Korean Bbq Meatball Tacos

Short Description

Flavorful meatballs made with garlic, ginger, and Korean BBQ sauce, served in tortillas with crunchy slaw and spicy mayo—an addictive fusion taco perfect for weeknight dinners or casual feasts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy, perfectly seasoned meatballs with sticky Korean BBQ glaze
• Bright and crisp slaw contrasts rich meat in every bite
• Quick and simple: form, cook, and assemble in under 30 minutes
• Customizable with heat level and toppings to suit your taste

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 450 g ground beef
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 cup Korean BBQ sauce
• 8 small flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup gochujang mayo or spicy mayo

Directions

1. In a large bowl, gently mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil—just until combined.
2. Shape into meatballs about 1 to 1½ inches in diameter.
3. Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs in batches, rotating to brown on all sides and cook through—about 8 to 10 minutes total.
4. Lower heat, pour Korean BBQ sauce into the pan, and gently toss meatballs until coated. Let simmer a minute or two until sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
5. In a separate bowl, toss shredded cabbage and carrots. For extra flavor, you may add a splash of rice vinegar and a pinch of salt.
6. Warm flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
7. Assemble tacos: start with a small bed of slaw, place 2–3 meatballs, then top with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of gochujang or spicy mayo.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings And Timing

• Servings: Makes about 8 tacos (2–3 meatballs per taco)
• Prep Time: ~10 minutes
• Cook Time: ~10–12 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 22 minutes

Variations

• Substitute ground pork or ground chicken for lighter flavor
• Use corn tortillas or lettuce wraps for gluten-free or lower-carb options
• Mix sriracha or hot sauce into mayo for extra heat
• Add sliced radish, cucumber, or pickled onions for freshness
• Swap slaw mix for kimchi slaw to enhance Korean flavors
• Top with shredded cheese or chopped peanuts for added texture

Storage/Reheating

• Store leftover meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days
• Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through
• Slaw and tortillas are best assembled fresh; store separately to retain texture

FAQs

1. Can I bake the meatballs instead of pan-frying?

Yes—preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C), place meatballs on a parchment-lined sheet, bake for about 15–20 minutes, then toss with BBQ sauce.

2. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes—you can prepare meatballs and slaw in advance. Reheat meatballs and assemble tacos just before serving.

3. Is breadcrumb necessary in meatball mix?

Breadcrumbs help bind and lighten texture but may be omitted or replaced with oats or panko for different texture.

4. Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes—use less gochujang in the mayo or sauce for milder heat, or mix in more for spicier tacos.

5. What’s a good sauce alternative?

Try Korean gochujang sauce, hoisin sauce with garlic, or teriyaki glaze for variations.

6. Can I use pre-shredded slaw mix?

Absolutely—bagged coleslaw mix works well and saves time.

7. Are these gluten-free?

Not as written—use gluten-free soy sauce, breadcrumbs, tortillas, and BBQ sauce to adapt.

8. Do I need to make spicy mayo from scratch?

No—you can use store-bought spicy mayo or regular mayo with a swirl of gochujang.

9. Can I freeze meatballs?

Yes—cool completely, freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to 1 month, thaw overnight and reheat.

10. What side dishes pair well?

Serve with steamed rice, edamame, miso soup, or a crisp cucumber salad for a full meal.

Conclusion

Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos combine Korean-inspired meatballs with crunchy slaw and spicy mayo wrapped in soft tortillas for a fun, bold, and satisfying dish. Ideal for easy dinners or casual gatherings—flavorful, quick, and endlessly adaptable to your preferences.

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