Recipe
Korean-style Tacos al Pastor
Bulgogi Tacos: A Fusion of Mexican and Korean Flavors
4.6 out of 5
In Korean cuisine, bold flavors and vibrant spices are celebrated. This adaptation of Tacos al Pastor combines the smoky and tangy elements of the original Mexican dish with the savory and umami-rich flavors of Korean bulgogi. The result is a mouthwatering fusion that will delight your taste buds.
Metadata
Preparation time
10 minutes
Cooking time
10 minutes
Total time
20 minutes
Yields
4 servings
Preparation difficulty
Easy
Suitable for
Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Nut-free, Low-carb, High-protein
Allergens
Soy
Not suitable for
Vegan, Vegetarian, Paleo, Keto, Halal
Ingredients
While the original Tacos al Pastor uses marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit, this Korean adaptation replaces the pork with thinly sliced beef marinated in a bulgogi sauce. The traditional pineapple is substituted with pickled radishes for a Korean twist. The flavors are further enhanced with the addition of Korean chili paste and kimchi. We alse have the original recipe for Tacos al pastor, so you can check it out.
-
500g (1.1 lb) thinly sliced beef 500g (1.1 lb) thinly sliced beef
-
1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
-
2 tablespoons (30ml) sesame oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) sesame oil
-
2 tablespoons (30ml) honey 2 tablespoons (30ml) honey
-
2 tablespoons (30ml) Korean chili paste (gochujang) 2 tablespoons (30ml) Korean chili paste (gochujang)
-
4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon grated ginger
-
1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
-
1/2 cup (120ml) water 1/2 cup (120ml) water
-
8 small tortillas 8 small tortillas
-
1 cup (235ml) kimchi 1 cup (235ml) kimchi
-
1 cup (235ml) pickled radishes 1 cup (235ml) pickled radishes
-
Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish
-
Lime wedges, for serving Lime wedges, for serving
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
- Fat: 12g (Saturated Fat: 3g)
- Carbohydrates: 30g (Sugars: 10g)
- Protein: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Salt: 2g
Preparation
-
1.In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, Korean chili paste, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and water. Mix well to make the bulgogi marinade.
-
2.Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for more flavor.
-
3.Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated beef for 2-3 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly caramelized.
-
4.Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
-
5.Assemble the tacos by placing a few slices of bulgogi beef on each tortilla. Top with kimchi, pickled radishes, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
-
6.Serve the Korean-style Tacos al Pastor immediately and enjoy!
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Beef — For the best results, use thinly sliced beef such as sirloin or ribeye. If you prefer a leaner option, flank steak works well too.
- Korean chili paste (gochujang) — Adjust the amount according to your spice preference. Add more for a spicier kick or reduce for a milder flavor.
- Kimchi — Look for traditional Korean kimchi at your local Asian grocery store. It adds a tangy and fermented element to the tacos.
- Pickled radishes — You can make your own pickled radishes by combining sliced radishes, rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes before using.
Tips & Tricks
- If you prefer a smokier flavor, you can grill the marinated beef instead of cooking it on a skillet.
- Customize your tacos by adding sliced avocado, shredded lettuce, or a drizzle of Korean barbecue sauce.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with marinated tofu or tempeh.
- If you can't find Korean chili paste, you can use a combination of sriracha and miso paste as a substitute.
- Serve the tacos with a side of steamed rice or Korean-style fried rice for a complete meal.
Serving advice
Serve the Korean-style Tacos al Pastor with a side of steamed rice or a fresh green salad. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for added freshness.
Presentation advice
Arrange the tacos on a platter, showcasing the vibrant colors of the bulgogi beef, kimchi, and pickled radishes. Sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for an extra touch of elegance.
More recipes...
For Tacos al pastor » Browse all
For Mexican cuisine » Browse all
More Mexican cuisine dishes » Browse all
Cucurucho
Cucurucho is a traditional Mexican dessert that is made with a crispy cone filled with sweet treats. It is a popular street food that is enjoyed...
Picadillo de papa
Potato Picadillo
Picadillo de papa is a traditional Cuban dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. It is a potato hash that is cooked with ground beef,...
Breakfast Tacos
Breakfast tacos are a popular Tex-Mex dish that consists of a soft tortilla filled with scrambled eggs, cheese, and various toppings.
More Korean cuisine dishes » Browse all
Doenjang jjigae
Soybean Paste Stew
Doenjang jjigae is a traditional Korean soup made with fermented soybean paste, vegetables, and meat or seafood. It is a staple in Korean cuisine...
Yukhoe
Korean Beef Tartare
Yukhoe is a traditional Korean dish that is made with raw beef. It is a delicate and flavorful dish that is perfect for those who love sushi and sashimi.
Saewoojeon
Shrimp Pancake
Saewoojeon is a popular Korean dish made with shrimp and vegetables. It is a savory and crispy pancake that is perfect as an appetizer or snack.