Asian-Inspired Pork and Mushroom Sloppy Joes Recipe

Name: Asian-Inspired Pork and Mushroom Sloppy Joes
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 90 min
Ingredients: 14 ounces bagged coleslaw mix; 6 green onions, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, any remaining tender stems thinly sliced; 1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar; 1 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil; 1 tablespoon Sriracha (or more to taste); 1 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce; 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds; 1 cup water; 1/4 cup hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon Sriracha, or more to taste; 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional); 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 1 lb ground pork; 1 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt, divided, or to taste; 1 teaspoon olive oil, divided, or as needed; 1 pound cremini mushrooms - cleaned, stems detached, and broken in half; 1 medium yellow onion, cut into chunks; 1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into chunks; 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds and membranes removed, to taste; 5 large cloves garlic, or to taste; 2 tablespoons ginger paste; 3 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 6 sesame burger buns, halved; 1/4 cup cilantro leaves; sriracha (optional garnish)

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Allrecipes partnered with The Mushroom Council for an exciting contest featuring all types of mushrooms and Allrecipes Allstars. Five talented Allstar home cooks created original recipes using The Blend, a flavorful combination of finely chopped mushrooms and ground meat. The idea is to boost flavor, add veggies, and save money. One of these recipes, the Asian-Inspired Pork and Mushroom Sloppy Joes, competed against four others in the Mix It Up With Mushrooms contest, with one recipe being crowned the winner by YOU. Find out if your favorite recipe won by clicking here.

These Asian-Inspired Pork and Mushroom Sloppy Joes are a fun, flavorful fusion of cozy winter comfort and zesty, refreshing flavors, making them perfect for any season. Recipe creator and Allrecipes Allstar Ashley Schuering says, "This recipe combines my love for traditional sloppy joes with the flavors I remember from eating at my favorite Chinese restaurants in Sacramento." These sandwiches are not only easy to make but also versatile, ideal for a casual weeknight family dinner or meal prep. Plus, theyre a great option for kiddos with their slightly sweet and savory flavor. Pair them with a light Asian beer, ginger-spiked sake-tini, or a refreshing green tea martini.

Ingredients

Slaw:

14 ounces coleslaw mix
6 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon Sriracha, or more to taste
1 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon black sesame seeds

Sloppy Joes:

1 cup water
1/4 cup hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 pound ground pork
1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided, or to taste
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 pound crimini mushrooms, cleaned, stems detached, and broken in half
1 yellow onion, cut into chunks
1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
1 jalapeno pepper, seeds and membranes removed, or to taste
5 cloves garlic, or more to taste
2 tablespoons ginger paste

To Assemble:

3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sesame oil
6 sesame hamburger buns, halved
1/4 cup cilantro leaves
Sriracha (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Add coleslaw mix, green onions, and cilantro to a bowl. In a separate cup, whisk together rice vinegar, 1 1/2 tablespoons sesame oil, 1 tablespoon Sriracha, 1 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce, and sesame seeds. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to coat. Set aside to marinate for at least 30 minutes, tossing occasionally.

Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together water, hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon Sriracha, fish sauce, and 2 teaspoons sesame oil. Set aside.

Step 3: Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the ground pork along with a generous pinch of kosher salt. Cook and stir the pork, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and crumbly, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the pork from the skillet and transfer it to the bowl with the hoisin sauce mixture.

Step 4: Pulse the mushroom pieces in a food processor until they are the size of green peas, about 8-10 pulses. Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Cook the mushrooms with a generous pinch of salt until the liquid has evaporated and the mushrooms begin to turn golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer the mushrooms to the bowl with the pork.

Step 5: Pulse the onion chunks, bell pepper chunks, and jalapeno in the food processor until the mixture resembles pico de gallo, about 15 pulses. Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in the same skillet and add the onion mixture. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the onions are translucent and most of the liquid has evaporated. Add garlic and ginger paste and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

Step 6: Return the pork and mushroom mixture to the skillet and stir to combine. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, until the meat is coated in a thick sauce and most of the liquid has evaporated.

Step 7: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and sesame oil. Spread a thin layer of this mixture on the top and bottom of each bun. Toast the buns in a nonstick pan over medium heat until golden, about 2 minutes.

