Korean Turkey Sloppy Joe Sliders

Bring a bold, flavorful twist to your next gathering with these Korean Turkey Sloppy Joe Sliders. This recipe transforms a classic American comfort food into a sweet and spicy masterpiece by using lean ground turkey seasoned with authentic Korean pantry staples like gochujang and ginger. It's the perfect fusion dish for game day or a fun weeknight dinner that comes together in just 40 minutes.

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The secret to these sliders lies in the layering. By piling the gochujang-infused turkey on soft buns and topping it with a tangy, sesame-flecked cabbage slaw, you create a handheld meal that is as vibrant as it is delicious. The sesame oil and fresh ginger provide an aromatic depth that elevates the ground turkey into something truly special.

Ingredients

• For the Turkey Filling: 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey, 1 tbsp vegetable oil, 1 small onion (finely chopped), 2 garlic cloves (minced), 1-inch (2.5 cm) piece fresh ginger (grated), 1/4 cup (60 ml) gochujang, 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tbsp ketchup, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, 2 green onions (thinly sliced).
• For the Crunchy Slaw: 2 cups (120 g) shredded green cabbage, 1/2 cup (35 g) shredded carrots, 1/4 cup (4 tbsp) mayonnaise, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp honey, 1 tsp sesame seeds, pinch of salt and pepper.
• For Assembly: 8 slider buns, 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish).

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Slaw

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, rice vinegar, honey, sesame seeds, salt, and pepper. Toss with shredded cabbage and carrots. Refrigerate until ready to use to keep it crisp.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Turkey

Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Stir in gochujang, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Stir in green onions and remove from heat.

Step 5: Assemble

Toast slider buns lightly if desired. Spoon a generous amount of the turkey mixture onto each bun bottom, top with crunchy slaw, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and cover with bun tops.

Step 6: Serve

Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best texture, make sure to break the ground turkey into very small crumbles so it integrates perfectly with the sauce. Allowing the slaw to chill in the refrigerator while you cook the turkey helps the flavors meld and ensures a refreshing temperature contrast against the hot meat.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily customize this recipe by substituting the ground turkey with ground chicken or beef depending on your preference. For those who enjoy extra heat, try adding a diced jalapeño to the turkey mixture or a dash of Korean chili flakes to the slaw dressing.

Serviervorschläge

These sliders are a hit on their own, but they pair excellently with a crisp lager or a chilled white wine. For a complete meal, serve them alongside sweet potato fries or a simple cucumber salad.

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Whether you are hosting a festive game day party or just looking to spice up your weeknight dinner routine, these Korean Turkey Sloppy Joe Sliders are guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. Enjoy the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and crunchy in every bite!

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes these sliders Korean-inspired?

The Korean inspiration comes from gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, fresh ginger, garlic, and sesame oil in the turkey mixture. These ingredients create the signature sweet and spicy flavor profile of Korean cuisine.

→ Can I make the slaw ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the slaw up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate. The cabbage stays crunchy and flavors meld nicely. Just keep it covered until ready to assemble.

→ What can I substitute for gochujang?

Try sriracha mixed with a teaspoon of miso paste, or use Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) with a bit of tomato paste. The flavor won't be identical but still delicious.

→ How do I store leftover turkey filling?

Cool the turkey mixture completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet before assembling fresh sliders.

→ Can I use regular hamburger buns?

Absolutely. Regular-sized buns work well—just adjust the filling amount accordingly. Hawaiian rolls also add a nice sweetness that complements the Korean flavors.