Classic sloppy Joes

Makes: 4 servings

2 tablespoons water, divided

1⁄2 teaspoon plus 1⁄8 teaspoon baking soda, divided

1 pound 85% lean ground beef

1⁄2 teaspoon plus 1⁄8 teaspoon table salt, divided

2 teaspoons vegetable oil

1⁄2 onion, chopped fine

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 teaspoons packed brown sugar, plus extra for seasoning

2 teaspoons paprika

1⁄4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes

1 ⁄ 4 cup tomato paste

1⁄3 cup ketchup

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, plus extra for seasoning

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1⁄ 2 teaspoon cornstarch

4 hamburger buns

1. Combine 1 tablespoon water and 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda in a small bowl. In a large bowl, toss beef with baking soda mixture and 1⁄2 teaspoon salt until thoroughly combined. Set aside.

2. Heat oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add onion and remaining 1⁄8 teaspoon baking soda and stir to coat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in sugar, paprika, pepper flakes and remaining 1⁄8 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring constantly, until paprika is fragrant, about 1 minute. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, until paste is rust-colored, 3 to 4 minutes.

3. Add beef and cook, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, until beef is no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Mash beef with a potato masher until fine-textured, about 1 minute. Add ketchup, vinegar and Worcestershire and stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits.

4. Combine cornstarch and the remaining 1 tablespoon water in small bowl, then pour the cornstarch mixture over the beef and stir to incorporate. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef, about 1 minute. Season with salt, extra sugar and extra vinegar to taste. Spoon the beef mixture onto buns and serve.