Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos with Zesty Slaw are a delicious fusion of flavors that will transport your taste buds on a global culinary adventure. This recipe combines the bold, umami-rich notes of Korean barbecue with the refreshing crunch of a vibrant slaw, all nestled in warm tortillas. Get ready to experience a party of textures and a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos with Zesty Slaw
Escape the ordinary and indulge in this epic flavor sensation. The tender, juicy chicken is coated in a luscious, smoky-sweet Korean-inspired marinade, delivering a delightful balance of heat and comfort. The vibrant slaw, made with a zesty lime dressing, adds a refreshing crunch that perfectly complements the rich, melty chicken. These tacos are a true crowd-pleaser, combining global inspiration with everyday accessibility. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or looking for a satisfying weeknight meal, these Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos with Zesty Slaw are sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a few key ingredients to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken thighs, gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and lime juice for the marinade. For the slaw, you’ll use shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, and a dressing made with lime juice, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- 1 lb – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup – Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp – Soy sauce
- 2 tbsp – Brown sugar
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp – Fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp – Lime juice
- 3 cups – Shredded cabbage
- 1 cup – Shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup – Sliced green onions
- 3 tbsp – Lime juice
- 2 tbsp – Rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp – Sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 – Warm tortillas (corn or flour)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Gochujang: Substitute with a combination of Sriracha and honey (provides similar heat and sweetness)
- Soy sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free option
- Chicken: Swap with tofu or portobello mushrooms for a vegan/vegetarian option
How to Make Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos with Zesty Slaw
Follow these easy steps to create a mouthwatering fusion of flavors in your own kitchen.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by marinating the chicken in the flavorful Korean BBQ sauce. In a large bowl, combine the gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and lime juice. Add the chicken thighs, making sure they are evenly coated. Cover and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Preheat your grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the zesty slaw. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to coat evenly.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
To assemble the tacos, warm the tortillas according to package instructions. Top each tortilla with a generous portion of the spicy Korean BBQ chicken and a heaping spoonful of the zesty slaw. Garnish with additional green onions, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lime juice, if desired.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Creamier Slaw: Add a touch of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the dressing for a creamier texture.
- Complete Meal: Serve the tacos over a bed of steamed rice or with a side of roasted sweet potato wedges.
- Taco Bar: Set up a DIY taco bar, allowing your guests to customize their own creations.
- Variation 1: For a milder version, use less gochujang or substitute with a milder chili paste.
- Variation 2: Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped cilantro for extra flavor and texture.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
Storage: Leftover chicken and slaw can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm the chicken in a skillet or the microwave. The slaw can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature.
Make-Ahead: The marinated chicken can be prepared up to 4 hours in advance, and the slaw can be made a day ahead.
Nutrition Information
These Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos with Zesty Slaw are a satisfying and nutritious meal. Each serving provides a good source of protein from the chicken, as well as a variety of vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables in the slaw. With the right balance of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and fiber, this dish is a well-rounded and nourishing option for your dinner table.
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 26 g
- Carbs: 40 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the chicken and slaw ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components in advance. The marinated chicken can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 hours before grilling. The slaw can be made a day in advance and stored separately in the refrigerator.
How spicy are these tacos?
The level of spice can be adjusted to your preference. The gochujang (Korean chili paste) provides the main heat, so you can use more or less depending on your desired level of spiciness. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Absolutely! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can bake the marinated chicken in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
What should I serve with these tacos?
These Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos are a complete and satisfying meal on their own. However, you can also serve them with a side of steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad to round out the meal.
Can I make these tacos gluten-free?
Yes, to make these tacos gluten-free, simply substitute the soy sauce with tamari and use corn or flour tortillas that are certified gluten-free.
Try These Next
- Korean Bbq Beef Tacos With Spicy Slaw
- Spicy Thai Peanut Chicken Tacos With Crunchy Slaw
- Spicy Mango Chicken Tacos With Cilantro Lime Slaw
Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos with Zesty Slaw
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🌍 Global Flavors & Street Food
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Korean-Mexican Fusion
Description
These Spicy Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos are a delicious fusion of Korean flavors wrapped in a soft taco shell, topped with a zesty slaw for an extra kick.
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tbsp sesame oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ginger, grated
– 8 small corn tortillas
– 1 cup shredded cabbage
– 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
– 2 tbsp rice vinegar
– 1 tbsp lime juice
– 1 tbsp sesame seeds
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
– Sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
1.
2. 1. In a bowl, combine soy sauce, gochujang, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Mix well.
3. 2. Add the chicken thighs and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best flavor).
4. 3. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
5. 4. Grill the marinated chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. 5. Remove chicken from grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
7. 6. In a separate bowl, combine cabbage, carrots, rice vinegar, lime juice, and sesame seeds to make the slaw. Mix well.
8. 7. Warm the corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side.
9. 8. Assemble tacos by adding sliced chicken and topping with zesty slaw. Garnish with cilantro and green onions.
Notes
– Adjust the spice level by adding more or less gochujang to taste.
– Serve with lime wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
– These tacos are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Korean BBQ, Tacos, Chicken, Street Food