Kogi Korean BBQ Taco Recipe: A Tasty Blend of Mexican and Korean Foods
The best aspects of two different culinary traditions can now be combined in a tasty and fascinating way with food fusion. The Kogi Korean BBQ taco is a well-known fusion that has swept the culinary globe. This meal, which comes from the well-known Los Angeles food truck Kogi BBQ, masterfully combines the flavorful Korean BBQ with the portable convenience of a Mexican taco. The end product is a taco that combines savory, spicy, sweet, and smoky flavors, adding a delicious touch to Mexican and Korean cooking.
We’ll show you how to prepare the famous Kogi Korean BBQ taco at home in this blog. This taco will take your taco night to the next level thanks to its marinated, tender Korean BBQ beef, a variety of fresh toppings, and a hint of smokey Korean gochujang sauce.
Kogi Korean BBQ Taco Ingredients
To make the marinade: 1 pound (450 grams) of short ribs of beef (or thinly sliced flank steak)
A quarter spoonful of soy sauce– 2 teaspoons brown sugar – 2 tablespoons sesame oil – – One tablespoon of rice vinegarTwo teaspoons of minced garlic, two tablespoons of minced ginger, and two tablespoons of gochujang (Paste for Korean chili)
An additional tablespoon of sesame seedsOne tablespoon of chopped green onions**One teaspoon of black pepper*One spoonful of mirin (Sweetheart optional)
Corn or flour tortillas (small size, preferably 4-6 inches) are needed for the taco assembly.
Fresh cilantro is used as a garnish.
Slices of red onions (fresh or pickled)
Shredded cabbage (for added taste, try Korean-style kimchi)
Avocado slices – Wedges of lime – Hot sauce (optional, for more heat)
Korean-style gochujang mayo (not required, but strongly advised)
Detailed Recipe for Kogi Korean Barbecue Tacos
First, get the beef ready.
The main ingredient in the Kogi Korean BBQ taco, the beef, should be prepared first. Make careful to thinly slice the beef short ribs if using them, or substitute flank steak. Thin slices will give you that smokey charred flavor by allowing the marinade to cook rapidly on the grill and penetrating deeply.
Mix the marinade: soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, gochujang, sesame seeds, green onions, black pepper, and mirin (if using) should all be blended together in a bowl. Make sure everything is fully blended and the sugar dissolves by giving it a good stir.
- Marinate the meat: Put the cut beef in a shallow dish or resealable bag. Make sure the steak is thoroughly coated by pouring the marinade over it. To allow the flavors to fully develop, cover the dish or seal the bag and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but ideally overnight.
Step 2: Cook the Beef or Grill It
It’s time to fry the beef after it has marinated. A grill or griddle is used in the traditional Kogi taco, giving the meat a smokey sear. You may also use a cast-iron skillet or griddle pan on the stovetop if you don’t have access to a grill.
To begin, preheat your cast-iron skillet or grill by heating it over medium-high heat. Make sure the grill is well-oiled if you plan to use one. To avoid sticking, lightly oil the skillet if you’re using one.
The marinated beef slices should be placed on a skillet or grill to begin cooking. Cook until the meat is caramelized and browned, with some crispy edges, about 2-3 minutes per side. For a genuine smoky flavor, the beef should be slightly browned but yet soft.
After cooking, take the beef off the fire and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into smaller pieces. This keeps the meat soft and helps preserve its juices.
Prepare the toppings in Step 3
Make the taco toppings while the steak cooks. The flavorful, smokey beef will go well with these crisp, fresh ingredients.
- Shred the cabbage: Use premade coleslaw for convenience, or thinly slice the cabbage for a crunchy texture. For an added taste boost, try using kimchi if you’re feeling daring.
- Pickle the onions (optional): If you want your onions pickled, thinly slice red onions and marinate them for approximately 10-15 minutes in a mixture of rice vinegar, a pinch of salt, and a little sugar. The juicy beef is enhanced by the sour bite of this fast pickle.
- Get the avocado and cilantro ready: Slice a avocado and chop some fresh cilantro for a creamy, fresh garnish. The tacos will come with lime wedges to squeeze over them.
- Gochujang mayo (optional): Whisk together mayonnaise, a squeeze of lime juice, a dab of sesame oil, and a tiny bit of gochujang to create the creamy, spicy sauce. Mix thoroughly until smooth. This sauce gives your tacos an additional layer of flavor and spiciness.
Step 4: Put the Kogi Korean BBQ Tacos Together
It’s time to put the tacos together now that every ingredient is prepared.
- Warm the tortillas : For approximately 30 seconds on each side, lightly cook the corn or flour tortillas on a skillet or on a grill. This will improve their flavor and make them more malleable.
- Put the tacos together: Place a couple pieces of the grilled steak on a platter with the warmed tortilla. Add a big amount of fresh cilantro, a couple of slices of avocado for creaminess, and a handful of shredded cabbage or kimchi for crunch. Add a dab of gochujang mayo (optional) and pickled red onions to finish.
- Serve with lime wedges To enhance the tastes of the taco, squeeze some fresh lime juice over it and serve with additional lime wedges on the side. You can also add some hot sauce or sriracha if you enjoy a little spiciness.
Guidelines for the Ideal Korean BBQ Taco from Kogi
- Make use of premium beef: Your taco will taste better if the beef is of higher quality. Choose short ribs or flank steak for optimal results. To get the most tenderness out of flank steak, cut it against the grain.
- Balance the tastes: The harmonious combination of savory, spicy, and sweet ingredients is what makes Korean BBQ tacos so delicious. Adapt the marinade’s gochujang and sugar amounts to your preferred level of sweetness and heat.
- Make sure to include the pickled onions: The crisp, acidic pickled onions are a crucial ingredient that enhances the beef’s deep tastes. Fresh red onions can be used in its place if you don’t like pickled onions, but the pickle adds a level of complexity.
- Create it your own: Fusion cuisine is incredibly versatile. Feel free to add your preferred toppings to your taco. You could even add grilled pineapple for a tropical twist or cheese for a creamy texture.
Conclusion
The finest of both worlds are combined in Kogi Korean BBQ tacos, a fusion masterpiece that blends fresh, spicy Mexican tacos with deep, smoky Korean BBQ. Every bite of these tacos, which have perfectly grilled marinated beef, crunchy slaw, creamy avocado, and tart pickled onions, is a taste explosion. These tacos are ideal for a celebration or a weeknight meal, and they will please your palate and wow your guests. Savor this wonderful blend of Mexican and Korean tastes by preparing them at home now!