Asian-Inspired Sloppy Joes

from ButterYum

makes 6 sandwiches

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons peanut or canola oil

  • 1/2 cup chopped onion

  • 1/2 cup chopped celery

  • 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey

  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce

  • 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder (not garlic salt)

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

  • 6 brioche buns

  • garnish - chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Directions

  1. In a large skillet over medium high heat, saute onions, celery, and bell peppers in oil until they soften.

  2. Add ground turkey and cook, stirring frequently to break up clumps, until no pink remains.

  3. Stir in red wine vinegar, soy, peanut butter, brown sugar, garlic powder, ground ginger, and cayenne; heat to bubbling, then turn down the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

  4. Pile mixture onto hamburger buns that have been lined with lettuce leaves and top with chopped cilantro if desired.

Note: these sandwiches are excellent on their own, but topped with a layer of broccoli slaw dressed with spicy peanut vinaigrette takes them to the next level. I'm absolutely addicted to Trader Joe's spicy peanut vinaigrette (found in the refrigerator section). Please drop me a line if you know of a good copycat recipe.