Print

Flavorful Korean BBQ Beef Tacos Recipe with Easy Quick Pickled Veggies

Korean BBQ beef tacos - featured image

These Korean BBQ beef tacos combine smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors with a punchy crunch from quick pickled vegetables, making a satisfying and easy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) thinly sliced beef ribeye or flank steak
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp gochujang (optional)
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup (150g) julienned carrots
  • 1 cup (150g) thinly sliced cucumber (seeded if watery)
  • 1/2 cup (75g) thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 810 small corn or flour tortillas
  • Fresh cilantro leaves (for garnish)
  • Sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds
  • Sriracha or favorite hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 tbsp gochujang (if using), 1 tsp rice vinegar, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Whisk until sugar dissolves.
  2. Add 1 lb thinly sliced beef and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour in the fridge.
  3. Place 1 cup julienned carrots, 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber, and 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion into a jar or bowl.
  4. In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup rice vinegar, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tsp salt, and red pepper flakes if desired. Warm gently over low heat until sugar dissolves.
  5. Pour the warm vinegar mixture over the vegetables. Let sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Heat a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add marinated beef in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until caramelized and cooked through. Cook in batches if needed.
  7. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp towel for 20-30 seconds until pliable.
  8. Assemble tacos by placing cooked beef on tortillas, topping with pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sriracha or hot sauce if desired.

Notes

Marinate beef for at least 15 minutes for flavor; up to 1 hour for deeper taste. Quick pickled veggies can be made ahead and refrigerated to enhance flavor. Avoid overcrowding pan to get a good sear. Use fresh or fully thawed beef slices for best texture. Reheat beef gently in skillet to keep moist.

Nutrition

Keywords: Korean BBQ, beef tacos, quick pickled vegetables, easy dinner, weeknight meal, fusion tacos, spicy, savory, quick recipe