Pickles soften the richness of sloppy joes

Sloppy joes, the minced beef sandwich with tomato sauce or ketchup, onion, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce, are characterized by a sweet and sour flavor and a distinctive richness. Pickles add depth and complexity to that intense taste.

A basic batch of pickles is prepared by soaking cucumbers in vinegar, water, and salt. Their acidity balances the richness of the sandwich, and their crunch creates a textural contrast that adds a vibrant touch. Since pickles come in many shapes and sizes, you'll always find one that suits your recipe, even if you're serving the sloppy joe in a hot dog bun.

Although pickles are preserved in an acidic brine that slows their spoilage, they can still go bad. That's why it's always best to use fresh ingredients for these minced meat sandwiches.

Basic brined gherkins are enough to temper the richness of the meat. Hot gherkins add a tangy and spicy kick on multiple levels, sweet and sour gherkins have a sweet profile with onion undertones that complement the sloppy joe, and dill gherkins offer a classic flavor with herbaceous notes.

The grilled, smoky pickles add a smoky, tangy bite that complements the robust flavor of the meat. If you don't like pickles, pickled onions, jalapeños, or kimchi achieve a similar effect.