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Korean Steak Tacos Recipe
Ben Carraoli

Korean Steak Tacos Recipe

When I first whipped up these Korean steak tacos, I had no idea how much of a hit they’d be. They’re bold, vibrant, and pack a punch of incredible flavor in every bite. The caramelized beef, paired with tangy slaw and a drizzle of creamy Sriracha-lime sauce, creates the ultimate fusion of Korean BBQ and taco night.
Prep Time 4 hours
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 8 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dinner
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 pounds flank steak or top sirloin
  • 4 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated (optional)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup hot water
  • 12-14 small 6-inch flour tortillas
  • 1 small purple cabbage thinly shredded
  • 1/3 bunch cilantro leaves
  • 1 avocado sliced
  • For the sauce:
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha hot sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice

Method
 

  1. Start by whisking together sesame oil, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, and hot water in a large bowl. This fragrant mixture combines savory, sweet, and umami flavors to tenderize the steak. Thinly slice your steak against the grain and toss it well with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least four hours, or overnight for the most flavorful results.
  2. When you’re ready, heat a large, heavy skillet over high heat. It’s hot enough when a drop of water instantly sizzles and evaporates. Add the marinated steak in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear without stirring for a couple of minutes to achieve caramelization, then sauté until fully cooked and the sauce thickens beautifully. The sugars in the marinade will create a delicious, sticky glaze.
  3. For the slaw, shred purple cabbage thinly and set aside. This adds a delightful crunch to your tacos. Next, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, Sriracha, and lime juice to make the creamy taco sauce. Optional tip: transfer it into a sandwich bag, and snip the corner to drizzle the sauce evenly.
  4. Directly toast your flour tortillas over gas stove flame, or on a dry hot skillet until lightly charred and warm. Keep them warm, wrapped in a clean dish towel, to maintain their softness.
  5. Now comes the fun part! Lay a slice of warm tortilla on a plate. Add a generous layer of caramelized beef, top with purple cabbage, a few sprigs of cilantro, and a slice of avocado. Drizzle with as much Sriracha-lime crema as you’d like. Serve immediately with lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness.