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Flavorful Korean BBQ Tacos

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These Korean BBQ tacos combine smoky, sweet, and spicy marinated beef with a crisp pickled slaw and creamy gochujang sauce, delivering a vibrant food truck-style experience at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb thinly sliced beef skirt steak or flank steak
  • 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrot
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt to taste
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • Pinch of salt
  • 8 small soft corn or flour tortillas
  • Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and black pepper until smooth.
  2. Pat the beef slices dry with paper towels, then add to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let sit for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour.
  3. Combine shredded cabbage, carrot, and scallions in a bowl.
  4. In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Pour over the veggies and toss well. Set aside.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, gochujang, lime juice, and a pinch of salt until creamy and smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  6. Heat a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until very hot.
  7. Add marinated beef in a single layer and cook 2-3 minutes per side until caramelized and cooked through. Work in batches if needed. Remove from heat and let rest briefly.
  8. Warm tortillas wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or use a tortilla warmer.
  9. Assemble tacos by placing cooked beef on tortillas, topping with pickled slaw, drizzling creamy gochujang sauce, and sprinkling sesame seeds and cilantro if using.
  10. Serve immediately.

Notes

Patting the beef dry before marinating helps achieve better caramelization. Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure proper searing. Marinate meat for at least 15 minutes for best flavor. Warm tortillas until soft and keep wrapped to prevent drying. Use tamari and gluten-free tortillas for gluten-free version. Protein swaps include chicken thighs or tofu for vegetarian option.

Nutrition

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