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Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos

Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos

These Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos bring bold, fusion flavors to taco night. Tender meatballs glazed in a sticky Korean BBQ sauce are tucked into warm tortillas and topped with fresh, crunchy slaw, cilantro, and sesame seeds. Perfect for weeknights, parties, or game day!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, lunch, Main Course, Party Food
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Korean Fusion, Mexican Fusion
Calories: 370
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:
  • 1 lb 450 g ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • ½ tsp chili flakes optional
For the Korean BBQ Glaze:
  • ⅓ cup soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tbsp gochujang Korean chili paste
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
For the Tacos:
  • 8 small tortillas flour or corn
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage or slaw mix
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
  • Optional: kimchi pickled cucumbers, or spicy mayo

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili flakes. Roll into small meatballs and place on a lined baking sheet.
  2. Bake 15–18 minutes or pan-fry until cooked through and golden.
  3. In a saucepan, whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, gochujang, and rice vinegar. Simmer until glossy, then stir in sesame oil.
  4. Toss cooked meatballs in glaze until evenly coated.
  5. Warm tortillas and fill each with 2–3 meatballs. Top with slaw, cilantro, sesame seeds, and optional toppings. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use 80/20 beef or pork for juicy meatballs.
  • For less spice, reduce gochujang. For more heat, add Sriracha.
  • Make ahead: cook meatballs, refrigerate, and glaze before serving.
  • Turn into rice bowls by serving over steamed rice with toppings.

Topping Ideas:

  • Kimchi for tangy crunch
  • Spicy mayo drizzle
  • Quick-pickled cucumbers or radish
  • Extra sesame seeds & fresh herbs