With Gochujang: Korean Sloppy Joes

This Korean sloppy Joes got a little flavor twist from all American classic, sloppy Joes. The addition of Korean chili paste (gochujang) makes the ordinary Sloppy Joes into extra ordinary! Savory!

If you like to turn the ordinary Sloppy Joes, the all-American classic sandwich, into something extra ordinary, try this Korean Sloppy Joes made with gochujang.

We understand the term “sloppy” in the title. This is a kind of dish that can be prepared short and direct, and it can be a little messy when you eat with hands. However why does it have a name of “Joe”? Why not Bob or David? Just simply curious!

Anyway, we want to give a little twist to this all American classic sandwich by adding a Korean flavor. Yes, this is Korean Sloppy Joes! Gochujang will add a gentle spicy kick and you will love how it binds all the flavors so nicely.

If you are stuck with ideas of what to make for dinner, this Gochujang sloppy Joes would be a nice Korean fusion dish to add a little variation on your repertoire. You never know! This might become your routine.

How the dish comes together

The holy trinity of American vegetables, the onion, celery, and green pepper. A couple of garlic joined to be part of the divine mission.

Saute them in a little oil until soft, about 3 minutes.

Push the vegetables to one corner of the skillet and add the ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper lightly.

Cook until they are browned.

Add gochujang and all the rest of the everyday ingredients in your kitchen!

Bring to a gentle boil.

Then simmer for 15-20 minutes so that the sauce gets thicken and all the flavor will mingle with each other. Yum! The flavor is just awesome! Our kids loved it!

This is our *Korea meets America* version of an unfussy weeknight dinner.

How do you serve Korean Gochujang Sloppy Joes?

Pile high on your hamburger bun and dig in! A slice of cheese would add nice touch, too. Potato chips and soft drink is an optional.

You will eventually need a folk and some napkins to finish it up, though. After all, it is SLOPPY!! Sorry, Joe!

• Yield: 4 people
• Prep: 10 minutes
• Cook: 25 minutes
• Total: 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp canola oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 medium green pepper, finely chopped
• 2 celery sticks, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp Korean chili paste (gochujang)
• 4 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp prepared mustard
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp cider vinegar
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 4-8 hamburger buns

Method

1. Chop the onion, green pepper, celery, and garlic. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the vegetables – onion, green pepper and celery. Saute them until slightly soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and continue to cook 1 more minute.
2. Slide the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Drizzle the remaining oil onto the skillet and add the ground beef. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on top and let the beef sizzle for 1 minute. Stir the beef to brown thoroughly. When the beef is cooked mix with vegetables.
3. Add tomato sauce, ketchup, mustard, brown sugar and cider vinegar. Stir well and bring to gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the whole thing simmer for 20-25 minutes, uncovered.
4. The sauce will thicken as it simmers but should be moist without being dry. Adjust the heat accordingly.
5. Serve these mouth-watering Sloppy Joes over hamburger buns and savor the East-meets-West version of an all-American classic every single bite. Enjoy!