These Korean tacos are a medley of explosive flavors and textures in each mouthwatering bite!
These Korean Tacos are insanely delicious loaded with juicy, caramelized Beef Bulgogi, topped with vibrant, refreshing Asian Pear Mango Slaw and drizzled with silky, cool Gochujang Crema. The Beef marinade, Slaw and Crema can be made ahead of time for a dinner that comes together in under 15 minutes when it’s “go” time!
Korean Tacos
Just when you thought Beef Bulgogi couldn’t get any more delicious, it becomes exponentially delectable as Beef Bulgogi Korean Tacos! These Korean Tacos are born out of my love of Asian fusion, especially when it comes to tacos. Pairing rich savory flavorings with refreshing, crunchy salsas or slaws and topping them all with silky cremas creates a symphony of flavors and textures that simply can’t be topped, in my humble opinion. Mouthfuls of savory, sweet, tangy, fresh, creamy, crunchy all in one bite after bite after bite…
Some of my favorite Asian tacos include these new Korean Tacos, my Thai Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Lime Broccoli Slaw (terrible pics but SO good!), Teriyaki Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Pear Slaw, and Asian Caramel Pork Tacos with Pineapple Snow Pea Salsa.
As you can see below, I assembled the Korean tacos for the pics but try as I might, I couldn’t eat all of them in one sitting. I placed the assembled tacos in the refrigerator without deconstructing them, then microwaved the leftovers as cravings truck. They were still heavenly. So I guess I’m saying is, please make these Korean Tacos. They will make you and your mouth happy. Even the leftovers.
So let’s start at the very beginning, a very good place to start.
Bulgogi Tacos
The star of our Korean Tacos is melt-in-your-mouth garlicky, gingery, Beef Bulgogi, because after all, a taco is only as good as the meat it’s loaded with. If you aren’t familiar with Beef Bulgogi (Korean Beef BBQ), it is one of the most popular Korean dishes. (I’ve detailed more than you ever wanted to know with lots of tips and tricks in my Beef Bulgogi post).
Beef Bulgogi is juicy, thinly sliced, marinated, caramelized beef that is slightly sweet, savory and characteristically seasoned with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, sesame and scallions as well as a freshly grated ripe pear to tenderize the meat. It is intensely flavorful, and it’s tender, thin slices are just begging to be piled in Korean Tacos with our bright, refreshing Asian Pear Mango Slaw.
Korean Taco Ingredients
- Beef: Bulgogi is typically made with almost paper-thin slices rib-eye or top sirloin. However, you may use flank steak or skirt steak and marinate for a few hours to ensure your beef is melt-in-your-mouth-tender.
- Soy Sauce: Use reduced sodium soy sauce so the beef isn’t too salty.
- Asian Pear: This fruit, also known as an apple pear or nashi pear, originated in East Asia. We grate ¼ of the pear and add it to the marinade. The grated pear not only adds sweetness but, more importantly, tenderizes the meat. You may substitute with a Bosc pear or sweet apple like Fuji or Honeycrisp.
- Brown sugar: Use light brown sugar to add slightly sweet caramelized notes.
- Rice wine: . I use “Kikkoman Aji-Mirin: Sweet Cooking Rice Seasoning,” which is commonly found in the Asian section of most grocery stores or can be purchased on Amazon. The best substitute for rice wine is pale, dry sherry.
- Toasted sesame oil: You can find it in the Asian section of the grocery store or on Amazon. Use toasted sesame oil for its vital, nutty aroma and flavor. Please don’t use light/plain sesame oil, which isn’t nearly as flavorful.
- Gochuchang: This sweet and spicy Korean Sauce is perfect for this and future recipes. I use Annie Chun’s Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Sauce, which is located in the Asian section of my grocery store, but you can also purchase it on Amazon.
- Aromatics: Garlic, ginger, and green onions round out the aromatic freshness. Fresh is best, but you may substitute with 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 1 teaspoon ground ginger.
