Korean Turkey Sloppy Joe Sliders (Print Version)

Ground turkey layered on slider buns with a crunchy, tangy cabbage and carrot slaw for a flavorful bite.

# Components:

→ 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

# Method:

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 serve.
02 - Heat 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 up with a spoon. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
04 - Stir in gochujang, soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens. Stir in 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 immediately while warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They come together in under 40 minutes, which means you can prep and serve without spending your whole day in the kitchen.
  • The crispy, tangy slaw cuts through the richness of the turkey filling, creating this perfect textural balance that keeps you reaching for another one.
02 -
  • Don't skip the simmer step after adding the sauce—those first few minutes are when the flavors actually blend together instead of just sitting next to each other on the meat.
  • The slaw needs to stay cold and crisp against the warm turkey, so keep it refrigerated until the last possible moment before serving, or it'll wilt and lose its textural magic.
03 -
  • Toast your buns lightly in a dry skillet before assembly—it prevents them from getting soggy from the warm turkey filling and adds a subtle textural contrast.
  • Make the slaw at least 30 minutes ahead so the flavors blend and the cabbage softens just enough to absorb the dressing without losing its snap.
Return