Korean Beef Tacos Recipe
If you have a craving that combines the bold, savory flavors of Korean cuisine with the fun, hand-held goodness of tacos, you’re in for a treat with this Korean Beef Tacos Recipe. This dish brilliantly marries tender, flavorful beef with a fresh, tangy slaw and delicious toppings, creating an irresistible fusion that will have you reaching for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for friends or enjoying a casual dinner at home, these tacos bring excitement and vibrant taste to your table with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Korean Beef Tacos Recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of its ingredients. Each element plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that together make this dish shine.
- 1 pound ground beef or thinly sliced flank steak: This is the star of the dish, providing rich, juicy protein that soaks up all the delicious sauces perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds salty umami depth that is quintessential in Korean cooking.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Brings a nutty aroma and flavor that instantly transports you to a Korean BBQ experience.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances the savory with a touch of sweetness to round out the beef marinade.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Brightens the sauce with a subtle tang that keeps everything fresh.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: For that punch of aromatic flavor that’s hard to beat.
- 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger: Adds a warming, zesty kick that complements the garlic beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat, this brings a gentle fire to the mix.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (if using ground beef): Helps thicken the sauce to coat the beef just right.
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas: Soft and warm, these hold all the flavors together making each bite delightful.
- For the slaw: 1 cup shredded cabbage, ½ cup shredded carrots, 2 sliced green onions, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon mayo or plain Greek yogurt, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, salt and pepper to taste — this crunchy, creamy mix brings freshness and contrast to the savory beef.
- Toppings: Sriracha mayo, sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges — each garnish elevates the tacos with creaminess, crunch, herbs, and a burst of citrus.
How to Make Korean Beef Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by whisking together the soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. This vibrant mixture is what transforms basic beef into the flavorful star of your Korean Beef Tacos Recipe. Make sure the brown sugar dissolves completely so every bite has a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
If you’re using ground beef, brown it in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat to keep your tacos from feeling greasy. Stir in the prepared sauce along with the cornstarch, then simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and lovingly coats the beef. For those choosing flank steak, marinate the thin slices in the sauce for at least 15 minutes before giving them a quick, hot sear in the skillet until just cooked through — this keeps the meat tender and bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Make the Slaw
While the beef cooks, toss together shredded cabbage, carrots, and green onions in a bowl. Mix in rice vinegar, mayo or Greek yogurt, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The slaw should be creamy yet tangy, with a satisfying crunch that will perfectly offset the rich beef. Letting it sit for at least 10 minutes allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly, making every bite refreshing and vibrant.
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
Warm your tortillas gently either in a dry pan or wrapped in foil in a low oven, making them soft and pliable. This step is key to ensuring they are flexible enough to hold your juicy beef and crunchy slaw without tearing, making the eating experience neat and enjoyable.
Step 5: Assemble Your Korean Beef Tacos
Fill each warmed tortilla generously with the savory beef mixture, followed by a hearty scoop of slaw. Top with your favorite garnishes like sriracha mayo, sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice to brighten and personalize each taco. The combination is truly a party of flavors and textures that keep you coming back for more.
How to Serve Korean Beef Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
The garnishes you choose can turn these tacos from great to unforgettable. A drizzle of spicy sriracha mayo adds a creamy heat that balances the savory beef perfectly, while sesame seeds provide a satisfying crunch and nutty burst. Cilantro brings a fresh herbal lift, and a dash of lime juice brightens every bite like a sunbeam. Don’t be shy to pile these on — they’re the finishing touches that make these tacos a showstopper.
Side Dishes
Pair these Korean Beef Tacos Recipe with sides like steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice to soak up all those amazing juices. A simple cucumber salad or pickled vegetables work wonderfully to add even more brightness and balance. For something heartier, try roasted sweet potatoes or a light miso soup — each complements the Korean-inspired flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get creative, try serving these tacos as lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist that’s just as delicious and refreshing. For gatherings, arrange them on a large platter with bowls of toppings and slaw on the side so everyone can build their own creations. You can even turn them into a fusion taco bar with kimchi and other Korean-inspired sides to make an interactive and fun meal experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Korean beef and slaw can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the components separate ensures that the tortillas won’t get soggy and that each element maintains its ideal texture and flavor for quick reassembly later.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked beef mixture for up to two months in a freezer-safe container or bag. Just cool it completely before freezing. The slaw is best fresh, but if needed, it can be stored in the fridge without mayo or yogurt for a few days and refreshed with additional dressing after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the beef over medium heat until hot, adding a splash of water if it seems dry. Warm the tortillas separately to keep them soft. For the slaw, give it a quick stir and add a little extra dressing if needed to revive its fresh taste. Assembling each taco just before serving ensures the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use other types of beef for the Korean Beef Tacos Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef and flank steak are common choices, you can also try thinly sliced ribeye or skirt steak for different textures and flavors. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! You can substitute ground beef with seasoned tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based meat alternative. For vegan versions, swap the mayo in the slaw with vegan mayo or avocado for creaminess.
How spicy are these Korean Beef Tacos?
The heat level is totally adjustable! Red pepper flakes in the marinade and sriracha mayo toppings add spice, but you can easily skip or increase them based on your preference.
Can I use hard corn tortillas instead of soft ones?
Soft tortillas are recommended because they can hold the juicy filling and slaw better, but if you prefer hard shells, just be mindful that they might crack and the filling could spill out.
What’s the best way to make the beef flavorful without marinating for hours?
Just marinate flank steak for at least 15 minutes to get a good flavor boost. For ground beef, cooking the meat first and then tossing it with the sauce works great and still yields deeply flavorful results thanks to the simmering step.
Final Thoughts
Trying out this Korean Beef Tacos Recipe is like inviting a burst of exciting flavors into your kitchen with minimal effort. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for any night of the week when you want something both comforting and adventurous. Once you get a taste of the tender, savory beef paired with crisp slaw and zippy toppings, these tacos will quickly become a new favorite to share with friends and family.
Print
Korean Beef Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
Korean Beef Tacos combine savory, slightly sweet, and spicy flavors in a fusion dish featuring seasoned ground beef or marinated flank steak, topped with a crunchy, tangy slaw and fresh toppings wrapped in warm tortillas. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Beef
- 1 pound ground beef (or thinly sliced flank steak)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (if using ground beef)
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
Slaw
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon mayo or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- Sriracha mayo
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes to create a flavorful marinade and sauce base.
- Cook the beef: If using ground beef, brown it in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink, then drain excess fat. Stir in the prepared sauce and cornstarch, and simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef evenly. If using thinly sliced flank steak, marinate it in the sauce for at least 15 minutes, then sear the steak in a hot skillet until cooked through.
- Make the slaw: In a separate bowl, toss together shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and sliced green onions. Add rice vinegar, mayo or plain Greek yogurt, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let the slaw sit for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Warm tortillas and assemble tacos: Gently warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave. Fill each tortilla with a generous portion of the cooked beef, then top with the prepared slaw and additional toppings such as sriracha mayo, sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime for brightness and extra flavor.
Notes
- You can prepare the slaw and beef in advance to save time on busy weeknights.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or omitting the red pepper flakes and sriracha mayo according to your preference.
- For a low-carb alternative, serve the beef and slaw in large lettuce leaves instead of tortillas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
