Chinese Black Bean Sloppy Joe

  • Level: Easy
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Total: 25 min
  • Active: 20 min
This is Molly’s twist on a classic sloppy joe inspired by Chinese black bean noodles that use a flavorful, fermented black bean garlic sauce. Not only do these have loads of depth, but they’re quick, easy and Molly loves that she doesn’t have to cut up Ira’s food when she makes these; it’s a rare occasion to start eating dinner when everyone else does.
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Ingredients

Sloppy Joe:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 large shallot, minced

One 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated (about 1 tablespoon)

1 pound ground pork

Pinch kosher salt

1/4 cup black bean garlic sauce

1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine

1 teaspoon five-spice powder

3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems

2 green onions, minced

Serving:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 hamburger or brioche buns

2 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced lengthwise by hand or with a mandoline

Directions

  1. For the sloppy joe: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, shallots and ginger and cook until fragrant and slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Add the ground pork and season with a pinch of salt. Using a wooden spoon or stiff spatula, break up the meat into small pieces. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the meat is browned (with no more pink bits). Add the black bean sauce, hoisin sauce, Shaoxing wine, five-spice powder and 1/4 cup water. Stir to fully combine and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce is reduced. Add the cilantro and green onions and sauté for 1 minute. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.
  2. For serving: Heat a griddle over medium heat. Add the butter and allow to melt, spreading the butter all over to evenly coat the surface. Place the buns, cut-side down, onto the griddle to toast for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly golden.
  3. Spoon the pork mixture onto the bottom of each bun. Top each with ribbons of cucumber. Place the top buns on the cucumber. Serve immediately.

Let's Get Cooking!

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