Description
These Korean Beef Tacos are a delicious fusion of Korean flavors and classic taco elements. Ground beef is simmered in a savory and slightly sweet soy-based sauce with garlic, ginger, and a touch of heat, then served in warm tortillas with crunchy cabbage, shredded carrots, green onions, and a spicy mayo drizzle. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that’s bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Korean Beef
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
Toppings & Assembly
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Spicy Mayo Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- Juice of ½ lime
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat to avoid greasy tacos.
- Make the Sauce: Add soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet with the beef. Stir to combine and let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) into the skillet. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef evenly.
- Prepare Spicy Mayo: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Sriracha, and fresh lime juice to create a zesty and creamy spicy mayo sauce.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds each side or microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel until warm and pliable.
- Assemble the Tacos: Spoon a generous amount of the Korean beef mixture onto each warmed tortilla. Top with shredded purple cabbage, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions. Drizzle with the prepared spicy mayo and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for garnish.
Notes
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or thinly sliced flank steak for different textures and flavors.
- For a lighter or low-carb option, serve the beef and toppings wrapped in large lettuce leaves instead of tortillas.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or Sriracha to control the spice level.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free alternative if desired, ensuring the other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
