Korean Beef Tacos

Ingredients:

For the Bulgogi Marinade:

  • 1.5 lbs (680g) thinly sliced beef (ribeye or sirloin)

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce

  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar

  • 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)

  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon ginger, grated

  • 2 tablespoons green onion, finely chopped

  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Tacos:

  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas

  • 2 cups shredded lettuce

  • 1 cup shredded purple cabbage

  • 1 cup matchstick carrots

  • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced

  • Sriracha or Gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) for serving

  • Lime wedges for garnish

Instructions:

Marinate the Beef:

  1. Prepare the Bulgogi Marinade:

    • In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, mirin, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green onion, sesame seeds (if using), and black pepper.

  1. Marinate the Beef:

    • Place the thinly sliced beef in a shallow dish and pour the bulgogi marinade over it. Ensure each piece is well-coated.

    • Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.

Cook the Bulgogi:

  1. Sear the Beef:

    • Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.

    • Cook the marinated beef slices for 2-3 minutes per side until they are caramelized and cooked to your liking.

Assemble the Tacos:

  1. Warm the Tortillas:

    • Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until warm and pliable.

  1. Assemble the Tacos:

    • Place a generous portion of the cooked bulgogi beef on each tortilla.

    • Top with shredded lettuce, shredded purple cabbage, matchstick carrots, and cucumber slices.

  1. Drizzle with Sauce:

    • Drizzle with Sriracha or Gochujang for some heat, or customize with your preferred sauce.

  1. Garnish and Serve:

    • Garnish with lime wedges and additional chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

These Korean Beef Tacos are a perfect combination of bold, savory flavors and fresh, crunchy textures. They make for a delightful and visually appealing meal that is sure to be a hit. Serve them for a casual dinner or as a crowd-pleasing party dish.