- Mango Pear Slaw: The star of the slaw is another Nashi pear. You should be able to locate a Nashi at Sprouts or Whole Foods. Because we are looking for both texture and flavor in the slaw, substitute with a sweet apple, like Honeycrisp, if needed. The slaw is rounded out with 1 ripe mango, sliced red cabbage, chopped cilantro, green onions, and lime juice.
- Gochuchang Crema: This easy crema marries the flavors with its creamy, tangy heat. It’s quick whisking of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and Gochujang.
Topping for Korean Tacos
Some Korean Tacos are stuffed with Kimchi, but I found our Beef Bulgogi needed a sweet and fresh crunch vs a pickled fermented one. Enter Asian Pear Mango Slaw. This Slaw was made for these Korean Tacos. Literally.
I had all sorts of ideas about what I would top my Korean tacos with, but as I savored the caramelized beef, I knew the rich beef needed the fresh, bright, sweet, crunch of this Asian Pear Mango Slaw. The Slaw is stand alone delicious and really could be served as a salad, so just imagine how crazy delectable it is in these Korean Tacos. Or better yet, don’t imagine, make them!
The Asian Pear Mango Slaw is a quick tossing together of thinly sliced red cabbage, chopped Asian pear, mangoes, cilantro, green onions and lime juice. We are already using an Asian pear in the Bulgogi marinade, so I thought it was perfect to use in the slaw (and because they are one of my favorite fruits ever).
If you aren’t familiar with Asian pears, they are round and pale yellow. Essentially, they look like a yellow-ish apple. To me, they taste like a cross between an apple and pear and are wonderfully sweet and juicy with the firm texture of an apple. I am excited for you to try this gem of a fruit if you haven’t already!
How to Make Korean Tacos
When dishes have a few components to them, it is super helpful to be able to make some or part of the dish in advance. For these Korean Tacos, you can make your Slaw and Crema 100% in advance and refrigerate them while your Beef Bulgogi marinates.
- Marinate Beef Bulgogi: Add soy sauce, Asian pear, brown sugar, rice wine, sesame oil Gochujang, garlic, ginger, pepper and scallions to a shallow bowl or freezer bag (whatever you are going to marinate your steak in) and whisk to combine. Add steak and turn to coat. Cover and marinate 30 minutes at room temperature (only an option if using rib eye or top sirloin) or refrigerate up to overnight.
- Mango Pear Slaw: Towards the end of the Beef marinating time, prepare the Asian Pear Mango Slaw. Add red cabbage, Asian pear, mango, cilantro, green onions and lime juice to a bowl then toss to combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Gochujang Crema: Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice and Gochujang in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Cook Beef Bulgogi: Heat sesame oil in a large pan until sizzling hot. Working in 4 batches, add meat (grabbing meat with tongs so excess marinade drips off) in a single layer and let sear 1-2 minutes. Flip and cook and addition 1-2 minutes or until browned but barely cooked through.. Transfer to a plate and cover tightly with foil. Repeat.
- Assemble Korean Tacos: Fill each tortilla with the desired amount of beef then top with Slaw and Crema. Garnish with additional lime and Gochuchang if desired.
Korean Taco Sauce
All tacos need a smooth and silky component to marry all the components together. For these Korean Tacos, we are going to create a simple Gochujang Crema that is luxuriously silky, slightly tangy with a splash of heat. To make, simply whisk together gochujang, mayo, sour cream, and lime juice – that’s it! You can control the heat of the Crema by adding more or less gochujang to taste.
If you aren’t familiar with gochujang, it is a delightful flavor bomb. Gochujang is a Korean BBQ Sauce that’s the perfect blend of savory, sweet and spicy. I have detailed where to find it below and because we are already using it in our Bulgogi, you will have it on hand for this Crema – winning!
