Korean-Style Beef Tacos are a flavorful twist on the classic taco. The tender beef is marinated in a sweet and savory mix of Korean spices, giving it a unique taste. Topped with crunchy slaw and fresh ingredients, these tacos offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
The Fusion of Flavors
What makes these tacos stand out is the blend of Korean and Mexican flavors. The beef is marinated in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar, giving it a sweet and savory kick. The marinade soaks into the beef, making each bite juicy and full of flavor. Adding a spicy-sweet Korean sauce gives the dish an extra burst of heat and tang.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or looking for something exciting for Taco Tuesday, these Korean-Style Beef Tacos are a great choice. They’re easy to make, yet full of flavor that will impress your family or friends. The tacos come together quickly, making them a perfect weeknight meal or weekend treat.
Customizable for Your Taste
One of the best things about these tacos is how easily you can make them your own. You can add more heat with extra chili flakes or make them milder by adjusting the spices. Feel free to experiment with your favorite toppings, like pickled veggies or avocado, to create a taco that suits your taste perfectly.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Korean-Style Beef Tacos
- Marination Time: For best results, marinate the meat overnight. This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish.
- Grill Marks: To achieve professional grill marks, ensure the grill is preheated and avoid flipping the meat too soon.
- Vegetable Prep: Use a mandoline slicer for consistent, thinly sliced cabbage and carrots, which enhances the overall texture and presentation of the tacos.
- Meat Resting: Resting the meat after grilling is crucial. Cutting it immediately can lead to juice loss, making the meat less tender and flavorful.
- Assembly Line Setup: Set up an assembly line with all taco components for an efficient serving process, especially if serving a crowd.
- Tortilla Warming: Use a tortilla warmer to keep tortillas hot and pliable until serving time.
- Reserved Marinade Usage: Drizzle the reserved marinade sparingly over the tacos to enhance flavor without overwhelming the freshness of the toppings.
- Spice Customization: Adjust the chili pepper quantity to suit your heat preference, and consider adding a pinch of Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) for an authentic kick.
- Serving Size Flexibility: Double the recipe for larger gatherings or adjust to suit smaller appetites by using mini tortillas.
Korean-Style Beef Tacos
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minutesElevate your taco nights with these Authentic Korean Beef Tacos! Tender, marinated beef infused with vibrant Korean flavors meets fresh, crunchy vegetables and warm corn tortillas for a mouthwatering fusion dish. Perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or a weeknight meal, this recipe combines the best of Korean BBQ and traditional tacos. Simple to prepare and packed with bold tastes, you’ll be excited to make it again and again. Get ready to impress your friends and satisfy your cravings with every flavorful bite!
Ingredients
- Marinade
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup light brown sweetener
3 tbsp vegetable oil
3 tbsp tamari sauce
1 tbsp roasted sesame oil
2 large cloves garlic finely minced
1 hot chili pepper deseeded and finely diced
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp coriander powder
- Taco Fillings
1/2 head green cabbage thinly sliced and shredded (about 3 cups)
1 medium carrot julienned into 2-inch strips
8 green onions thinly sliced on a sharp diagonal
1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
- Alternative Ingredients:
Tamari Sauce: Replace with regular soy sauce for a different flavor profile.
Vegetable Oil: Substitute with canola oil or another neutral oil.
Hot Chili Pepper: Use serrano pepper for increased heat or bell pepper for a milder taste.
Green Cabbage: Replace with red cabbage for a different color and flavor.
Flour Tortillas: Substitute corn tortillas with flour tortillas for a softer texture.
Fresh Parsley: Use cilantro if not allergic or if a more authentic flavor is desired.
Directions
- Prepare the Marinade – In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped parsley, light brown sweetener, vegetable oil, tamari sauce, roasted sesame oil, minced garlic, finely diced chili pepper, ground black pepper, and coriander powder. Whisk thoroughly to ensure the sweetener dissolves and all ingredients are well blended. Reserve 1/4 cup of this mixture in a small bowl for later serving.
- Marinate the Meat – Place the pork into the remaining marinade, ensuring it is evenly coated on all sides. Allow it to sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes to begin absorbing the flavors, or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours for a more intense taste. Turn the meat occasionally during refrigeration for even marination. Keep the reserved marinade refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Grill the Meat – Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat with direct burners. Remove from the marinade, discarding any excess liquid. Grill the meat for approximately 10 minutes total, flipping halfway through, until it reaches medium rare doneness and feels slightly resilient to the touch.
- Rest the Meat – Transfer the grilled beef to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat remains tender and flavorful when sliced.
- Assemble the Tacos – In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded green cabbage, julienned carrots, thinly sliced green onions, and fresh parsley leaves. Toss the vegetables together until they are evenly mixed, creating a fresh and crunchy taco filling.
- Warm the Tortillas – Heat the soft tortillas on the grill for about 1 minute on each side, or until they are warm and pliable. Transfer the heated tortillas to a serving bowl and cover them with a damp cloth to keep them warm until ready to serve.
Equipment
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 500kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Potassium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 15g
- Protein: 30g
- Vitamin A: 1500IU
- Vitamin C: 25mg
- Calcium: 100mg
- Iron: 3mg
FAQ- Korean-Style Beef Tacos
Can I use a different cut of meat instead of flank steak?
Yes, skirt steak or sirloin are great alternatives. You can also use chicken thighs or firm tofu for a non-beef option.
What’s the best way to warm tortillas without a grill?
You can warm tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side or wrap them in foil and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes.
How can I make the dish less spicy for kids?
Omit the chili pepper and reduce the black pepper in the marinade. You can also substitute sweet bell peppers for a milder flavor.
Can the marinade be made in advance?
Absolutely! The marinade can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What sides pair well with these tacos?
Consider serving with kimchi, pickled radishes, a simple cucumber salad, or steamed rice for a complete meal. Guacamole and lime wedges are also excellent accompaniments.
