Description
If you’re looking for the ultimate fusion of bold flavor and easy weeknight comfort, these Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos are it. Juicy, savory meatballs glazed in a spicy-sweet gochujang sauce are nestled into warm tortillas and topped with a tangy cabbage slaw and creamy drizzle. It’s the perfect combination of textures and flavors, all wrapped up in one hand-held bite. Whether you’re after quick dinner ideas, a creative party food, or a new twist on taco night, this easy recipe brings together bold Korean BBQ flavor with fun street taco vibes—perfect for lunch, dinner, or your next big food idea. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef or pork (or chicken/turkey)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 large egg
2 tablespoons gochujang
1 tablespoon soy sauce (for glaze)
1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for glaze)
1 teaspoon sesame oil (for glaze)
2 cups shredded cabbage and carrots
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for slaw)
1 teaspoon sesame oil (for slaw)
8 small flour tortillas
2 tablespoons scallions, sliced
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
1/4 cup mayonnaise (optional for drizzle)
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine ground meat, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix gently until combined.
2. Roll into 1½-inch meatballs and place on a lined baking sheet.
3. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, until cooked through.
4. While baking, make the glaze: mix gochujang, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small saucepan and simmer 3–4 minutes until thickened.
5. Toss the cooked meatballs in the warm glaze until well coated.
6. For the slaw, mix cabbage and carrots with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt. Let sit for 5–10 minutes.
7. Warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave until soft.
8. Assemble each taco with slaw, 2–3 meatballs, optional mayo drizzle, scallions, and sesame seeds.
9. Serve immediately while warm and fresh.
Notes
Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized meatballs to ensure consistent cooking.
Double the glaze if you want extra sauce for drizzling or dipping.
For a lighter version, use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Korean BBQ meatball tacos, easy dinner, street tacos, Korean tacos, gochujang recipe