More Korean dishes with Gochujang:
- 30 Minute Korean Beef Bowls
- Spicy Korean Noodles
- Korean BBQ Burgers with Miso Candied Bacons
- Sweet and Spicy Korean Meatballs
- Saucy Korean Beef Stir Fry
Korean Tacos Recipe tips and tricks
- Use flour tortillas. I love corn tortillas but they are too strong for this Korean Taco recipe.
- Char tortillas. This is totally optional but readers often ask how I char my tortillas, so here you go! I simply place my tortillas directly over the flame of my gas stovetop for a few seconds and flip using tongs.
- Asian pear substitute. Asian pears are more readily available in the fall and winter months (sometimes even Costco carries them), but I easily found mine at Sprouts in July. If you aren’t sure if your store carries them, just ask! If you can’t find Asian pears, you can substitute a sweet apple like Fuji or Bosc pear.
- Where to Find Gochujang. I use Annie Chun’s Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Sauce located in the Asian section of my grocery store, but you can also easily buy it on Amazon.
- How Cut a Mango. If you’re intimidated by selecting or cutting mangos, check out this post for everything you ever wanted to know!
- Prep ahead. Make your Crema and Slaw while your beef is marinating so your Korean tacos can come together in a flash. Your pears will absorb some of the coloring of the purple cabbage, just FYI.
LOOKING FOR MORE ASIAN RECIPES?
- Beef and Broccoli
- General Tso’s Chicken
- Cashew Chicken
- Caramel Pulled Pork
- Mongolian Chicken
- Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Ginger Chicken with Honey Lemon Glaze
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Bulgogi Korean Tacos with Asian Pear Mango Slaw
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Ingredients
Tacos
- 1 Recipe Beef Bulgogi
- 8 taco size flour tortillas
Mango Pear Slaw
- 2 cups thinly sliced red cabbage
- 1 Asian pear, chopped (may sub Bosc pear or sweet apple)
- 1 mango chopped
- 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 2 green onions chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
Gochuchang Crema
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream may sub Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1-2 teaspoons Gochuchang or more to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Beef Bulgogi according to recipe directions.
- Towards the end of the Beef marinating time, add all of the Asian Pear Mango Slaw ingredients to a bowl. Toss to combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Whisk together all of the Gochuchang Crema ingredients in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Use flour tortillas. I love corn tortillas but they are too strong for this Korean Taco recipe.
- Char tortillas. This is totally optional but readers often ask how I char my tortillas, so here you go! I simply place my tortillas directly over the flame of my gas stovetop for a few seconds and flip using tongs.
- Asian pear substitute. Asian pears are more readily available in the fall and winter months (sometimes even Costco carries them), but I easily found mine at Sprouts in July. If you aren’t sure if your store carries them, just ask! If you can’t find Asian pears, you can substitute a sweet apple like Fuji or Bosc pear.
- Where to Find Gochujang. I use Annie Chun’s Sweet and Spicy Gochujang Sauce located in the Asian section of my grocery store, but you can also easily buy it on Amazon.
- How Cut a Mango. If you’re intimidated by selecting or cutting mangos, check out this post for everything you ever wanted to know!
- Prep ahead. Make your Crema and Slaw while your beef is marinating so your Korean tacos can come together in a flash. Your pears will absorb some of the coloring of the purple cabbage, just FYI.
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Pharmacy Online says
I used this recipe for my first attempt at making bulgogi at home and I am hooked! I used a gala apple because I missed the part about using an Asian pear, so I am eager to try again with a pear (I live in an area with many Korean grocery stores so they re easy to find). I appreciated the clear directions and beautiful photography and can t wait to make this again for my family and friends!
Jen says
YAY! I’m so happy this converted you to bulgogi! It really is so easy and fabulous in these tacos, I’m thrilled you enjoyed them, thank you!
