What is in a Korean BBQ taco?

A Korean BBQ taco includes marinated grilled beef, tangy kimchi slaw, a spicy crema, and a soft tortilla—topped with fresh garnishes.

Are Korean BBQ tacos spicy?

They can range from mild to medium heat depending on the kimchi and amount of gochujang used. You can always adjust spice to your liking.

What kind of slaw goes with Korean tacos?

Kimchi-based slaws are traditional—often paired with cabbage, carrots, vinegar, and sesame oil for crunch and balance.

Can I make Korean BBQ tacos vegetarian or vegan?

Yes! Use tofu, mushrooms, or jackfruit, and vegan alternatives for crema and tortillas.

What is the origin of Korean-Mexican fusion cuisine?

This trend began with Roy Choi’s Kogi BBQ truck in 2008, blending Korean flavors with Mexican street food and sparking a nationwide fusion food movement.

Korean BBQ Tacos – Epic Korean-Mexican Fusion in 30 Min

Name: Korean BBQ Tacos
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 tacos
Cuisine: Korean-Mexican Fusion
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs thinly sliced beef (short rib, chuck, or skirt steak); 1/3 cup soy sauce or tamari; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp grated ginger; 2 tbsp brown sugar or erythritol; 1/4 cup pear juice or grated Asian pear; 1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional); 1 cup kimchi, chopped; 1 cup shredded cabbage; 1/2 cup shredded carrots; 1 tsp grated ginger; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 1 tbsp gochujang; Corn or flour tortillas; Optional: pickled onions, sesame seeds, cilantro, lime wedges

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs thinly sliced beef (short rib, chuck, or skirt steak)

1/3 cup soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)

1 tbsp sesame oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

2 tbsp brown sugar or erythritol

1/4 cup pear juice or grated Asian pear

1 tbsp rice vinegar (optional)

1 cup kimchi, chopped

1 cup shredded cabbage

1/2 cup shredded carrots

1 tsp grated ginger

1 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tbsp sesame oil

1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

1 tbsp gochujang

Corn or flour tortillas

Optional: pickled onions, sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, lime wedges

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Instructions

1. Whisk marinade ingredients and coat sliced beef. Let marinate 30 minutes to 24 hours.

2. Mix kimchi, cabbage, carrots, ginger, vinegar, and sesame oil. Chill slaw for 15–30 minutes.

3. Cook beef in hot skillet in small batches, 3–5 minutes each, until browned.

4. Mix sour cream or yogurt with gochujang for crema. Adjust heat to taste.

5. Warm tortillas. Layer with beef, kimchi slaw, and drizzle with crema.

6. Add garnishes like lime, sesame seeds, cilantro, or pickled onions. Serve warm.

Notes

Marinate beef overnight for best flavor.

Swap beef with tofu or mushrooms for vegan tacos.

Use tamari and gluten-free tortillas for a GF version.

Try lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Don’t overstuff your tacos—balance is key!

Author: Julia Hartman
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Pan-Sear
Cuisine: Korean-Mexican Fusion

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tacos
Calories: 320
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 55mg