Description
Spicy Korean Beef Tacos blend bold Korean flavors with Mexican street-style cuisine, creating a mouthwatering fusion dish. Succulent marinated beef nestled in warm tortillas delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef:
- 1.5 lbs beef short ribs or beef chuck
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp ginger
Taco Components:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup kimchi
- 1/4 cup green onions
- 2 tbsp cilantro
Toppings and Garnishes:
- 1/4 cup pickled daikon radish
- 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 lime
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup gochujang sauce
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from beef and slice into thin, bite-sized strips for optimal flavor absorption and even cooking.
- Crush garlic and grate ginger, then combine with soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil to create a robust marinade.
- Massage marinade thoroughly into beef, ensuring each piece is completely coated, and refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes to develop deep flavors.
- Preheat skillet or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 375°F) for proper searing and caramelization.
- Cook marinated beef in batches, allowing each piece to develop a rich, golden-brown crust without overcrowding the pan.
- Sear beef for 2-3 minutes per side until edges are crispy and center remains tender, creating a complex texture.
- While beef cooks, warm tortillas on a separate skillet or directly over gas flame for 15-20 seconds to enhance flexibility.
- Chop green onions, cilantro, and slice pickled daikon radish for fresh, vibrant garnishes.
- Assemble tacos by layering beef in tortillas, then top with kimchi, green onions, and cilantro.
- Drizzle gochujang and sriracha sauces for heat, squeeze fresh lime juice, and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately to maintain crisp tortillas and warm beef temperature.
Notes
- Slice beef against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
- Marinate beef overnight in the refrigerator for more intense, developed flavor profiles.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content and customize seasoning for dietary needs.
- Consider alternative protein options like tofu or jackfruit for vegetarian/vegan adaptations.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg