Korean Turkey Sloppy Joe Sliders

Put a Korean-inspired spin on a classic comfort food with these Korean Turkey Sloppy Joe Sliders. Featuring sweet and spicy ground turkey and a crisp, tangy slaw, these sliders are a perfect party bite that is as easy to make as it is delicious and dairy-free.

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The combination of gochujang chili paste and savory soy sauce creates a rich, glossy sauce that coats the ground turkey perfectly, while fresh ginger and garlic add a vibrant aromatic layer to every slider.

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 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).

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.

Step 2

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

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

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

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 immediately while warm.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure the best texture, refrigerate the slaw until the very moment of assembly to keep the cabbage crisp. When browning the turkey, use a spatula to break it into small crumbles so the sauce coats every piece evenly.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Feel free to substitute the ground turkey with ground chicken or beef if preferred. For those who enjoy extra heat, add a diced jalapeño to the skillet with the turkey or a dash of Korean chili flakes to the slaw mixture.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these sliders immediately while warm, perhaps alongside extra quick pickles or a crisp lager. Garnish with a final sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a professional, finished look.

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With their vibrant colors and bold flavors, these Korean Turkey Sloppy Joe Sliders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings an exciting international twist to a beloved handheld favorite.

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes these sliders Korean-style?

The Korean inspiration comes from gochujang (Korean chili paste), sesame oil, fresh ginger, and rice vinegar in the sauce, plus sesame seeds in the slaw for that distinct Korean-American flavor profile.

→ Can I make these sliders ahead of time?

Prepare the slaw and turkey filling up to 24 hours in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat the turkey gently and assemble just before serving to keep the buns from getting soggy.

→ What can I substitute for gochujang?

If unavailable, mix sriracha with miso paste or use Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) with a little tomato paste. The flavor won't be identical but will still provide that spicy, fermented kick.

→ Are these sliders kid-friendly?

These have moderate spice from the gochujang. For children, reduce the amount to 2 tablespoons and increase the ketchup slightly. The sweet and tangy flavors usually appeal to younger palates.

→ What sides pair well with these sliders?

Serve with crispy potato wedges, sweet potato fries, or a simple Asian cucumber salad. A crisp lager or chilled white wine complements the bold flavors perfectly.