Korean BBQ Carnitas Tacos: A Fusion Twist Packed with Flavor
Carnitas and Korean BBQ will make your taste buds dance if you enjoy tacos and have a liking for strong flavors. Korean BBQ Carnitas Tacos are a delicious combination of Korean and Mexican food. The smokey, savory-sweet aromas of Korean BBQ are combined with the rich, tender carnitas (pulled pork that is slow-cooked) to create a delectably original take on the traditional taco. These tacos will add flair to any meal, whether you’re preparing for a large group of people, throwing a taco night, or simply trying something different.
Korean BBQ Carnitas Tacos: What Are They?
Mexican carnitas and Korean BBQ are two classic recipes that are combined in Korean BBQ Carnitas Tacos. A classic Mexican meal called carnitas is prepared by slow-cooking pork until it is juicy, tender, and shreds easily. Typically, a blend of spices, herbs, and citrus is used to prepare it, giving it a savory and somewhat tart taste.
This fusion version marinates and cooks the carnitas in a Korean BBQ-style sauce made with garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, and gochujang (Korean chili paste). The pork’s inherent richness is exquisitely complemented by the sweet, spicy, and umami-rich flavor profile that this marinade adds. The end product is a taco that blends the robust, savory flavors of Korean BBQ with the succulent, juicy pork of carnitas.
Items You’ll Require
Regarding the Carnitas:
pig shoulder, also known as pig butt, is a cut that is perfect for slow cooking because it contains a significant quantity of fat that melts while cooking, giving the pork a delicious and tender texture.
- Garlic: Minced garlic gives the marinade a strong, fragrant foundation.
Ginger: The pork gains a zesty note and warmth from the fresh ginger.
The marinade gains umami and saltiness from the addition of soy sauce.
A staple of Korean barbecue, gochujang (Korean chili paste) is a thick, fiery paste that adds a hint of sweetness and heat.
Rice vinegar: Adds a little acidity to balance the pork’s richness.
Sesame oil: A tiny bit of sesame oil gives a rich, nutty flavor.
A hint of sweetness to balance the savory components is provided by brown sugar or honey.
Lime juice: The flavors will be enhanced and a cool citrus burst will be added with fresh lime juice.
Regarding the Tacos: Tortillas:
These tacos are best served with flour or soft corn tortillas. While flour tortillas offer a little more softness and flexibility, corn tortillas add a genuine Mexican flair.
A delightful contrast to the meaty carnitas is the acidic crispness that pickled onions add.
A fermented Korean side dish made from cabbage and radishes, kimchi (optional)** gives the tacos a burst of flavor and spiciness.
- Cilantro: The fresh herbaceous flavor and vibrant color of the cilantro counterbalance the pork’s richness.
Sriracha mayo is a spicy and creamy mayonnaise sauce that unifies all the flavors with its heat and creamy texture. - Lime wedges: For a cool citrus twist, serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over them.
How to Prepare Carnitas Tacos with Korean BBQ
First, make the marinade for the carnitas.
Make the marinade for the pork first. Soy sauce, gochujang, sesame oil, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, brown sugar (or honey), and lime juice should all be combined in a big bowl. Mix with a whisk until the marinade is fully blended and the sugar dissolves. Sesame oil and rice vinegar balance the flavors, while the gochujang will add heat and a rich, delicious depth.
Step 2: Let the pork marinate
To make cooking and marinating the pork shoulder easier, cut it into large parts. Make sure all of the pork is coated equally by placing it in the bowl with the marinade. Let the pork marinate in the fridge for at least an hour, or better yet, overnight, with the bowl covered. The pork will absorb more of the flavors of the Korean BBQ marinade the longer it marinates.
Step 3: Cook the carnetas slowly
There are several ways you can prepare the carnitas:
The marinated pork should be cooked on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until it is fall-apart tender, using a slow cooker. If you’re pressed for time, you can alternatively cook it on high for three to four hours.
The oven should be preheated to 300°F (150°C). After putting the marinade and pork in a Dutch oven or roasting pan, cover with foil and bake for 3–4 hours, or until the pork is soft and shreds easily.
- Stovetop: Brown the pork on all sides in a big pot with a little oil heated to medium heat. After that, add enough water to cover the pork and the marinade, bring to a simmer, and cover. The pork should be soft and shred readily with a fork after two to three hours of cooking on low.
To keep the pork moist and flavorful, shred it with two forks after it has finished cooking, combining it with the tasty juices that are still in the pot.
Warm the tortillas in step four.
Warm up your tortillas while the carnitas are cooking. Each tortilla should be lightly toasted for 30 seconds on each side, or until warm and slightly charred, in a dry skillet heated to medium heat. This will improve the tortillas’ flavor and make them more malleable.
Step 5: Put the Tacos Together
To begin assembling your tacos, top each heated tortilla with a heaping helping of shredded Korean BBQ carnitas. Add a spoonful of kimchi (if using) for more flavor and pickled onions on top for a tart crunch. For a creamy and spicy boost, drizzle some sriracha mayo on top.
Add some fresh cilantro and lime juice as garnish. The lime will balance the flavor by adding a citrus freshness that cuts through the pork’s richness.
Step 6: Enjoy and Serve
While the carnitas are still hot and juicy, serve the tacos right away. These tacos make a fun twist on your usual taco night or are ideal for a laid-back meal or taco bar for visitors. To finish the dinner, you can serve them with grilled veggies, a simple cucumber salad, or a side of rice.
The Reasons Korean BBQ Carnitas Tacos Will Win Your Heart
The mix of spicy-sweet Korean BBQ spices and deep, savory carnitas results in a flavorful fusion that is impossible to resist. While the sesame oil, ginger, and garlic give the pork a depth of flavor that’s difficult to match, the gochujang adds heat.
Juicy, Tender Pork: Pork that is slow-cooked is guaranteed to be flavorful, juicy, and tender. As it cooks, the marinade seeps into the meat, giving it a mouthwatering flavor.
The tacos include a delightful combination of textures, including crispy pickled onions, creamy sriracha mayo, tender, savory pork, and the crisp, fresh brightness of cilantro. It has a wonderful harmony of freshness, acidity, creaminess, and fire.
You may easily alter these tacos to suit your preferences. Do you want more heat? Increase the amount of Sriracha. Not a fan of kimchi? Don’t do it. These tacos can be customized with a variety of toppings.
Perfect for Any Event: These Korean BBQ carnitas tacos will wow your guests or sate your hunger whether you’re throwing a dinner party or just searching for a tasty evening supper.
Concluding Remarks
The ideal fusion dish that combines the greatest elements of Mexican and Korean cuisine is Korean BBQ Carnitas Tacos. The crunchy toppings provide a cool contrast, and the juicy, tender pork melds well with the spicy-sweet marinade. These tacos are a fantastic complement to any taco night or informal get-together since they are robust, tasty, and simple to prepare. Try them, and you’ll have a new favorite taco recipe that will make people want more!
