The Ultimate Guide to Korean BBQ Beef Tacos Everyone’s Raving About
You’ve likely seen Korean BBQ Beef Tacos popping up everywhere, but finding a recipe that nails both the Korean flavors and the taco vibe can be challenging.
Too many recipes fall flat with either bland meat or a topping that just doesn’t cut it. And we’ve all been there, trying to pull off that perfect taco, only to realize something’s missing.
With our guide, you’ll get everything just right—the tender beef, the zesty slaw, and a sauce that ties it all together. Stick with us, and we’ll make sure your Korean tacos turn out restaurant-quality every single time!
Why Korean BBQ Beef Taco’s?
Ever tasted something that hits every note—sweet, spicy, savory, and just the right hint of smoky?
That’s the magic of Korean BBQ Beef Tacos!
These tacos bring all the flavors we crave, with juicy, marinated beef nestled in a warm tortilla and topped with a spicy slaw.
This recipe isn’t just about bringing two worlds together; it’s about creating a flavor explosion that’ll leave you wanting more.
We’re going to walk you through everything you need to make this dish a standout at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need For These Taco’s
Each ingredient here is chosen to give you the most flavor-packed Korean BBQ Beef Tacos possible. Let’s get familiar with what each brings to the table.
For the Beef Marinade
- Flank or Skirt Steak: Thinly sliced, this cut is tender and cooks up juicy, perfect for absorbing the marinade.
- Soy Sauce: This adds saltiness and depth, grounding the flavors.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness and helps caramelize the beef for that Korean BBQ feel.
- Sesame Oil: Brings nutty, smoky notes to the marinade.
- Garlic & Ginger: Essentials for Korean flavor, giving the meat a warm, spicy kick.
- Pear or Apple: Adds natural sweetness while tenderizing the beef, a traditional Korean touch.
- Green Onions & Red Pepper Flakes: For a fresh bite and a little heat.
For the Kimchi Slaw
- Napa Cabbage: The base of the slaw, offering crunch and freshness.
- Red Cabbage: Adds color and an extra layer of crunch.
- Carrot & Daikon Radish: Give sweetness and bite, making the slaw extra refreshing.
- Kimchi: Brings in that tangy, fermented kick unique to Korean cuisine.
- Rice Vinegar & Sesame Oil: Balance out the tangy flavors with smoothness and depth.
- Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste): Adds spice and umami, tying the slaw to the rest of the taco.
- Honey or Agave: Optional, but adds a touch of sweetness.
- Garlic & Ginger: Elevate the flavors, giving the slaw its aromatic base.
Gochujang-Lime Sauce
- Mayonnaise: Creamy base to balance the spice.
- Gochujang or Sriracha: Adds that unmistakable heat.
- Lime Juice: Brightens up the flavors, adding a tangy twist.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a hint of savory depth.
Tortillas and Garnishes
Lime Wedges, Cilantro: Essential for a fresh finish.
Tortillas: Flour or corn, warmed up.
How to Make the Best Korean BBQ Beef Tacos
Marinate the Beef
In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, grated pear, green onions, and red pepper flakes. Add the thinly sliced beef and mix to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
Prepare the Kimchi Slaw
In a large bowl, toss together the Napa cabbage, red cabbage, carrot, daikon radish, green onions, and kimchi. Add a splash of the kimchi juice for an extra kick. In a smaller bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, gochujang, honey, garlic, and ginger. Pour the dressing over the veggies and toss everything together until well-coated. Let the slaw sit for about 15 minutes for the flavors to meld.
Make the Gochujang-Lime Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, gochujang, lime juice, and garlic powder until smooth. Taste and adjust the spice level if needed. Set aside.
Cook the Beef
Heat a grill pan or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Cook each side until caramelized, about 3-4 minutes per side, then transfer to a plate.
Assemble the Tacos
Place a few pieces of beef into each warmed tortilla. Top with a generous amount of kimchi slaw and drizzle with the gochujang-lime sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime if desired.
