Description
Bulgogi Tacos are a creative fusion of two popular cuisines: Korean and Mexican. The dish features marinated and grilled beef (bulgogi), which is placed inside soft tortillas and topped with fresh ingredients like cabbage, cucumber, cilantro, and avocado. The savory and slightly spicy bulgogi is complemented by the crunch of the vegetables and the creamy texture of avocado, making this a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) beef (sirloin or ribeye, thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
For the Tacos:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas (soft tacos)
- 1/2 cup cabbage, shredded (for a crunchy topping)
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Optional Toppings:
- Sriracha mayo or plain mayo (for drizzling)
- Kimchi (for extra flavor)
- Jalapeños (for heat)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bulgogi Marinade
Start by making the bulgogi marinade. In a large mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, gochujang, sesame seeds, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well-combined.
Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Make sure all the beef slices are submerged in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (though marinating for up to 2 hours will yield even more intense flavors).
Step 2: Cook the Bulgogi Beef
Once the beef has marinated, it’s time to cook it. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef to the pan in a single layer, ensuring the beef isn’t overcrowded. Cook the beef for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it’s browned and cooked through. If necessary, cook the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Taco Toppings
While the beef is cooking, take the time to prepare the taco toppings. Shred the cabbage, slice the cucumber and red onion, and chop the cilantro. Slice the avocado just before assembling the tacos to keep it fresh and creamy.
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
To make the tacos extra tasty, warm the tortillas before assembling them. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and warm the tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side, just until they are soft and pliable. Alternatively, you can microwave them for a few seconds.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
Now comes the fun part—assembling the tacos! Start by placing a generous amount of bulgogi beef in each tortilla. Next, add the prepared toppings: a layer of shredded cabbage, cucumber slices, red onion, cilantro, and a few slices of avocado.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
For the finishing touch, drizzle sriracha mayo or plain mayo over the tacos for a creamy kick. Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side for a refreshing burst of citrus. If you like extra heat, feel free to add kimchi or jalapeños.
Notes
After making Bulgogi Tacos, you can enjoy a delicious fusion of flavors! The sweet and savory bulgogi beef pairs perfectly with the crisp and fresh toppings. To elevate the experience, consider serving them with a side of kimchi, a refreshing cucumber salad, or some spicy sriracha sauce for an extra kick. Whether for a casual dinner or a fun twist on taco night, Bulgogi Tacos are sure to impress your friends and family with their bold flavors!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Korean-Mexican
Keywords: Bulgogi Tacos