Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos

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These Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos are the kind of fusion food that instantly wins hearts at the dinner table. Think juicy meatballs tossed in a sticky-sweet gochujang glaze, tucked into warm tortillas, and topped with crisp slaw and spicy mayo. It’s bold, flavorful, and guaranteed to disappear fast.

What makes this recipe truly magical is the way it layers flavors. The meatballs are seasoned with soy, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil for depth, then glazed in a Korean BBQ sauce that hits the perfect balance of sweet and heat. Combined with fresh toppings and a creamy finish, every bite feels like a flavor explosion.

Why You’ll Love This Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos

These tacos are weeknight-friendly but taste like a special treat. The meatballs can be prepped ahead, making them great for meal planning or casual gatherings. They hit all the cravings at once: savory, tangy, sweet, crunchy, and creamy. And let’s be honest—everyone loves tacos.

What Kind of Tortilla Should I Use?

You can go with flour or corn tortillas depending on your taste. Flour tortillas are soft and slightly chewy, which pairs beautifully with the juicy meatballs and sticky glaze. Corn tortillas add a slight earthiness and are naturally gluten-free. Either way, give them a quick warm-up before assembling your tacos for the best flavor and texture.

Ingredients for the Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos

For these tacos, each ingredient is chosen to balance bold Korean flavors with the comfort of a handheld taco. The meatballs bring the umami punch, the glaze adds that sticky-sweet fire, and the toppings layer in crunch and creaminess.

• Ground beef
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Brown sugar
• Gochujang
• Rice vinegar
• Honey
• Green onions
• Cornstarch
• Tortillas
• Shredded cabbage or slaw mix
• Spicy mayo (sriracha + mayo)

Each of these plays a key role. Ground beef forms the base of the meatballs. Garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil provide rich, fragrant depth. Breadcrumbs and egg help bind them. Brown sugar, gochujang, rice vinegar, and honey make the glaze balanced and bold. Green onions and cornstarch add brightness and texture, while the tortillas, slaw, and spicy mayo round everything out for the perfect bite.

How To Make the Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos

Step 1: Make the Meatball Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, breadcrumbs, egg, and chopped green onions. Mix just until combined without overworking the meat.

Step 2: Shape and Bake

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on the sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until fully cooked.

Step 3: Prepare the Korean BBQ Glaze

In a saucepan, whisk together gochujang, brown sugar, rice vinegar, honey, soy sauce, and a splash of water. Bring to a simmer, then stir in a cornstarch slurry to thicken until glossy.

Step 4: Toss the Meatballs

Once the meatballs are done baking, gently toss them in the glaze until well coated.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Warm your tortillas in a skillet or microwave. Fill each one with glazed meatballs, top with shredded slaw or cabbage, and drizzle with spicy mayo. Garnish with extra green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Serving and Storing These Flavor-Packed Tacos

These Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos are best served fresh and hot right after assembling. The warm glaze on the meatballs pairs perfectly with the chill from the slaw and the creaminess of the spicy mayo. This recipe makes enough to feed 4 to 6 people, depending on how many tacos each person devours.

If you have leftovers, store the components separately. Keep the meatballs and glaze in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The slaw should be stored dry and dressed just before serving. Tortillas can be kept at room temperature or refrigerated and reheated when needed. When ready to eat again, just warm the meatballs, reheat the tortillas, and reassemble.

What to Serve With Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos?

Kimchi Fried Rice

A spoonful of this on the side or tucked into the tacos adds even more Korean flavor and a bit of heat.

Pickled Cucumbers

These offer a crisp, tangy contrast that refreshes your palate between bites.

Sweet Potato Fries

A cozy side with a hint of sweetness that plays off the spicy glaze beautifully.

Miso Soup

For a light and savory balance, especially during cooler evenings.

Asian Slaw Salad

If you’re going extra with toppings, serve a full helping of crunchy sesame-dressed slaw on the side.

Korean Corn Cheese

Hot, cheesy, and irresistible—this comfort food makes a playful and rich pairing.

Mango Salsa

Bright, juicy mango with lime and chili adds a tropical twist and lifts the entire plate.

Steamed Edamame

Simple, salty, and satisfying. A great starter while the tacos come together.

Want More Taco Ideas with a Twist?

If you loved these Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos, your next crave-worthy bites might come from these recipes too:

• Pepperoni Pizza Grilled Cheese when you’re in the mood for fusion comfort food.
• Easy Chicken Fried Rice for a classic, satisfying dish that complements any Asian-inspired main.
• Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta to double down on bold meatball flavors.
• Creamy Mushroom Sauce for Steak when you’re craving something rich, savory, and hearty.
• Crispy and Delicious Easy Chinese Egg Rolls for a crispy bite that pairs well with a taco night platter.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s just a click away when taco cravings strike.

Have a favorite way to twist these tacos? Maybe you added kimchi on top or swapped beef for turkey? Let me know in the comments—your ideas help everyone make dinner more delicious.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners and feel-good bites on Luna Meals on Pinterest and find even more recipes to love: Luna Meals on Pinterest.

Conclusion

These Korean BBQ Meatball Tacos are the perfect answer to weeknight dinner boredom. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for something a little fun and different, these tacos deliver. Flavorful, satisfying, and easy to customize, they might just become your new go-to favorite.

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