) add the onions and garlic and saute until they begin to soften and the meat is fully browned. Drain any excess fat.

4. Add bulgogi flavors: Stir in the bulgogi marinade, gochujang, and rice vinegar. Simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

5. Finishing touches: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.

6. Assemble: Toast the hamburger buns. Spoon the bulgogi-style sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Add optional toppings if desired and cover with the top bun. Serve immediately.

jal meokgesseumnida!