Step 8: To assemble the sandwiches, top the bottom bun with the sloppy joe mixture, add a scoop of slaw, cilantro leaves, and a drizzle of Sriracha. Place the top bun on and serve immediately.

Cook's Notes:

Most veggie prep can be done in the food processor, so you wont need to rinse between uses or mince the veggies by hand.
For a gluten-free version, serve the mixture over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or baked potatoes, or use lettuce wraps. Ensure that youre using gluten-free hoisin sauce, fish sauce, soy sauce, or tamari. Alternatively, coconut aminos or Bragg's Liquid Aminos can replace soy sauce.
If using Morton Kosher salt, pre-measure your salt before cooking. Each generous pinch is about 1/4 teaspoon.
Grated fresh ginger root can be used instead of ginger paste.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 582
Total Fat: 33g (42% DV)
Saturated Fat: 8g (42% DV)
Cholesterol: 74mg (25% DV)
Sodium: 1032mg (45% DV)
Total Carbohydrate: 44g (16% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 5g (17% DV)
Total Sugars: 12g
Protein: 28g (55% DV)
Vitamin C: 68mg (75% DV)
Calcium: 176mg (14% DV)
Iron: 4mg (22% DV)
Potassium: 711mg (15% DV)

Asian-Inspired Pork and Mushroom Sloppy Joes Recipe

History and Origins

The Asian-Inspired Pork and Mushroom Sloppy Joes are a modern fusion dish that traces its roots to the classic American sloppy joe, a loose meat sandwich that became popular in the United States during the 1930s. The traditional sloppy joe consists of ground beef cooked in a tangy tomato-based sauce and served on a soft hamburger bun. The innovation here comes from incorporating Asian flavorshoisin sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and Srirachablending the savory richness of the original with the bold umami notes of East Asian cuisine. This particular twist was created by Ashley Schuering, drawing inspiration from her Californian upbringing and childhood experiences at local Chinese restaurants in Sacramento.

Regional Characteristics

While the traditional sloppy joe is an American Midwestern staple, this Asian-inspired variation reflects West Coast culinary trends, especially in California, where fusion cuisine thrives. The dish combines the comforting familiarity of a sloppy joe with the vibrant, aromatic ingredients typical of Chinese cooking. Regional adaptations often include using local produce, such as fresh mushrooms and peppers, as well as integrating inventive dressings like sesame and rice vinegar-based slaws that provide a refreshing crunch. This balance of textures and flavors makes it distinctly Californian, highlighting both comfort and creativity.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Unlike the conventional sloppy joe, which relies on a simple tomato-based sauce, this version layers multiple flavorssweet, tangy, slightly spicy, and deeply umamithrough hoisin, Sriracha, fish sauce, and mushrooms. The inclusion of finely chopped mushrooms adds moisture and an earthy depth that differentiates it from meat-only versions. Furthermore, the topping of Asian-style slaw sets it apart from traditional sloppy joes or even sandwich variants like pulled pork or teriyaki sliders, offering a crisp, tangy contrast to the savory meat filling.

Typical Serving Occasions

Asian-Inspired Pork and Mushroom Sloppy Joes are versatile and perfect for casual meals, family dinners, and meal prep for busy weekdays. They are commonly served with toasted sesame buns, and the addition of slaw makes them appealing for both adults and children. They are often paired with light Asian beers such as Tsingtao, Sapporo, or Asahi, or with non-alcoholic beverages like lightly sweetened iced green tea or ginger kombucha. Due to their bold fusion flavors, they can also be featured at weekend gatherings or small parties where a unique, approachable dish is appreciated.

Interesting Facts

This recipe hides mushrooms within the meat mixture, making it a sneaky way to add extra vegetables to a meal that kids and adults alike enjoy.
The "Blend" conceptmixing finely chopped mushrooms with meatwas popularized by The Mushroom Council to boost flavor, nutrition, and affordability in dishes like this one.
Its creator emphasizes the versatility of the recipe: it can be adapted for lettuce wraps, rice bowls, or gluten-free options without losing its signature flavor.
The dish won high praise in a fusion recipe contest, celebrated for balancing traditional comfort with innovative Asian-inspired tastes.
Toasting the buns with a sesame mayonnaise glaze enhances the sandwichs texture and adds an extra layer of flavor, a technique recommended by the recipes creator.

