Get ready to embark on a flavorful adventure with these Korean BBQ Beef Tacos with Spicy Slaw! This dish is a fusion of bold Korean flavors and the beloved taco, creating a delightful and easy-to-make meal that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Seoul. Join me, Chef Savori, as we bring together tender, marinated beef, crunchy slaw, and a touch of heat for a truly epic taco experience.
Why You’ll Love This Korean BBQ Beef Tacos with Spicy Slaw
Prepare to be wowed by the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy in these Korean BBQ Beef Tacos with Spicy Slaw. The tender, flavorful beef is marinated in a delicious blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, and aromatic spices, resulting in a mouthwatering main ingredient. The crunchy, refreshing slaw with a kick of heat complements the beef beautifully, creating a symphony of textures and flavors in every bite. Plus, these tacos are endlessly customizable, allowing you to make them your own. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this creative and flavor-packed dish that will have them asking for seconds!
Ingredients
The key ingredients for these Korean BBQ Beef Tacos with Spicy Slaw include flank steak, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a blend of spices to create the perfect marinade. For the slaw, you’ll need cabbage, carrots, green onions, and a tangy, spicy dressing. Toppings like fresh cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, and lime wedges complete the dish.
- 1 lb – Flank steak
- 1/2 cup – Soy sauce
- 1/4 cup – Brown sugar
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp – Ginger, grated
Ingredient Substitutions
- Flank Steak: Skirt steak or ground beef (they all hold up well to the bold marinade)
- Spicy Slaw: Swap in shredded Brussels sprouts or radish for a dietary swap
How to Make Korean BBQ Beef Tacos with Spicy Slaw
Begin by marinating the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and spices. Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, to infuse the meat with incredible flavor. While the beef is marinating, prepare the slaw by shredding the cabbage and carrots, slicing the green onions, and mixing together the dressing ingredients.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by marinating the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and spices. Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, to infuse the meat with incredible flavor. While the beef is marinating, prepare the slaw by shredding the cabbage and carrots, slicing the green onions, and mixing together the dressing ingredients.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Heat a grill or grill pan over high heat and cook the marinated beef until it reaches your desired level of doneness. For best results, aim for a nice char on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Once the beef is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it against the grain into thin strips.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Warm the tortillas according to package instructions, then layer the sliced Korean BBQ beef, the spicy slaw, and your desired toppings. Garnish with fresh cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime juice for a vibrant and flavorful finish.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Protein Swap: Try using ground pork or chicken instead of beef for a different protein option.
- Slaw Twist: Experiment with the slaw by adding shredded radish, julienned apple, or even pineapple for a sweet and tangy twist.
- Extra Crunch: Sprinkle on some toasted panko breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips for an extra crunch.
- Heat Adjustment: Adjust the heat level by adding more or less Sriracha or chili-garlic sauce to the slaw dressing.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: lime wedges, extra Sriracha, and perhaps a side of kimchi or pickled radish for a truly authentic experience.
Storage: Any leftover beef and slaw can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making for easy meal prep or quick lunches later in the week.
Reheat: The beef can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop, while the slaw is best served chilled.
Make-Ahead: The components (marinated beef, slaw, and toppings) can be prepared ahead of time and assembled just before serving for best results.
Nutrition Information
These Korean BBQ Beef Tacos with Spicy Slaw are a well-balanced and nutritious meal. Each serving provides a good source of protein from the beef, along with fiber and vitamins from the crunchy slaw. The combination of complex carbohydrates from the tortillas and healthy fats from the sesame seeds and avocado (if included) make this a satisfying and wholesome option.
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Carbs: 45 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of beef is best for Korean BBQ tacos?
Flank steak or skirt steak are excellent choices for this recipe, as they are flavorful, tender, and hold up well to the bold marinade.
Can I make the slaw in advance?
Absolutely! The slaw can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to give it a quick toss before assembling the tacos to distribute the dressing evenly.
How can I make these tacos gluten-free?
To make these tacos gluten-free, simply use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. You’ll also want to check that your soy sauce and other condiments are gluten-free.
Do I have to grill the beef, or can I cook it another way?
While grilling the beef adds a wonderful smoky flavor, you can also cook it in a hot skillet or even the oven if you prefer. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
For best results, it’s best to assemble the tacos just before serving. However, you can prepare the components (marinated beef, slaw, and toppings) ahead of time and simply assemble when ready to eat.
Try These Next
- Spicy Korean Beef Tacos With Avocado Slaw
- Smoky Bbq Beef Sliders With Tangy Slaw
- Spicy Bbq Pulled Pork Nachos With Cheese Drizzle
Spicy Korean BBQ Beef Tacos with Vibrant Slaw
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🌍 Global Flavors & Street Food
- Method: Grilling or Skillet
- Cuisine: Korean-Mexican Fusion
Description
These Korean BBQ Beef Tacos are a delicious fusion of Korean flavors wrapped in a soft taco shell, topped with a spicy slaw that adds crunch and heat.
Ingredients
– 1 lb flank steak
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp sesame oil
– 2 tbsp brown sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ginger, grated
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 8 small corn tortillas
– 1 cup napa cabbage, shredded
– 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
– 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
– 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
– 1 tbsp lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions
1.
2. 1. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and black pepper. Marinate the flank steak for at least 30 minutes.
3. 2. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked to your desired doneness.
4. 3. Let the steak rest for a few minutes, then slice it thinly against the grain.
5. 4. In a separate bowl, mix the napa cabbage, carrots, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, and salt to create the spicy slaw.
6. 5. Warm the corn tortillas on the grill for about 1 minute on each side.
7. 6. Assemble the tacos by adding slices of beef and topping with the spicy slaw. Serve immediately.
Notes
– You can substitute flank steak with sirloin or ribeye.
– Adjust the amount of jalapeño based on your spice preference.
– These tacos are best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Korean BBQ, Tacos, Beef, Spicy Slaw