Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos
🥢 RECIPE
Ingredients:
(For the Chicken)
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Slaw:
- 2 cups shredded napa cabbage (or regular cabbage)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt to taste
Other:
- Small corn or flour tortillas
- Optional toppings: sliced green onions, sesame seeds, cilantro, lime wedges, sriracha mayo
Instructions:
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and gochujang.
- Add chicken and coat well. Marinate at least 30 minutes (overnight for more flavor).
Prepare the Slaw:
- Combine cabbage, carrots, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
- Toss and chill while chicken cooks.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Sear marinated chicken for about 6–8 minutes per side until cooked and slightly charred.
- Let rest, then slice or shred.
Assemble the Tacos:
Warm tortillas.
Add sliced chicken, a scoop of slaw, and your desired toppings.
📜 HISTORY & ORIGIN
Origin: Korean-Mexican Fusion
Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos are a product of fusion cuisine, blending Korean flavors (like gochujang and soy-marinated meats) with the Mexican taco format.
The trend was popularized in Los Angeles around 2008, when chef Roy Choi launched the Kogi BBQ food truck. It was one of the first major viral food truck sensations, serving Korean-style tacos to a multicultural crowd. The movement mixed bold Korean flavors with street food accessibility, creating a new fusion trend in American cuisine.
Read More: Chicken pizza recipe
❓ QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
1. Q: What is gochujang and why is it important in this recipe?
A: Gochujang is a fermented Korean chili paste made from red chili, glutinous rice, soybeans, and salt. It adds a spicy, sweet, and umami depth to the chicken marinade — key to achieving authentic Korean flavor.
2. Q: Can I make Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos vegetarian?
A: Yes! You can substitute the chicken with grilled tofu, mushrooms, or seitan. Use the same marinade and cooking method for flavor.
3. Q: What makes Korean BBQ different from American BBQ?
A: Korean BBQ emphasizes thin-sliced, marinated meats cooked quickly over a grill, often with sweet, spicy, and fermented flavors. American BBQ focuses on low-and-slow cooking, often with smoky, tangy sauces.
4. Q: Are Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos traditional Korean food?
A: No. They are a fusion creation, combining Korean and Mexican culinary elements. While they use traditional Korean ingredients, the taco format is not traditional in Korea.
5. Q: What sides go well with Korean BBQ Chicken Tacos?
A: Try Korean-style sides like kimchi, pickled daikon, or steamed rice. Mexican-style sides like elote (street corn) or guacamole also pair well for a fusion meal.