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FAQ about Asian-Inspired Pork and Mushroom Sloppy Joes Recipe

Yes, the leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the sloppy joe mixture in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Yes, the pork and mushroom mixture can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

Yes, the slaw can be made ahead of time. It’s best to let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but it can be prepared up to 1 day in advance. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain its freshness.

Yes, you can substitute the ground pork with ground turkey, chicken, or beef. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly depending on the choice of meat.

While the mushrooms contribute to the texture and umami flavor, you can omit them if you prefer. You can replace them with more meat or other vegetables like diced zucchini or eggplant for a similar texture.

If you don’t have Sriracha sauce, you can substitute it with other hot sauces like chili garlic sauce, or even a bit of red pepper flakes to add the desired level of heat.

Yes, you can use any type of bun you prefer, such as regular hamburger buns or whole wheat buns. Sesame buns add an extra layer of flavor, but the dish will still be delicious with any bun.

To make this recipe gluten-free, you can serve the sloppy joe mixture over gluten-free bread, lettuce wraps, or even over rice or cauliflower rice. Be sure to use gluten-free versions of soy sauce (such as tamari or coconut aminos) and hoisin sauce.

Yes, you can make this recipe vegetarian or vegan by substituting the ground pork with a plant-based meat alternative like lentils, crumbled tofu, or meatless crumbles. You can also skip the fish sauce and use soy sauce or coconut aminos instead.

The total time for this recipe is approximately 90 minutes, which includes both prep and cooking. The slaw needs at least 30 minutes to marinate, so it’s best to plan accordingly.

Comments

Kimberly Lopez

05/29/2023 05:55:58 AM

I love experimenting with new recipes, and this one was a delightful and tasty twist on the classic sloppy joe! The slaw added a wonderful crunch and flavor to the sandwich. We had some extra kale from our garden, so we threw that in for added greens. Surprisingly, even my husband, who isn't a fan of mushrooms, enjoyed the blend in this dish. We made a big batch so we could enjoy it for a few days, and it tasted just as good even after a couple of days. This recipe is definitely going to be a regular in our meal rotation!

Amanda Rodriguez

12/11/2022 12:17:47 AM

Such a delightful culinary experience! The perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, coupled with a moist texture that was a delight to the taste buds. The rich, earthy mushroom taste provided a strong umami flavor that really stood out. As it's just my husband and me, I decided to create a care package for our friends nearby, who echoed our sentiments and mentioned how well it reheated. Here are a few insider tips: 1) My secret ingredient was Louisiana Hot Sauce since I couldn't find Sriracha at my local stores. 2) The meat, slaw, and mushroom mix also makes for fantastic lettuce wraps! 3) It was a messy, but utterly satisfying, five-napkin meal - our favorite kind of burger experience.

Carol Baker

12/08/2022 05:48:18 AM

I have a soft spot for recipes with an Asian twist, so I couldn't resist trying this one out. My tip for you would be to gather all the ingredients beforehand because there are quite a few, and you don't want to realize halfway through that you're missing something (trust me, I've been there). This recipe might have had more ingredients than any other recipe I've tried, but believe me, the end result is well worth it. Luckily, I only needed to pick up ground pork and mushrooms. Once you have everything ready, it comes together easily and quickly, especially if you have a food processor. I appreciate that this dish is healthier than a typical sloppy joe without compromising on flavor. If you chop the mushrooms finely enough, they blend in so well with the meat that you can hardly tell the difference; it's a successful combination. The description of the dish is spot-on - it's sweet, slightly spicy, and bursting with umami flavors. I have to mention that the slaw topping is exceptional and something I'll use in other recipes as well. It's like the cherry on top of this sandwich. I followed the recipe exactly, with just a personal touch of adding a bit more hoisin sauce to the pork-mushroom mix (because I love its flavor) and quickly toasting the buns under the broiler instead of using another pan. Yes, it has a long ingredient list, but it delivers a medley of unique flavors. Overall, we really enjoyed these Asian Sloppy Joes.

