Name: Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Korean Fusion
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or pork; ½ cup breadcrumbs; 1 large egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for meatballs); ¼ cup gochujang; 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for sauce); 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for sauce); 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for sauce); 2 cups shredded cabbage; ½ cup shredded carrots; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (for slaw); 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for slaw); ¼ cup green onions, chopped; 8 small flour tortillas; 2 tablespoons sesame seeds; ¼ cup mayonnaise or sriracha mayo

Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos are a crave-worthy fusion of bold Korean flavors wrapped in soft tortillas. Juicy meatballs glazed in a sticky-sweet gochujang sauce nestle perfectly into warm tortillas alongside crisp cabbage slaw, a drizzle of creamy mayo, and a sprinkling of sesame seeds and scallions. It’s a mouthwatering mix of sweet, savory, and spicy with a crunch that keeps you coming back for more.

Whether you’re serving these up at your next family dinner, or looking to impress guests with a unique taco twist, these Korean BBQ meatball tacos deliver excitement in every bite. The balance of texture and flavor makes this dish both approachable and gourmet, perfect for casual weeknights or festive weekends.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make these Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos a breeze, having the right tools is key:

Mixing Bowls: For blending the meatball mixture and tossing the slaw.
Baking Sheet or Air Fryer: Bake or air fry the meatballs to keep them juicy with less oil.
Small Saucepan: For simmering and thickening the Korean BBQ glaze.

Whisk: To blend the sauce ingredients smoothly.
Tongs or Spatula: Ideal for flipping meatballs and assembling the tacos.
Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For slicing green onions and shredding cabbage.

Each of these tools ensures consistency, ease, and quality at every step—from shaping meatballs to drizzling sauces. If you’re equipped, you’re already halfway there to serving a sensational plate of fusion tacos.

Ingredients for the Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos

Each ingredient plays a special role in building the signature flavor and texture of these tacos:

Ground beef or pork: The base of the meatballs—rich, juicy, and protein-packed.

Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs while keeping them tender.
Egg: Essential for structure, ensuring the meatballs hold their shape.
Garlic & Ginger: Fresh aromatics that bring the bold Korean depth.

Soy sauce: For a salty, umami kick.
Gochujang: The heart of Korean BBQ flavor—a spicy, sweet, fermented chili paste.
Brown sugar or honey: Balances heat with sweetness.

Rice vinegar: Adds brightness to both the glaze and the slaw.
Sesame oil: Nutty and fragrant, perfect in the glaze and slaw dressing.
Green onions: A pop of freshness and color.

Cabbage & carrots: Crisp, crunchy base for a refreshing slaw.
Tortillas: Soft, warm carriers for all that flavor.
Sesame seeds: For garnish and texture.

Mayonnaise or sriracha mayo: Adds creaminess and heat on top.

How To Make the Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

Combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, ginger, and soy sauce in a large bowl. Mix until evenly combined, but avoid overworking to keep the meatballs tender.

Step 2: Form and Cook the Meatballs

Shape the mixture into bite-sized meatballs. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or into an air fryer basket. Bake at 400°F or air fry for 12-15 minutes until browned and cooked through.

Step 3: Make the Korean BBQ Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Simmer over medium heat until the mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Toss cooked meatballs in the sauce until well coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Slaw

Mix shredded cabbage, carrots, a splash of rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a bowl. Season with salt to taste. This slaw adds freshness and crunch.

Step 5: Build the Tacos

Warm tortillas and layer with slaw, 2-3 glazed meatballs, and a drizzle of mayo or sriracha mayo. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

How to Serve and Store Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos

These tacos are best enjoyed fresh, when the meatballs are hot and the slaw is crisp. Serve them immediately after assembling for maximum texture and flavor impact. Pair with a side of kimchi, pickled radish, or even a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.

For storing, keep each element separate:

Meatballs: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Slaw: Best fresh, but can be refrigerated for 1-2 days.
Sauce: Refrigerate any leftover glaze separately.
Tortillas: Wrap in foil or a zip bag to prevent drying out.

Reheat meatballs gently in the microwave or stovetop and assemble tacos just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy are these tacos?

That depends on the gochujang and whether you use sriracha mayo. You can adjust the heat by using less gochujang or skipping the spicy mayo for a milder version.

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the meatballs a day or two in advance and store them in the fridge. Just reheat and toss in the glaze before serving.

Are there vegetarian options?

Absolutely. Try using plant-based meatballs or roasted cauliflower tossed in the Korean BBQ glaze.

What kind of tortillas work best?

Small flour tortillas hold up well and let the flavors shine, but you can also use corn tortillas if you prefer a firmer texture.

Can I freeze the meatballs?

Definitely. Freeze cooked, unglazed meatballs in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat with fresh sauce.

How do I keep the slaw crunchy if prepping ahead?

Keep the dressing and veggies separate until just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Want More Fusion Dinner Ideas?

If these Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos got your mouth watering, don’t miss out on these other bold, flavorful meals from Life With Olivia:

Taco Ranch Bites for a fun appetizer twist.

Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes if you’re craving messy comfort food.
Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes for an oven-baked crowd-pleaser.
Soft and Fluffy Homemade Naan Bread to serve with your favorite Asian or Indian-style dishes.

Longhorn Parmesan Chicken for a crispy, cheesy main that always impresses.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Follow me on Pinterest @scherer29

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you spice it up more? Add your own twist with pickled veggies? I’d love to hear how you made it your own.

Your kitchen creativity is always welcome here. Let’s inspire each other one taco at a time!

Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 35 minutes

Yield: 8 tacos

Print Recipe

Description

A bold, flavor-packed twist on taco night featuring juicy Korean BBQ-glazed meatballs, tangy cabbage slaw, and creamy sriracha mayo, all wrapped in warm tortillas. Perfect for weeknights, parties, or anytime you crave something different.