Korean-Style BBQ Tacos

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together the rich, umami-packed taste of Korean BBQ beef with the fun, handheld convenience of tacos. The marinade infuses the beef with bold flavors while the fresh cabbage, herbs, and optional pickles add crunch and brightness. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to customize and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Korean BBQ Beef:

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tsp sesame seeds
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Tacos:

• 8 small soft flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cabbage (or cabbage slaw mix)
• ¼ cup sliced green onions
• ¼ cup cilantro leaves
• ¼ cup pickled cucumbers (optional)
• ¼ cup Korean BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Directions

1. Marinate the beef: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, gochujang, sesame seeds, and black pepper. Add the thinly sliced beef, toss to coat, and marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1 hour.
2. Cook the beef: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated beef slices in batches for 2-3 minutes per side or until cooked through and caramelized. Remove from heat.
3. Warm tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
4. Assemble tacos: Place a few slices of cooked beef on each tortilla. Top with shredded cabbage, green onions, cilantro leaves, and pickled cucumbers if using.
5. Drizzle Korean BBQ sauce over the toppings.
6. Serve immediately with additional sauce on the side.

Servings and Timing

• Makes 8 tacos
• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Marinating time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Cooking time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Add spicy mayo or Sriracha for extra heat.
• Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
• Include pickled radish or carrots for additional crunch and flavor.
• Top with sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftover cooked beef and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat beef in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
• Assemble tacos fresh before serving to keep tortillas soft.

FAQs

Can I marinate the beef overnight?

Yes, marinating overnight intensifies the flavors.

What if I don’t have gochujang?

Substitute with a mixture of chili paste and miso or a spicy chili sauce.

Can I use pre-sliced beef?

Yes, pre-sliced beef for stir-fry works well for this recipe.

How thin should the beef slices be?

Thin enough to cook quickly, about 1/8 inch thick.

Can I make these tacos vegetarian?

Use grilled mushrooms, tofu, or tempeh with the same marinade.

Is the Korean BBQ sauce necessary?

It adds extra flavor but you can use a spicy mayo or soy-based sauce instead.

Can I prepare these tacos ahead of time?

Prepare beef and toppings ahead but assemble tacos just before serving.

Can I freeze the cooked beef?

Freeze cooked beef in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

How do I keep the tortillas soft?

Warm tortillas wrapped in a damp cloth or in a covered skillet.

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?

Yes, pre-shredded cabbage or slaw mix works perfectly.

Conclusion

Korean-Style BBQ Tacos deliver a delicious fusion of bold Korean flavors and Mexican-style tacos. Easy to prepare and packed with savory, spicy, and fresh elements, they’re a perfect crowd-pleaser for dinners, parties, or casual meals.

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