beef bulgogi taco with gochujang spicy mayo

Bulgogi Beef Tacos

Marinated beef with crunchy pickled vegetables and spicy mayo.

Makes 6–8 tacos (serves 3–4)

Time: 1 hr

Ethan ChlebowskiBy Ethan Chlebowski
Photography by Ethan Chlebowski

Each component can be prepped ahead and assembled when you’re ready to eat.

Ethan Chlebowski

Ethan Chlebowski

CREATOR

Ingredients

  • Marinated beef

    • flat iron steak
      , thinly sliced
      ~700 g~1.5 lb
    • salt
      3 g
    • soy sauce
      15 g
    • honey
      15 g
    • sesame oil
      5 g
    • asian pear
      , grated
      1/2
    • shallots
      , grated
      1
    • scallions
      , sliced
      4
    • water
      a splash
    • neutral oil
      for searing
  • Pickled vegetables

    • green cabbage
      , thinly sliced
      1/4
    • carrots
      , julienned
      1
    • fresh ginger
      , minced
      1" knob
    • cilantro
      a handful
    • rice vinegar
      50 g
    • sugar
      10 g
    • salt
      4 g
    • msg
      2 g
  • Gochujang mayo

    • kewpie mayo
      60 g1 part
    • gochujang
      60 g1 part
    • rice vinegar
      15 g1/4 part
  • Tortillas for serving

    • corn tortillas
      6-10

Method

Step 1: Shave & marinate the beef

Using a sharp knife, thinly slice the steak across the grain into shaving-like pieces.

Add the beef to a bowl along with salt, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, grated pear, grated shallot, sliced green onions, and a splash of water. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.

Cover and refrigerate to for 30–60 minutes or until ready to cook.

Step 2: Pickle the vegetables

Thinly slice the cabbage into fine strips. Cut the carrot into planks, then julienne into matchsticks. Finely mince the ginger and roughly chop the cilantro.

  • Add everything to a bowl along with salt, MSG, sugar, and rice vinegar.

Mix thoroughly, then cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to use it (can be used immediately, but it will and get better over time).

Step 3: Mix the gochujang mayo

In a bowl, combine the mayo, gochujang, and rice vinegar. Mix until smooth. Taste and adjust if needed.

Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 4: Sear the beef

Heat a stainless steel pan over high heat.

Add a drizzle of oil and the marinated beef, and spread it out in the pan. Let it cook & , stirring occasionally, until the liquid and the beef develops some .

Cook for about 5–6 minutes total, breaking up the pieces as they cook.

  • Avoid overcrowding if possible. If needed, cook in batches for better browning.

Remove from heat once fully cooked. The beef can be used immediately, or made ahead of time and reheated.

Step 5: Assemble the tacos

Warm the tortillas.

Add a portion of warm beef to each tortilla, followed by a drizzle of gochujang mayo.

Top with pickled vegetables & enjoy.

LET'S COOK!

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