Name: Kalbi Beef Tacos with Kimchi Slaw
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 tacos
Cuisine: Korean-inspired cuisine
Ingredients: 0.5 cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp sesame oil; 2 tbsp brown sugar; 4 pcs garlic (minced); 1 tbsp ginger (grated); 0.5 pcs asian pear (grated, optional); 0.5 tsp black pepper; 1.5 lb beef short ribs (boneless, thinly sliced across the grain); 1 cup kimchi (drained and chopped); 2 cup cabbage (shredded); 0.5 cup carrots (shredded); 2 pcs green onions (sliced); 2 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp sugar; 0.5 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste); 1 tbsp lime juice; 12 pcs tortillas (corn or flour, small); 0.25 cup cilantro (chopped, for garnish); 1 pcs lime (cut into wedges, for serving)

Tender, grilled kalbi beef with a vibrant kimchi slaw spills from soft corn tortillas, creating a mouthwatering taco, perfect for a delicious meal any time.

These Kalbi Beef Tacos offer an exciting fusion of Korean BBQ and Mexican street food. Juicy, thinly sliced beef short ribs are marinated in a sweet and savory kalbi sauce, then quickly grilled to develop a delicious char. The flavorful beef is served in warm tortillas, complemented by a crunchy, tangy kimchi slaw that adds a vibrant, fermented kick. A drizzle of spicy gochujang crema or sriracha mayo finishes these vibrant tacos, creating a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, spicy, and tangy flavors. Perfect for a fun and flavorful meal, these tacos are a unique twist on a classic favorite.

Preparation time: 30 min
Cooking time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Servings: 12

Instructions

Prepare Kalbi Beef

1In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, grated Asian pear (if using), and black pepper to create the marinade.
2Add the thinly sliced beef short ribs to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

Make Kimchi Slaw

1In a separate bowl, combine the chopped kimchi, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and sliced green onions.
2In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Pour this dressing over the slaw mixture and toss to combine. Set aside.

Prepare Gochujang Crema

1In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, gochujang, and lime juice until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust spice level if desired. Set aside.

Cook Beef and Assemble Tacos

1Heat a grill pan or large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the pan.
2Working in batches, cook the marinated beef for 1-2 minutes per side, until beautifully caramelized and cooked to your desired doneness. Do not overcrowd the pan.
3Warm the tortillas according to package instructions (on the grill, in a dry skillet, or microwave).
4Assemble the tacos: place a serving of kalbi beef into each warm tortilla. Top with a generous spoonful of kimchi slaw.
5Drizzle with gochujang crema, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Instructions

Prepare Kalbi Beef

1In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, grated Asian pear (if using), and black pepper to create the marinade.
2Add the thinly sliced beef short ribs to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

Make Kimchi Slaw

1In a separate bowl, combine the chopped kimchi, shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and sliced green onions.
2In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Pour this dressing over the slaw mixture and toss to combine. Set aside.

Prepare Gochujang Crema

1In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, gochujang, and lime juice until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust spice level if desired. Set aside.

Cook Beef and Assemble Tacos

1Heat a grill pan or large skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the pan.
2Working in batches, cook the marinated beef for 1-2 minutes per side, until beautifully caramelized and cooked to your desired doneness. Do not overcrowd the pan.
3Warm the tortillas according to package instructions (on the grill, in a dry skillet, or microwave).
4Assemble the tacos: place a serving of kalbi beef into each warm tortilla. Top with a generous spoonful of kimchi slaw.
5Drizzle with gochujang crema, sprinkle with fresh cilantro, and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 301 kcal
Protein: 18 g
Fat: 15 g
Carbs: 25 g

Nutrient	Per serving
Calories	301 kcal
Protein	18 g
Fat	15 g
Carbs	25 g

Tips

Slice beef very thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness, which allows it to cook quickly.
Sear the beef in hot batches to ensure proper caramelization and avoid steaming the meat.
Warm tortillas are essential for good tacos; heat them just before serving for best results.