George Martin

09/06/2024 08:33:43 PM

These sloppy joes are absolutely amazing! I used ground turkey instead of pork and low-sodium soy sauce instead of Kosher salt, but the flavors were still outstanding. The combination of mushrooms, veggies, and meat resulted in a moist and flavorful dish with the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, tangy, and umami. While I would prefer a more streamlined cooking process, this recipe is overall perfect. Plus, the flavors even improved the next day! I will definitely be making these sloppy joes again. Thank you for the fantastic recipe!

Jeffrey Perez

12/18/2024 09:51:51 AM

Wow! We were pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed these sloppy joes. The addition of slaw brought a delightful crunch to the pork and mushroom blend. Despite the numerous ingredients in the recipe, they harmonized beautifully. While I mostly adhered to the instructions, I unintentionally omitted the ginger, opted for the optional fish sauce, and substituted sriracha sauce with chili garlic sauce. I must note that the estimated prep and cooking time proved inaccurate as it took considerably longer. I intend to recreate this dish, reserving it for a leisurely weekend meal when I can dedicate more time to cooking.

Aaron Lopez

06/12/2023 12:03:48 AM

This dish was fantastic! Even though my son usually dislikes mushrooms, he didn't even realize they were in it! The combination of flavors was excellent. The only change I made was leaving out the jalapeno as it's too spicy for my taste. I also substituted regular rice vinegar for seasoned rice vinegar as I didn't have any on hand, and it didn't seem to make a difference at all!

Stephen Williams

01/23/2025 12:10:04 AM

These are absolutely amazing! While there is a bit of preparation involved, the end result is truly worth it. I personally added extra soy and Hoisin sauce for more flavor. The slaw recipe is fantastic on its own as well! The mushrooms really stood out in this dish and added a delicious touch.

Sharon Rivera

07/13/2023 11:30:43 AM

The entire family enjoyed it! A great mix of flavors. I believe kids would really like it too. It took some time to prepare, but using a food processor made it so much easier. 😊

Joseph Cruz

04/27/2023 10:50:18 AM

I couldn't bring myself to include the cilantro, even after attempting to do so. I really have a strong aversion to it. Nevertheless, the dish was absolutely delightful to me even without the cilantro.

Donna Walker

07/20/2023 02:15:49 AM

Oh my goodness, my Joe's sandwich has never been so deliciously messy! Honestly, this is the best sloppy Joe I have ever tasted, with or without mushrooms.

Sandra Lewis

06/14/2023 07:48:01 AM

This dish is now a weekly favorite for me! The flavors are bold and the mushrooms were a delightful addition. I'm usually not a fan of mushrooms, but this recipe has changed my mind! I enjoyed it open-faced on a bun with slaw, turning it into a unique twist on a sloppy joe.

Margaret Jackson

10/26/2022 06:12:00 AM

What a delightful change from the classic sloppy joe! The sweet-heat combo and the crispy slaw add a fantastic touch.

Kimberly Robinson

10/18/2022 10:45:58 PM

AMAZING! Just a heads up - this recipe is a bit labor-intensive with many steps and requires some time. I suggest seasoning each layer - the slaw, the pork, the mushrooms. However, the end result is absolutely worth the effort. When I mentioned "mushroom sloppy joes" to my son, he was a bit unsure, but he ended up enjoying every mouthful. Each component contributes to the overall taste experience - salty, sweet, umami, sour, the tender bun (make sure to toast it!), the crispy slaw... I'm going back for seconds! :)

Rebecca Gomez

05/03/2025 02:21:34 PM

Wow!! This recipe may seem labor-intensive with many steps, but trust me, each one is absolutely worth it. The blend of tangy and sweet flavors evokes the nostalgic taste of traditional sloppy joes but with a delightful Asian twist. Adding extra filling over rice in a fusion bowl would be a delightful treat. Overall, this dish makes for a fantastic dinner!

Patricia Martin

05/28/2024 03:53:29 AM

I prepared this recipe for my family and they were pleasantly surprised to discover the abundance of mushrooms tucked inside. The sauce had a delightful sweet and tangy flavor, and the mushrooms added a wonderful moisture to the dish. It's a perfect weeknight meal option that can be ready in just 30 minutes!

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Asian-Inspired Pork and Mushroom Sloppy Joes Recipe