Craving a taste of the bustling streets of Seoul? These Ultimate Korean Beef Tacos bring the vibrant flavors of Korean cuisine right to your kitchen. With a perfect blend of savory, spicy, and sweet, this recipe will transport your taste buds to a street food paradise. Get ready to enjoy a fusion of textures and tastes that make every bite unforgettable.
Steps
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain and place it in a bowl. Mix all marinade ingredients until the sugar dissolves, pour this over the beef, and stir well. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least four hours, or overnight if possible.
- Before cooking, let the beef sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Heat a large non-stick pan on high until a piece of meat sizzles strongly when placed in the center. Add the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes without stirring until browned, then stir occasionally for another 3-5 minutes until fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
- Toast the tortillas on a hot dry skillet or directly over your gas stove grates. Turn and flip them frequently as they cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Combine all the taco sauce ingredients in a bowl. For easier application, transfer the sauce to a plastic bag and snip off a corner to drizzle it onto the tacos.
- Assemble the tacos by placing the cooked beef onto the toasted tortillas. Top with a generous amount of purple cabbage, cilantro sprigs, and diced avocado, then drizzle with the taco sauce. For an extra burst of freshness, add a squeeze of lime juice if desired.
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup hot water
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak (or hanger steak, top sirloin, or flat iron steak)
- 12 to 14 small (6-inch) flour tortillas (use corn tortillas for gluten-free option)
- 1 small purple cabbage
- 1/3 bunch cilantro leaves
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (plus lime wedges for serving if desired)
FAQ
- What is Bulgogi beef?
- Bulgogi beef is a Korean BBQ beef known for its incredible flavor. The sauce caramelizes in the skillet, giving each bite a delicious taste reminiscent of high-quality takeout.
- Can I substitute sesame oil in the marinade?
- It’s best not to substitute sesame oil, as it provides a distinctive flavor and aroma to the beef. Make sure to use “toasted sesame oil” for the best results.
- How should I cook the beef for the tacos?
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain, marinate it, and then cook in a hot, heavy non-stick pan. Allow the beef to brown slightly before stirring, and continue cooking until fully cooked and the sauce has thickened and caramelized.
- How can I prevent the pan from cooling down too quickly when cooking the beef?
- Allow the marinated beef to stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This prevents the pan from cooling down too quickly when the beef is added.
- What are some tips for assembling the Korean Beef Tacos?
- Toast the tortillas on a dry skillet or directly on the gas stove grates. Assemble by placing beef over the tortillas, adding purple cabbage, cilantro, and avocado, then drizzling generously with Sriracha-lime crema. For extra freshness, squeeze a bit of fresh lime juice on top.
- Can the beef be prepared in advance for a party?
- Yes, the beef can be prepared ahead of time, making it perfect for parties. If there are leftovers, the beef develops a smoked flavor when refrigerated, similar to teriyaki beef jerky, and tastes great cold.
Tips
- Marinating Time: Let the beef marinate for at least 4 hours or, for the best results, overnight. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
- Room Temperature Meat: Before cooking, allow the marinated beef to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This prevents the pan from cooling down too quickly and helps achieve a nice caramelization on the beef.
- Toasting Tortillas: Toast tortillas directly on a gas stove or a hot dry skillet, turning frequently to prevent burning. This adds a nice char and enhances the flavor of the tacos.
- Easy Drizzling with Sauce: For easier application of the taco sauce, transfer it to a plastic bag and snip off a corner, allowing for a more controlled drizzle over your tacos.
Equipment
- Heavy Non-Stick Pan – To sauté the marinated beef.
- Ziploc Bag – For easier drizzling of the taco sauce.
- Grater – For grating fresh ginger.
- Mixing Bowls – For marinating the beef and mixing ingredients.
- Tongs – For handling the tortillas and beef while cooking.
