Introduction

These Flavorful Korean Beef Tacos with Gochujang Slaw bring a delicious fusion of tender, slow-cooked beef and a spicy, tangy slaw. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, they’re easy to prepare in a crockpot and full of vibrant Korean-inspired flavors.

Two soft white tortillas are filled with green leafy lettuce as the base layer, topped with thin bright orange shredded carrots and crisp purple shredded cabbage. On top of these colorful vegetables sits a generous layer of glossy brown cooked meat pieces with a shiny sauce coating. The tacos rest on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface, with a gray knitted cloth and a white ceramic container in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 pounds beef chuck roast, trimmed
1/3 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1/4 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon gochujang
2 cups shredded cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
2 green onions, sliced thin
1 tablespoon gochujang
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Small flour or corn tortillas
Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Sliced jalapeños (optional, for extra heat)
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Trim any excess fat from the beef chuck roast and place the roast in the crockpot.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, beef broth, and gochujang. Pour this mixture over the beef in the crockpot.
Step 3: Set the crockpot to low and cook for 8 hours, or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is tender and easily shredded.
Step 4: While the beef cooks, prepare the slaw by whisking together gochujang, mayonnaise, rice vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Step 5: Add shredded cabbage, carrots, and thinly sliced green onions to the bowl and toss until evenly coated. Refrigerate the slaw until ready to serve.
Step 6: Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred with two forks. Return the shredded beef to the crockpot to soak up the juices.
Step 7: Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
Step 8: Assemble the tacos by layering shredded beef, gochujang slaw, and optional toppings like fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and sesame seeds.
Step 9: Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Korean beef tacos.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, marinate the beef overnight before cooking.
Substitute gochujang with sriracha for a different kind of heat.
Use napa cabbage instead of regular cabbage for a milder slaw.
Add a squeeze of lime to the slaw for a fresh citrus twist.
Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.

Storage

Store leftover beef and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the beef gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of beef broth to keep it moist. The slaw is best served cold and can be enjoyed straight from the fridge.

How to Serve

Three tacos are arranged side by side inside a round metal basket lined with white paper. Each taco has a slightly charred soft corn tortilla filled with shredded dark brown meat at the bottom. On top of the meat, there is a colorful mix of thinly sliced vegetables including orange carrots, purple cabbage, and light green cabbage, creating a fresh and vibrant texture. To the side of the tacos, there are bright green lime wedges and a sprig of fresh cilantro. The basket is placed on a gray fabric, with a glass of light orange juice and a small white bowl with lime wedges blurred in the background, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without a crockpot?

Yes, you can braise the beef in a covered pot in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 3-4 hours until tender. Keep it moist by adding broth during cooking.

Is gochujang very spicy?

Gochujang has a moderate heat level with a sweet and savory flavor. You can adjust the amount to your taste or substitute with a milder chili paste if preferred.