Sesame Pork Sloppy Joes with Ginger Sauce and Cucumber Carrot Salad

These sesame pork sloppy joes are a delicious twist on a childhood classic. Ground pork is browned with scallions and garlic, then simmered in a sweet and spicy ginger sauce until thick and caramelized. Piled onto soft potato buns and topped with a tangy cucumber-carrot salad sprinkled with sesame seeds, this is comfort food at its finest.

Best of all, this recipe comes together in just 15 minutes using a single pan. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The fresh salad adds a bright crunch that balances the rich, savory pork.

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Ingredients

4 ounce Shredded CarrotsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

10 teaspoon Rice Wine VinegarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 clove GarlicView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

8 tablespoon Umami Ginger SauceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit KetchupView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Sesame SeedsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

10 ounce Ground PorkView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit ScallionsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit Potato BunsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon SrirachaView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit CucumberView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 teaspoon (tsp) SugarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon (tsp) Cooking OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Wash and dry produce. Trim and thinly slice scallions, separating whites from greens. Peel and mince or grate garlic. Trim and thinly slice cucumber.
2. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add pork, scallion whites, garlic, salt and pepper. Cook, breaking up meat into pieces, until pork is browned and scallion whites are softened, 2-4 minutes. Add umami ginger sauce, ketchup, Sriracha and half the sesame seeds. Cook, stirring, until sauce is thickened and pork is cooked through, 1-2 minutes more. Taste and season with salt and pepper if desired. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
3. In a large bowl, combine carrots, cucumber, scallion greens, vinegar, remaining sesame seeds, ¼ tsp sugar and a pinch of salt.
4. Halve and toast buns. Fill buns with pork mixture and as much cucumber-carrot salad (draining first) as you like. Divide sloppy joes between plates and serve with any remaining cucumber-carrot salad on the side.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of pork?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work well. Just be sure to cook until no longer pink.

What can I substitute for umami ginger sauce?

You can mix equal parts soy sauce, grated ginger and a touch of honey or brown sugar as a substitute.

How do I store leftovers?

Store the pork mixture and salad separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the pork in a pan or microwave.