Korean-style Tacos al Pastor

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. 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. 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. 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. 4.
   Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
5. 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. 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.