Korean Turkey Sloppy Joe Sliders (Printable)

Sweet spicy ground turkey on soft buns topped with tangy crunchy slaw for Korean-American party bites.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Turkey Filling

01 - 1 lb ground turkey
02 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 inch piece fresh ginger, grated
06 - 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
07 - 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
08 - 2 tablespoons ketchup
09 - 2 tablespoons brown sugar
10 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
11 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
12 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced

→ Crunchy Slaw

13 - 2 cups shredded green cabbage
14 - 1/2 cup shredded carrots
15 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
16 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
17 - 1 teaspoon honey
18 - 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
19 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Assembly

20 - 8 slider buns
21 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, optional for garnish

# Steps:

01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, rice vinegar, honey, sesame seeds, salt, and pepper. Toss with shredded cabbage and carrots. Refrigerate until assembly.
02 - Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
04 - Stir in gochujang, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens. Fold in sliced green onions and remove from heat.
05 - Lightly toast slider buns if desired. Spoon generous amount of turkey mixture onto each bun bottom, top with crunchy slaw, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and cover with bun tops.
06 - Serve sliders immediately while warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Perfect Flavor Balance: The combination of savory soy sauce, spicy gochujang, and sweet brown sugar creates a complex and addictive profile.
  • Texture Contrast: Warm, saucy turkey paired with a chilled, crunchy slaw provides a satisfying bite every time.
  • Quick and Easy: With simple preparation and cooking steps, these sliders are ideal for entertaining guests without spending all day in the kitchen.
02 -
  • Toast the Buns: Lightly toasting the slider buns adds a nice crunch and prevents them from becoming soggy from the turkey sauce.
  • Adjust Spice Levels: Gochujang brands vary in heat; start with a little less if you are sensitive to spice, or add a dash of Korean chili flakes for more kick.
  • Make Ahead: The turkey filling can be prepared a day in advance and reheated, but always make the slaw fresh for maximum crunch.
Go Back