Korean BBQ Beef Taco Recipe With Kimchi Slaw
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Korean BBQ Beef With Kimchi Slaw
- Prep Time: 15 minutes + marinating time
- Marinating Time: 30 min – 2 hours
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 8 Taco’s – 4 Servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: No-cook for slaw, Marinate, Grill for beef
- Cuisine: Fusion, Korean, Mexican
Description
These Korean BBQ Beef Tacos bring a unique fusion of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors with tender marinated beef, a fresh, crunchy kimchi slaw, and a spicy gochujang-lime sauce. Perfect for a twist on taco night or as a standout party dish, these tacos combine Korean and Mexican flavors in every bite.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowls
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Grill pan or large skillet
- Small bowl for sauce
- Tongs for handling beef
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade:
- 1 lb flank steak or skirt steak, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1/4 cup grated pear (or apple for added sweetness)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Kimchi Slaw:
- 2 cups Napa cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1/2 daikon radish, julienned
- 1/2 cup kimchi, roughly chopped (include 1-2 tbsp of kimchi juice for flavor)
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp gochujang (Korean chili paste) or Sriracha, to taste
- 1 tsp honey or agave (optional)
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Gochujang-Lime Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp gochujang or sriracha
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
To Serve:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas, warmed
- Fresh lime wedges, for garnish
- Extra cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef:
- In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, grated ginger, pear, green onions, and red pepper flakes.
- Add the sliced beef and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1-2 hours.
- Prepare the Kimchi Slaw:
- Finely shred the Napa and red cabbage. Julienne the carrot and daikon radish. Thinly slice the green onions. Place all vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
- Roughly chop the kimchi and add it to the bowl with other vegetables. Add 1-2 tablespoons of kimchi juice to intensify the flavor.
- In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, gochujang, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic until well combined. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and kimchi, tossing thoroughly to coat. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds. Set aside or refrigerate for 15–30 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Make the Gochujang-Lime Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, gochujang, lime juice, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Adjust spice level as desired.
- Set aside.
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat a grill pan or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated beef in batches, searing each side until nicely caramelized, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer cooked beef to a plate and repeat with remaining beef.
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Place cooked beef into each warmed tortilla.
- Top with a generous scoop of kimchi slaw and drizzle with the gochujang-lime sauce.
- Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
- Serve: Serve tacos hot, with extra lime wedges and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture.
Notes
Adding daikon radish to the kimchi slaw gives an original crunch and a traditional Korean element, enhancing both the flavor and texture. This radish brings a crisp, mildly sweet contrast to the spicy kimchi, adding a refreshing element that complements the rich BBQ beef.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 Tacos
- Calories: Approximately 400 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 21g
Ingredient Alternatives
Sometimes, you might not have all the ingredients on hand. Here are a few easy swaps:
- Pear: Use grated apple for a similar effect on the beef.
- Gochujang: If unavailable, substitute with Sriracha, though it’ll be a little less authentic.
- Kimchi: Swap with pickled radish or sauerkraut for tanginess.
- Honey: Agave or maple syrup can work just as well.
- Rice Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is a good stand-in if needed.
FAQs About Korean BBQ Beef Tacos
Yes! Substitute tamari for soy sauce, and use gluten-free tortillas.
Flank steak or skirt steak are ideal for marinating and grilling in this recipe.
At least 30 minutes, but 1-2 hours will give you the best flavor.
Reduce or skip the gochujang in the sauce and slaw if you prefer a milder flavor.
Absolutely! The slaw can be prepared up to a day ahead and kept in the fridge.
Pickled vegetables like sauerkraut or radishes can work in a pinch.
Store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
More Flavorful Recipes to Try
If you’re a fan of bold, fusion flavors like these Korean BBQ Beef Tacos, you might enjoy our Black Bean Butternut Squash Tacos. Packed with savory-sweet elements, these tacos offer a unique twist that will delight your taste buds. Or, for a quick and delicious side, try our Sweet Soy Glaze recipe—it pairs perfectly with grilled meats and veggies alike!
Essential Tips for Better Cooking
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, mastering simple techniques can make all the difference. Learn about Volume vs. Weight in Cooking to perfect your measurements or explore our Guide to Grilling and Smoking for tips on getting that perfect char and flavor in every bite.
Other Must-Try Comfort Foods
Craving something hearty and comforting? Our 3-Ingredient Cornbread Recipe makes the perfect side to any BBQ dish, and it’s incredibly easy to whip up. Or go for a breakfast classic with our Banana Pancakes, a simple, fluffy treat that’s sure to satisfy.
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