Escape the ordinary with this spicy, flavor-packed twist on tacos. Savory Korean barbecue pork combines with a vibrant cilantro slaw, all nestled in warm tortillas for a deliciously dynamic dish that’s sure to impress. Get ready to savor the bold, global flavors that will have your taste buds dancing.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Korean BBQ Pork Tacos with Cilantro Slaw
These tacos are a flavor explosion, blending the rich, smoky notes of Korean BBQ pork with the bright, fresh crunch of a cilantro slaw. The combination of textures and temperatures creates a truly craveable and satisfying meal. Plus, the easy-to-follow recipe ensures reliable, chef-tested results every time, making this dish perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend entertaining.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a mix of classic taco ingredients like tortillas and shredded cabbage, along with bold Korean-inspired flavors like gochujang (a spicy fermented chili paste), sesame oil, and fresh ginger. The combination of tender, juicy pork and the zesty, creamy slaw brings a delightful contrast to each bite.
- 1 lb – Boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp – Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp – Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp – Brown sugar
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp – Grated fresh ginger
- 2 cups – Shredded coleslaw mix
- 1/2 cup – Chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 tbsp – Mayo
- 1 tbsp – Rice vinegar
- 1 tsp – Sesame oil
- 12-15 – Small flour or corn tortillas, warmed
- Sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds (optional toppings)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Gochujang: Substitute sriracha or another spicy chili sauce (provides the desired heat and flavor)
- Coleslaw mix: Use a blend of shredded cabbage, carrots, and red onion (for a similar crunchy texture)
How to Make Spicy Korean BBQ Pork Tacos with Cilantro Slaw
Begin by marinating the pork in a flavorful mixture of gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. This will infuse the meat with bold, spicy-sweet notes. While the pork is marinating, prepare the cilantro slaw by tossing the shredded cabbage and carrots with a creamy, tangy dressing.
Step 1: Prep Work
In a large bowl, combine the pork, gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pork is seared and caramelized on the outside, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer the pork to a cutting board and slice into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
In a medium bowl, toss together the shredded coleslaw mix, cilantro, mayo, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until well combined. To assemble the tacos, layer the shredded Korean BBQ pork, the cilantro slaw, and any additional toppings like sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds onto the warm tortillas.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Protein Swap: Use shredded chicken or crumbled tofu instead of pork to make this recipe your own
- Heat Adjustment: Adjust the amount of gochujang or add crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level
- Lettuce Cups: Serve the Korean BBQ pork in crisp lettuce leaves instead of tortillas for a low-carb option
- Garnishes: Top the tacos with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sriracha for extra flavor and texture
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Lime wedges, pickled radishes, or a refreshing cucumber salad.
Storage: Leftover pork and slaw can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat the pork before assembling the tacos.
Make-Ahead: The pork can be marinated and cooked up to 3 days in advance, and the slaw can be prepared the day before.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of these Spicy Korean BBQ Pork Tacos with Cilantro Slaw provides a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. They’re a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a satisfying and nutritious meal option.
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 26 g
- Carbs: 36 g
- Fat: 16 g
- Sodium: 730 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What is gochujang, and where can I find it?
Gochujang is a savory, slightly sweet, and spicy chili paste that is a staple in Korean cuisine. You can find it in the international or Asian section of most well-stocked grocery stores, or at your local Asian market.
Can I make the pork and slaw ahead of time?
Absolutely! The pork can be marinated and cooked up to 3 days in advance, and the slaw can be prepared the day before. Just store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the tacos.
How spicy are these tacos?
The level of heat in these tacos can vary depending on the brand of gochujang you use and your personal spice preference. Start with 2 tablespoons of gochujang and adjust to your desired level of spiciness.
Can I make these tacos gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these tacos gluten-free by using corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. Be sure to also check that your gochujang is gluten-free.
How many tacos does this recipe make?
This recipe will make approximately 12-15 tacos, depending on the size of your tortillas and how much filling you use per taco.
Try These Next
- korean bbq chicken tacos with spicy slaw
- crispy korean bbq tacos with spicy slaw
- spicy korean bbq chicken tacos with zesty slaw
Savor the Spice: Delectable Korean BBQ Pork Tacos with Cilantro Slaw
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🌍 Global Flavors & Street Food
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Korean
Description
These Spicy Korean BBQ Pork Tacos are a fusion delight, featuring marinated pork, fresh cilantro slaw, and a spicy gochujang sauce.
Ingredients
1 lb pork shoulder, thinly sliced
2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp minced ginger
8 small corn tortillas
1 cup shredded cabbage
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup sliced green onions
1 lime, juiced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. 1. In a bowl, mix soy sauce, gochujang, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Marinate the pork for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated pork for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.
3. 3. In another bowl, combine shredded cabbage, cilantro, green onions, lime juice, salt, and pepper to make the slaw.
4. 4. Warm the corn tortillas in a pan for about 30 seconds on each side.
5. 5. Assemble the tacos by placing pork on the tortillas and topping with cilantro slaw.
6. 6. Serve immediately with lime wedges.
Notes
These tacos are perfect for gatherings and can be customized with additional toppings like avocado or kimchi.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: tacos, Korean BBQ, spicy, street food