Andrew 
Lately I have become a connoisseur of fine Sloppy Joes.
Fine Sloppy Joes? Yes…There is such a thing.
Well I mean Sloppy Joes that don’t begin with a can of Manwich…
More gourmet! Ok…I just called something gourmet that I ate off of a plastic plate with a side of potato chips, but you know what I mean.
Trust me these are really good…Especially if you are craving some Asian flavors.
Actually this is my new favorite Sloppy Joe recipe.
So what makes this an Asian Sloppy Joe? Sambal Oelek and Hoisin Sauce…I love Hoisin…I think I might could even eat cardboard if it had a generous smear of Hoisin on it…but as I have said before, not all Hoisin Sauce is created equal. A couple brands have a funky taste to me…My favorites are Lee Kum Kee and Kikkoman…both of these are available at regular American supermarkets.
um…I think I took too many pictures…like you didn’t know what chopped up celery looked like.
Asian Sloppy Joes
adapted from Ming Tsai
- 2 medium red onions, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, cut into 1/4 inch dice
- 1 tbs sambal oelek
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 cup chopped roma tomatoes, canned or fresh
- 1 & 1/2 cups hoisin sauce
- 2 tbs vegetable oil
- salt & pepper
- 8 hamburger buns, toasted
- shredded iceberg lettuce, for serving
In a large deep skillet heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions, celery, and sambal oelek and saute until soft. Add the beef and pork, brown the meat, breaking up any clumps with a wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Add the tomatoes and hoisin sauce. Bring the mixture to a slow simmer and cook for about 30 minutes until it has thickened. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve in hamburger buns with shredded lettuce.
Makes 8 sandwiches.
