Name: Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Korean Fusion
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or pork; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup gochujang; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil (for glaze); 2 cups cabbage slaw mix; 1/4 cup green onions, sliced; 2 teaspoons sesame seeds; 8 small flour tortillas; 1/4 cup mayo + 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional drizzle)

Juicy, savory Korean BBQ meatballs wrapped in warm tortillas with crunchy slaw, creamy drizzle, and a spicy-sweet glaze – these tacos are a flavor explosion you won’t forget. Perfectly balanced between smoky and sweet, with a crisp freshness from the toppings, this recipe is a fun and satisfying fusion dish you’ll come back to often.

Whether you’re planning a dinner party, need a game day snack, or just want something bold for your weeknight meal, these Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos bring comfort and excitement to the table. You get all the punch of Korean flavors in an easy-to-eat, crowd-pleasing format.

Why You’ll Love This Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos

Flavor-packed: Sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy all come together in each bite.
Fun fusion: Classic taco comfort with a Korean BBQ twist.
Customizable: Choose your toppings, spice level, and meatball size.
Great for gatherings: Easy to prep and serve for groups.
Meal prep friendly: Meatballs can be made ahead and frozen.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you get started, make sure your kitchen is stocked with the right tools to keep the prep process smooth:

Mixing bowls: You’ll need one large for the meatball mixture and a smaller one for slaw.
Baking sheet or skillet: For baking or searing meatballs to golden perfection.
Tongs or spatula: Essential for flipping meatballs or transferring them from pan to taco.
Sharp knife and cutting board: To prep green onions, cabbage, and other fresh toppings.
Measuring spoons and cups: For exact seasoning and sauce balance.
Serving platter or taco holders: Makes it easy to assemble and serve beautifully.

Investing in these basic tools not only streamlines your process but ensures your tacos are picture-perfect every time.

Ingredients for the Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos

Each ingredient plays a vital role in building texture and bold flavors:

Ground beef or pork: A juicy and tender base for our meatballs.
Garlic and ginger: Key aromatics that bring a warm, authentic Korean base.
Soy sauce: Provides rich umami and depth.
Sesame oil: Adds nuttiness and authenticity to both meatballs and glaze.
Breadcrumbs and egg: Help bind the meatballs and give them a perfect bite.
Brown sugar: Balances the salty soy and adds a hint of sweetness.
Gochujang (Korean chili paste): Packs smoky heat into the glaze.
Rice vinegar: Brightens the glaze and adds a touch of acidity.
Cabbage slaw mix: Adds crunch and contrast to the tender meatballs.
Green onions and sesame seeds: For garnish, texture, and visual pop.
Flour tortillas: Soft vessels that wrap everything up in delicious harmony.
Optional drizzle (mayo + sriracha mix): A creamy-spicy topping that ties it all together.

How To Make the Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos

Step 1: Form the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, breadcrumbs, and egg. Mix until just combined, then form into 1-inch meatballs.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

Pan-sear the meatballs in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat until browned on all sides. Alternatively, bake them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.

Step 3: Make the Glaze

In a small saucepan, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Toss the cooked meatballs in the glaze until evenly coated.

Step 4: Prep the Slaw

In a bowl, toss shredded cabbage with a splash of rice vinegar and a pinch of salt for a quick-pickled crunch.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Warm the tortillas, then layer with cabbage slaw, 2-3 glazed meatballs, a drizzle of spicy mayo (if using), and a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds.

Serving and Storing Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos

Serve these Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos fresh and warm for the best experience. The vibrant slaw and saucy meatballs taste best when assembled just before eating, so the tortillas stay soft and the textures remain distinct.

To store leftovers, keep the components separate:

Store cooked and glazed meatballs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Slaw should be kept dry and only lightly dressed, to prevent sogginess.
Warm tortillas as needed when you’re ready to eat.

You can freeze cooked (unglazed) meatballs for up to 2 months and reheat them in the glaze before assembling tacos.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy are these tacos?

It depends on how much gochujang and spicy mayo you use. Gochujang has a mild-to-medium heat level, so you can adjust the quantity or use a milder chili sauce if preferred.

Can I use a different protein?

Yes! Ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat substitutes all work well. Just ensure your mix holds together when forming meatballs.

Are these good for meal prep?

Absolutely. Make the meatballs and sauce ahead of time, store separately, and reheat when ready to eat. Assemble tacos fresh for best texture.

What kind of tortillas should I use?

Small flour tortillas are ideal for their flexibility and softness, but you can also use corn tortillas or lettuce wraps for a gluten-free option.

Can I make these in the oven instead of the skillet?

Yes! Baking the meatballs is a hands-off option that still yields juicy results. Just make sure they reach 165°F internally.

What pairs well with these tacos?

Try serving them with jasmine rice, kimchi, or a light cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.

Want More Taco Ideas with a Twist?

If these Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos hit the spot, you’ll love these other creative takes on taco night:

Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for a melty, garlicky handheld favorite.
Chicken Street Tacos packed with zesty seasoning and classic toppings.
Bang Bang Chicken Recipe that brings crispy texture and bold sauce flavors.
Spicy Ranch Taco Dip for a party-ready shareable option.
Golden Crispy Chicken with Parmesan Mushroom Sauce if you’re in the mood to swap tacos for a creamy comfort meal.