Prepare to embark on a flavor-packed adventure with my Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos with Slaw! This dish is a harmonious fusion of bold Asian spices, tender chicken, and a refreshing slaw that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Seoul. Get ready to ignite your senses and bring people together around the table with this irresistible recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos with Slaw
Dive into a world of dynamic flavors with this Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos with Slaw. The tender, juicy chicken is coated in a sweet and spicy gochujang-based marinade, creating an unforgettable taste sensation. The crunchy slaw, with its vibrant colors and tangy-sweet dressing, provides the perfect contrast and refreshing complement to the smoky, caramelized chicken. Serve these tacos on warm tortillas, and you have a dish that’s sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more. Get ready to be the hero of taco night with this epic, crowd-pleasing recipe.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for these Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos with Slaw include boneless, skinless chicken thighs, gochujang (Korean chili paste), brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a variety of colorful vegetables for the slaw like cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Don’t forget the warm tortillas and any desired toppings like fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sriracha for those who want an extra kick of heat.
- 1 lb – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup – Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp – Brown sugar
- 2 tbsp – Soy sauce
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp – Grated ginger
- 1/2 head – Green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 – Carrots, julienned
- 4 – Green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup – Rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp – Honey
- 1 tbsp – Sesame oil
- 1 tsp – Salt
- 12 – Small flour or corn tortillas, warmed
- Chopped fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sriracha (for serving)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Gochujang: Substitute a mix of sriracha and honey or brown sugar (provides a similar sweet and spicy flavor profile)
- Chicken: Use marinated tofu or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian option (dietary swap)
How to Make Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos with Slaw
Begin by marinating the chicken in the gochujang-based sauce, allowing the flavors to meld and tenderize the meat. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the vibrant slaw by thinly slicing the cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Whisk together the slaw dressing ingredients, then toss everything together and set aside.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by marinating the chicken in the gochujang-based sauce, allowing the flavors to meld and tenderize the meat. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the vibrant slaw by thinly slicing the cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Whisk together the slaw dressing ingredients, then toss everything together and set aside.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Fire up the grill or heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken until it’s charred and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding or dicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Warm the tortillas according to package instructions. Divide the shredded or diced chicken evenly among the tortillas. Top each taco with a generous helping of the vibrant slaw, making sure to distribute the dressing evenly.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Finish off your Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos with Slaw by garnishing them with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and a drizzle of sriracha for those who want an extra kick of heat. Serve immediately and watch as your guests dive into these flavor-packed tacos.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Melty Cheese: For a more indulgent twist, top the tacos with a creamy, melty cheese like shredded cheddar or monterey jack.
- Alternate Protein: Switch up the protein and use ground beef or pork instead of chicken.
- Gluten-Free: Use corn tortillas or lettuce cups instead of flour tortillas to make these tacos gluten-free.
- Heartier Meal: Serve the Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken and slaw over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos with Slaw are best served immediately, while the chicken is hot and the slaw is crisp and refreshing.
Storage: The marinated chicken can be cooked and shredded/diced up to 3 days ahead, and the slaw can be made a day in advance. Simply store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and serve.
Reheat: The chicken can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot.
Make-Ahead: The components can be prepared in advance for an easier assembly on the day of serving.
Nutrition Information
Each Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Taco with Slaw is a satisfying and well-balanced meal, providing a good source of protein from the chicken, fiber and vitamins from the slaw, and complex carbohydrates from the tortilla. Depending on your specific ingredients and portion sizes, these tacos can range from 300-400 calories per serving, making them a wholesome and delicious option for a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 40 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I can’t find gochujang?
As mentioned earlier, you can substitute a mixture of sriracha and honey or brown sugar for the gochujang in the marinade. This will provide a similar sweet and spicy flavor profile.
Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian option, try marinating and grilling portobello mushrooms or baked tofu instead of the chicken. For a vegan version, omit the dairy-based ingredients in the slaw dressing and use a plant-based yogurt or mayonnaise alternative.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of gochujang or sriracha in the marinade. You can also serve the tacos with extra lime wedges, so your guests can adjust the heat level to their liking.
Can I make the components ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components in advance for an easier assembly on the day of serving. The marinated chicken can be cooked and shredded/diced up to 3 days ahead, and the slaw can be made a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the tacos.
What are some tasty topping ideas for these tacos?
In addition to the fresh cilantro and lime wedges, you can top the tacos with sliced avocado, crumbled cotija cheese, pickled red onions, or a drizzle of creamy, tangy crema or Greek yogurt.
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Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos with Slaw
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🌍 Global Flavors & Street Food
- Method: Grilling/Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Korean
Description
These Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos are a delicious fusion of flavors, featuring tender, marinated chicken topped with a refreshing slaw. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering!
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 tbsp sesame oil
– 1 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tsp garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ginger, minced
– 8 small corn tortillas
– 2 cups green cabbage, shredded
– 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
– 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
– 1 lime, juiced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, gochujang, sesame oil, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Marinate the chicken in the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
2. Grill or pan-fry the chicken over medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked.
3. Remove chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice it into strips.
4. In a separate bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper to make the slaw.
5. Warm the corn tortillas in a pan or microwave.
6. Assemble the tacos by placing chicken on the tortillas and topping with slaw. Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños on top of the tacos. You can also use chicken breasts instead of thighs if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: tacos, Korean BBQ, street food, spicy chicken