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Asian bbq sloppy joes with peanut slaw on plate 2
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Asian BBQ Sloppy Joe’s with Peanut Slaw

These Asian BBQ Sloppy Joe’s are a bold and flavorful twist on the classic comfort food sandwich. Savory ground beef is simmered in a sweet, tangy, and slightly smoky Asian-inspired BBQ sauce, then piled high on toasted sesame seed buns and topped with a creamy peanut slaw for the perfect crunch. Easy enough for weeknights and fun enough for casual entertaining!
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Asian Fusion
Keyword Asian BBQ Sloppy Joe’s, Asian Sloppy Joe Recipe, BBQ Sloppy Joe Recipe, Ground Beef Sandwiches, Peanut Slaw Sloppy Joe’s
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 630kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • mixing bowl
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

For the Asian BBQ Meat Mixture

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 medium onion small diced
  • 1/2 cup sweet yellow peppers small diced
  • 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup beef broth or vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon seasoned rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Peanut Slaw

  • 1 package kale slaw mix or regular coleslaw mix
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise such as Hellmann’s or Duke’s
  • 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon seasoned rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice

For Serving

  • 4 sesame seed buns warmed or toasted
  • Chopped salted peanuts for garnish

Instructions

Make the Asian BBQ Meat Mixture

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, diced onion, and diced yellow peppers. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain or skim off any excess grease if needed.
  • Stir in the sesame oil, ketchup, broth, soy sauce, Thai sweet chili sauce, brown sugar, rice wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, coriander, and black pepper.
  • Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the meat absorbs most of the liquid.

Make the Peanut Slaw

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, peanut butter, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and lime juice until smooth and creamy.
  • Add the slaw mix and toss until evenly coated. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Assemble the Sloppy Joe’s

  • Place the bottom halves of the toasted sesame seed buns on serving plates. Spoon equal portions of the Asian BBQ beef mixture onto each bun.
  • Top generously with peanut slaw and sprinkle with chopped salted peanuts for added crunch. Finish with the top buns and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Kale slaw adds extra texture and heartiness, but classic coleslaw mix works perfectly too.
  • For extra heat, add sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
  • Ground chicken or turkey can be substituted for the beef.
  • Toasting the buns helps prevent them from getting soggy.

Nutrition

Calories: 630kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 15g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 1750mg | Potassium: 763mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 412IU | Vitamin C: 39mg | Calcium: 109mg | Iron: 5mg