Nancy Maloy says
I just made the Korean Tacos for dinner and as usual your recipe was outstanding. It did take a little time but was well worth the effort and we would never be able to find food this good in the little town we live in!!! I love all of your recipes and everything I’ve tried has been so good. Thank you so much for sharing. I made no changes to your recipe other than adding salt to the slaw…..delicious…
Jen says
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment Nancy, I’m so pleased you loved these Korean Tacos and are loving my other recipes!
Kathy says
I’m currently in Korea so was able to buy marinated bulgogi in the store! I’ll have to try the at-home version when I am back home. But the tacos turned out great!! Loved the flavor combination. I added a little guacamole just because why the heck not? Corn tortillas worked out ok too… fried up to get them a little crispy, I didn’t think they overpowered the other flavors. Loved these!
Jen says
Hi Kathy, how awesome you were able to make these Korean Tacos in Korea! i’m so happy you loved them!
Alba says
Tried this without substitutions and it was great! The meat was very tender and flavorful and bith the cream and the slaw went well with the tacos. Thanks for such a great recipe! Now i am eager to try your ropa vieja recipe. Wish me luck!
Jen says
Thanks so much Alba, I’m thrilled it was a winner! I hope you love the Ropa Vieja just as much!
Heidi Klaerich says
Absolutely Fantastic! This will be my third time making this awesome recipe.
Jen says
I love hearing these Korean tacos are a repeat favorite, thanks Heidi!
Carolyn says
Hi, Jennifer! I made this recipe, and it is AMAZING!!!! The colors, the flavors, the textures. I work for Trader Joe’s and used our Shaved Beef for the Bulgogi meat. Since it is so thin, it doesn’t need to marinate for long, and cooks up quickly. Only deviation from your recipe. While at work, and talking with customers, i recommend your website all the time. Thank you!!!
Jen says
Thank you Carolyn for making my recipes, the glowing review and for recommending my site – I am so honored! Thank you also for the great tip on the shaved beef – I’m sure many will find that helpful!
Lee says
Is there a substitute fir the cabbage? We aren’t crazy about cabbage.
Jen says
I would use something else with great crunch like a broccoli slaw.
Jasmine says
I’m making these for my father-in-law’s birthday, but he despises mayo! Is there any way to make the crema without it, and not compromise on flavor/texture?
Jen says
What a great daughter-in-law! With all the flavors in the crema I doubt he’d even know it was in there, but plain Greek yogurt can be a great substitute! Enjoy!
Marisa says
This has become a family favorite. I have also made a chicken version using same marinade. I have to triple the recipe of bulgogi because the rest of the family magically appear at our door each time I make it. The marinaded uncooked bulgogi also freezes really well for an easy quick meal over rice at a later time.
Thank you for this delicious recipe!
Jen says
I am so glad this has been such a hit for you and your family! It is so smart to make extra for an easy meal later!
Wendy says
All I can say is AMAZING! Best thing I’ve made in a long time. Even my picky husband loved them. The slaw and crema were perfect toppings. I’m going to look for an asian pear next time but they were still delicious with a Bosc. Thanks for sharing.
Jen says
I’m so thrilled this was such a hit! Thanks for letting me know how you liked it!
Valerie says
This is Valerie W. and I approve this recipe. LOL! This is amazing! Will make again
Jen says
Hi Valerie! I’m so glad this recipe has your vote!!
Lily says
This slaw and crema are 5 stars!! I made my own Bulgogi beef and brought everything in for a work potluck. Everyone raved about how great the tacos turned out and how they paired nicely. Using asian pear and mango in the slaw adds a real nice sweet flavour profile and crunchy texture. I also threw in some shredded carrot I had left over from the beef recipe I made separately. The gochujang crema is excellent as well with a slightly spicy under taste and deliciously creamy texture. I added additional lime cilantro Tajine seasoning and lime zest into the crema to make it extra special!
Jen says
Wow! Your coworkers are so lucky to have you! I’m glad it was a hit!