Korean BBQ Beef Tacos Kimchi (Printable)

Bulgogi-style beef and kimchi create a flavorful taco fusion with fresh toppings and zesty lime.

# What You Need:

→ Beef & Marinade

01 - 1 pound flank steak or ribeye, thinly sliced across the grain
02 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
03 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
04 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
05 - 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
08 - 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
09 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced

→ Tacos & Toppings

11 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas, warmed
12 - 1 cup napa cabbage kimchi, chopped and well-drained
13 - 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
14 - 1 small carrot, julienned
15 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
16 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
17 - 1 lime, cut into wedges

→ Optional Sauce

18 - 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
19 - 1 tablespoon Sriracha or gochujang
20 - 1 teaspoon lime juice

# How to Make It:

01 - In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, gochujang, and black pepper. Add the sliced beef and green onions, tossing to ensure thorough coating. Allow the beef to marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more robust flavor.
02 - Heat a large skillet or grill pan over high heat. Arrange the marinated beef in a single layer. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until browned and just cooked through. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
03 - Briefly heat tortillas in a dry skillet or wrap in foil and warm in a low oven until soft and pliable.
04 - Layer shredded lettuce or cabbage onto each warmed tortilla. Top each with cooked beef, kimchi, julienned carrot, cilantro leaves, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
05 - Mix together mayonnaise, Sriracha or gochujang, and lime juice until smooth. Drizzle this sauce over the assembled tacos for added flavor.
06 - Present tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over each portion.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Easy enough for a weeknight uses reliable supermarket ingredients
  • Ready in under 45 minutes
  • Customize the toppings so everyone gets their favorite textures
  • Layered flavors—savory, sweet and a punch of heat
02 -
  • Rich in protein from beef
  • Dairy-free if you skip mayo in the sauce
  • Kimchi packs probiotic benefits
  • The toasted sesame seeds are my secret finishing touch. Their nutty flavor brings everything together and I still remember my uncle sneaking extra seeds onto his tacos when he visited. This dish always gets conversations going about favorite taco fillings at family dinners.
03 -
  • Cut beef thin and across the grain for buttery texture
  • Use a super hot pan to get caramelized beef edges
  • Drain kimchi well before topping—wet kimchi makes tacos soggy
  • Do not skip sesame seeds even a small sprinkle adds tons of flavor

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