Korean Turkey Sloppy Joe Sliders (Printable)

Sweet and spicy ground turkey on soft buns with crunchy slaw for a perfect Korean-inspired party bite.

# What You Need:

→ Turkey Filling

01 - 1 pound 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
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 - Pinch of salt and pepper

→ Assembly

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

# Directions:

01 - 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.
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, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add ground turkey to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 5 to 6 minutes.
04 - Stir in gochujang, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Add sliced green onions and remove from heat.
05 - Lightly toast slider buns if desired. Spoon a generous amount of turkey mixture onto each bun bottom, top with crunchy slaw, sprinkle with optional sesame seeds, and cover with bun tops.
06 - Serve sliders immediately while warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Sweet & Spicy: The gochujang provides a deep, fermented heat balanced by brown sugar.
  • Perfect Texture: The contrast between the warm turkey and the cold, crunchy slaw is irresistible.
  • Quick & Easy: Ready in just 40 minutes using simple ingredients.
  • Dairy-Free: A great option for guests with dairy sensitivities.
02 -
  • Chill the Slaw: Letting the slaw sit in the fridge while you cook allows the flavors to meld and ensures it stays crisp.
  • Control the Sauce: Simmer the turkey mixture until the sauce is thick enough to coat the meat without making the buns soggy.
  • Toast the Buns: A quick toast provides a structural base that holds up better against the juicy filling.
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