Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos

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Fusion food lovers, get ready to meet your new obsession: Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos. This crave-worthy dish brings together sweet, savory, and spicy Korean-style meatballs nestled in warm tortillas and topped with fresh slaw and creamy gochujang sauce. It’s an exciting mix of flavors that turns every bite into a mini flavor explosion.

Perfect for weeknights or parties, these tacos are fun to eat and even more fun to make. Whether you’re a fan of street food or a home cook looking for something unique, Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos deliver bold tastes in a convenient handheld package.

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Why You’ll Love This Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos Recipe

This recipe is the perfect balance of ease and flavor. Juicy meatballs made with a soy-garlic base are baked until golden, then glazed with a sticky Korean BBQ sauce. The crunchy slaw adds brightness, while a creamy gochujang mayo drizzled on top brings the heat and richness. Every layer of these tacos is a flavor builder, making them incredibly satisfying.

If you’re looking to impress at a gathering or spice up Taco Tuesday, these Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos are a no-brainer.

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What Kind of Tortillas Should I Use?

For the best texture and flavor, go with soft flour tortillas. They’re pliable and hold the saucy meatballs and toppings without tearing. If you prefer a bolder bite, try lightly grilled corn tortillas for a bit of char and extra depth.

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Ingredients for the Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos

Each ingredient in this recipe brings its own bold personality, creating a symphony of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground beef – The base of the meatballs, rich and juicy, and perfect for absorbing all the Korean-style seasonings.
• Breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meatballs and keeps them tender.
• Egg – Acts as a binder to hold the meatball mixture together.
• Garlic and ginger – Classic Korean aromatics that infuse the meatballs with deep, warm flavor.
• Soy sauce – Adds saltiness and umami depth to both the meatballs and the BBQ glaze.
• Brown sugar – Sweetens the glaze, balancing the savory notes.
• Gochujang – A spicy Korean chili paste that gives the tacos their signature kick.
• Rice vinegar – Adds a tangy contrast that brightens up the sauce.
• Sesame oil – Toasty and nutty, it rounds out the meatball mixture.
• Flour tortillas – Soft and sturdy enough to wrap all the goodness.
• Coleslaw mix – Brings crunch and freshness.
• Mayonnaise – Creamy base for the gochujang sauce drizzle.

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How To Make the Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

Step 2: Form and Bake

Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes, or until fully cooked and golden on the outside.

Step 3: Glaze the Meatballs

In a small saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, gochujang, and rice vinegar. Simmer until thickened slightly. Toss the baked meatballs in the glaze until coated.

Step 4: Prep the Slaw and Sauce

Mix coleslaw with a splash of rice vinegar for a quick-pickled crunch. In a separate bowl, stir together mayonnaise and a spoonful of gochujang for a spicy drizzle.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Warm your tortillas, then layer with glazed meatballs, crunchy slaw, and a generous swirl of gochujang mayo. Top with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.

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Serving and Storing Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos

This recipe serves 4 people generously, making it ideal for a small dinner gathering or a flavor-packed family meal. Each taco is loaded with juicy meatballs, fresh slaw, and rich sauce, offering a fulfilling bite every time.

To store leftovers, separate the components to maintain texture. Store meatballs and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The slaw and tortillas should be kept separately and assembled fresh to avoid sogginess. Reheat meatballs in the microwave or on the stovetop and build your tacos when ready to eat.

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What to Serve With Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos?

Kimchi Fried Rice

A slightly spicy and tangy companion that complements the sweetness of the BBQ glaze.

Cucumber Salad

Refreshing and light, this side helps balance out the boldness of the tacos.

Sesame Edamame

Steamed edamame tossed in sesame oil and sea salt makes for a protein-packed snack.

Pickled Radish

Crunchy and vinegary, these cut through the richness of the meatballs.

Miso Soup

Warm and comforting, this soup adds a mellow counterpoint to the spicy gochujang.

Seaweed Salad

This umami-packed salad is an earthy contrast to the taco’s vibrant flavors.

Sweet Potato Fries

Crispy and sweet, they pair wonderfully with the savory and spicy notes of the tacos.

Mango Salsa

Adds a juicy, tropical freshness that works surprisingly well with Korean BBQ flavors.

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Want More Taco Ideas with a Twist?

If you’re loving the bold blend of Korean BBQ and handheld comfort food, check out these other flavorful options from NoraNosh:

• Taco Ranch Bites: A Flavor-Packed Mini Delight
• Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs
• Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells
• Buffalo Chicken Lasagna
• Avocado, Egg, and Chickpea Salad with Lemon and Herbs

These recipes bring creative flavor combos and crowd-pleasing textures, perfect for when you want to switch up your meal routine.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go extra spicy or keep it mild? Try it with pork or chicken instead of beef?

I love hearing your twists on my recipes. Share your tips and ideas—let’s inspire each other to cook creatively.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on NoraNosh Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

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