What happens when Korean BBQ meets Mexican flavors in one amazing dish? These homemade meatball tacos are a quick and easy weeknight dinner solution, featuring tender beef and crispy kimchi. Save this idea for your next family favorite meal.

korean bbq meatball tacos on a plate

Introduction

Imagine a dish that combines the spicy, sweet flavors of Korean BBQ with the comfort and versatility of tacos, all in one stunning presentation. Korean BBQ meatball tacos on a plate are not just a meal; they’re an experience. This creative fusion dish is surprisingly easy to make, requiring everyday ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance of flavors, textures, and temperatures, all of which come together to create a truly impressive and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to special events.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of Korean chili flakes (gochugaru), soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger creates a deep, complex flavor profile that’s both spicy and sweet, while using ingredients that are readily available in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its sophisticated flavor, this dish is relatively simple to prepare. The meatballs can be made ahead of time, and the taco components can be quickly assembled just before serving.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The presentation of this dish, with its vibrant colors and varied textures, makes it look like it took hours to prepare, even though it can be ready in under 30 minutes.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients in this recipe include ground meat (beef, pork, or a combination of the two), Korean chili flakes (gochugaru), soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, tortillas, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and any other desired taco toppings. For the BBQ sauce, you’ll need gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Practical substitutions can be made for some ingredients; for example, if you can’t find gochugaru, you can use a combination of regular chili flakes and a bit of smoked paprika to approximate the flavor.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by prepping your ingredients. Finely chop the garlic and ginger, and mix them with the ground meat, Korean chili flakes, soy sauce, and brown sugar in a large bowl until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. You should end up with around 20-25 meatballs.
2. Step 2: Cook the meatballs. You can do this by baking them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or by frying them in a little oil on the stovetop until browned on all sides and cooked through. While the meatballs are cooking, prepare the BBQ sauce by whisking all the sauce ingredients together in a small saucepan and bringing them to a simmer over medium heat. Let the sauce cook for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
3. Step 3: Once the meatballs are done, toss them in the BBQ sauce to coat. Warm your tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds. Assemble the tacos by placing a few meatballs onto a tortilla, followed by your desired toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and a drizzle of any remaining BBQ sauce.
4. Step 4: For the final touches, consider adding some crunchy elements like toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top of your tacos. Serve immediately and enjoy the combination of flavors and textures.

Handy Tips

• To avoid the meatballs becoming too dense, don’t overmix the meat mixture, and make sure to cook them until they’re just done. Overcooking can make them dry and less flavorful.
• For an extra crispy exterior on your meatballs, you can chill them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them hold their shape better and develop a crisper outside when cooked.
• Experiment with different types of cheese and toppings to find your favorite combinations. Some other ideas include diced kimchi for an extra spicy kick, sliced radishes for crunch, or a sprinkle of cilantro for freshness.

Heat Control

When cooking the meatballs, especially if frying, it’s crucial to control the heat to prevent burning. Ideally, you want the oil to be hot enough to sear the meatballs immediately they touch the pan, but not so hot that they burn before cooking through. If baking, ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature to cook the meatballs evenly and prevent them from drying out.

Crunch Factor

Achieving the right texture, particularly a satisfying crunch, can elevate this dish. Consider adding crunchy elements like toasted nuts, crispy garlic, or pickled vegetables to your tacos. For the meatballs themselves, a light dusting of panko breadcrumbs before cooking can add a pleasant crunch to the exterior.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a cookie scoop or a small ice cream scoop to portion out the meat mixture. This helps in making uniformly sized meatballs, which cook more evenly.
• For easier cleanup, line your baking sheet with parchment paper before baking the meatballs. If frying, use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the safe cooking temperature.
• Prepare components ahead of time. The BBQ sauce can be made a day in advance, and the meatballs can be formed and refrigerated or frozen until ready to cook.

Storage Tips

• Leftover meatballs can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• BBQ sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Give it a good stir before using.
• For freezing, place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put it in the freezer until they’re frozen solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for storage. Cook frozen meatballs in the oven or on the stovetop, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting this dish, perhaps for a potluck or as a unique offering, you can package the components separately. Place the cooked, cooled meatballs in airtight containers, and pack the tortillas, toppings, and BBQ sauce in separate bags or containers. Include a card with assembly instructions and suggestions for additional toppings. For a more rustic presentation, use paper bags or wrap the items in parchment paper and twine.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Experiment with adding cumin for a smokier flavor, smoked paprika for depth, or a bit of cinnamon for warmth.
• Creative toppings: Consider adding sliced avocado for creaminess, sour cream or Greek yogurt for a cooling contrast, or pickled onions for a tangy kick.
• Ingredient swaps: Use different types of ground meat, such as turkey or lamb, for a change of pace. You can also substitute the BBQ sauce with a homemade or store-bought alternative, like teriyaki sauce for a sweeter take.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your meatballs turn out too dense, it might be due to overmixing. Try to mix the ingredients just until they come together, and don’t overwork the meat.
• Ingredient replacements: If you can’t find a specific ingredient, like gochujang, look for substitutes online or in Asian grocery stores. Sometimes, a combination of more common ingredients can mimic the flavor of a harder-to-find item.
• Over/undercooking signs: Meatballs are done when they’re cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). If they’re overcooked, they might be dry and less flavorful. Adjust your cooking time and method as needed to achieve the perfect doneness.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the meatballs before or after cooking. If freezing before cooking, simply place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Cook frozen meatballs with a bit more time than fresh ones.
• Is it gluten-free? This recipe can be gluten-free depending on the ingredients you choose. Ensure that your soy sauce and BBQ sauce are gluten-free, and be mindful of any gluten-containing ingredients in your toppings.
• Can I double the recipe? Absolutely. Simply double all the ingredients and proceed with the recipe as instructed. Keep in mind that cooking time might be slightly longer for larger batches of meatballs.

Conclusion

Korean BBQ meatball tacos on a plate offer a unique and exciting twist on traditional tacos, combining the bold, spicy flavors of Korean BBQ with the comfort and flexibility of a taco. This recipe is perfect for those looking to spice up their meal routine with something new and impressive. With its ease of preparation, accessibility of ingredients, and potential for customization, it’s a dish that can be enjoyed by anyone. Feel free to experiment with different toppings and ingredients to make it your own, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with friends and family. Happy cooking!