Easy Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl

Spicy Korean Beef Tacos with Kimchi Slaw
Estimated reading time: 12 minutes
Key Takeaways
- A quick and flavorful fusion recipe that combines Korean spices with Mexican taco style for an exciting twist.
- Ready in under 45 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights while delivering bold flavors and nutrition.
- Customizable for dietary needs, such as gluten-free or vegan options, with tips for meal prep and variations.
- High in protein and veggies, offering a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and healthy.
- Ideal for family dinners or gatherings, with simple steps that build cooking confidence.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Korean Beef Tacos
As a food blogger who’s spent years exploring global cuisines, I’m always excited to share recipes that fuse unexpected flavors into something magical. Take this Spicy Korean Beef Tacos with Kimchi Slaw—it’s my go-to when I want a meal that’s bold, spicy, and packed with crunch without spending hours in the kitchen. Picture tender beef marinated in a fiery gochujang sauce, wrapped in warm tortillas, and topped with a fresh kimchi slaw that adds tang and texture. It’s inspired by my travels through Seoul’s street markets, where I first tasted the addictive heat of Korean barbecue, and adapted it for easy home cooking.
What sets this recipe apart is the perfect balance of heat from gochujang and the crispness of the slaw, making it a crowd-pleaser for weeknights or casual get-togethers. Drawing from my experience as a chef, I’ve kept it simple yet authentic, using ingredients like garlic, ginger, and soy that build layers of flavor. This isn’t just fast food; it’s nutritious too, with veggies sneaking in for that extra boost. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable—if you’re feeding a group with different tastes, tone down the spice or add avocado for creaminess. In my kitchen, this dish has turned even skeptical eaters into fans, proving that fusion cooking can be both fun and approachable.
From a practical standpoint, it’s ready in about 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules, and the leftovers are fantastic for lunch the next day. I’ve served it at family dinners and potlucks, and the response is always enthusiastic: “This is my new favorite!” Nutritionally, each serving packs around 500 calories with 30g of protein, keeping you full and energized. For those watching their diet, swap in tamari for soy sauce, and you’ve got a gluten-free winner that’s as healthy as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together Spicy Korean Beef Tacos with Kimchi Slaw starts with a simple list of ingredients that you likely already have or can easily find. This recipe serves four and focuses on fresh, vibrant elements to capture that Korean-inspired flair. Here’s the rundown for creating four generous tacos:
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cups kimchi, chopped (for the slaw)
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
My tip for the best results: Use fresh ginger and garlic to maximize flavor—they’re the heart of the marinade. If gochujang isn’t in your pantry, it’s worth picking up from the international aisle; it adds that signature Korean heat and depth. Flank steak is my choice for its tenderness, but if you prefer something leaner, sirloin works too—just adjust the cooking time. Feel free to tweak the slaw with additions like cucumber for extra crunch, keeping the focus on personalization while staying true to the recipe’s roots.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Spicy Korean Beef Tacos
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get into the cooking process. I’ve designed these steps to be straightforward, even for beginners, drawing from my years of recipe testing to ensure foolproof results. The key is in the marinating and quick searing for that perfect char.
- In a bowl, mix gochujang, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger to create the marinade.
- Add the sliced beef to the marinade and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the beef for 4-5 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- While the beef cooks, prepare the kimchi slaw by combining kimchi, cabbage, and carrot in a bowl; toss lightly.
- Warm the tortillas in a dry pan or microwave for 30 seconds.
- Assemble the tacos by placing beef on each tortilla, topping with slaw, and garnishing with green onions.
A pro tip from my kitchen: Searing the beef quickly locks in juices and creates a caramelized edge that’s irresistible. If the pan gets too hot, add a splash of water to prevent burning without losing that spicy kick. Aim for the slaw to be crisp-tender for the best contrast. Once plated, these tacos are best enjoyed fresh, with the heat from the beef playing off the cool slaw—it’s a textural delight that never fails to impress.
This serves four easily, but if you’re cooking for more, double the marinade and cook in batches to maintain that sear. I’ve garnished mine with extra green onions for a pop of color, and sometimes a squeeze of lime for brightness—it’s all about making it your own.
Recipe Notes and Customizations
Recipes like this Spicy Korean Beef Tacos with Kimchi Slaw are meant to be flexible, and as a blogger, I encourage you to make them your own. Based on my experiences, here are some easy tweaks to suit different needs or tastes.
For a gluten-free version, swap soy sauce for tamari and use corn tortillas instead of flour. If you want to amp up the veggies, add bell peppers to the slaw or even substitute the beef with tofu for a vegetarian option. Common mistakes to avoid? Over-marinating can make the beef tough, so stick to 20 minutes max. Storage is simple—keep components separate in airtight containers for up to two days; reheat the beef gently to preserve moisture.
From personal anecdotes, I once served this at a dinner party for friends who loved bold flavors, and the fusion element had everyone asking for seconds. For meal prep, prepare the slaw ahead and assemble fresh—it’s a time-saver that keeps meals exciting. Nutritionally, it’s low in added sugars at 6g per serving, with plenty of protein for sustained energy.
Head over to exorecipes.com for more fusion ideas, or check our easy weeknight meals roundup for pairing suggestions. Success stories often come from small changes, so experiment and share your twists!
Nutrition Information and More Details
Knowing the nutritional breakdown helps make informed choices, and this recipe is designed for balance. Per serving, you’ll get:
- Calories: 500
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 30g
- Sugar: 6g
This profile makes it a great option for post-workout meals or everyday dinners, with protein from the beef supporting muscle health and carbs from tortillas providing quick energy. Details include: Prep Time: 20 minutes, Cook Time: 25 minutes, Total Time: 45 minutes, servings for 4 as a Main Course in Korean-inspired Cuisine. If sesame oil isn’t your thing, omit it or use a neutral oil—the dish remains flavorful. Remember, mindful eating is about enjoyment, so track and tweak as needed. For more, visit our sitemap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Answer: Yes, substitute the beef with firm tofu or mushrooms and use a plant-based gochujang to keep the spicy flavor intact.
How spicy is this dish?
Answer: It’s moderately spicy from the gochujang, but you can adjust by reducing the amount or adding more sugar for balance.
What can I serve with these tacos?
Answer: Pair with rice or a side salad for a fuller meal, or enjoy them alone for a light dinner as suggested on exorecipes.com.
How do I store leftovers?
Answer: Store beef and slaw separately in the fridge for up to two days; reheat beef on the stove to maintain texture.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Answer: It can be, but reduce the gochujang for milder flavors, and let kids customize their own tacos for fun.
Can I use pre-made kimchi?
Answer: Absolutely, store-bought kimchi works great and saves time while adding authentic flavor.

Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl with Steamed Veggies & Sesame
This easy teriyaki chicken rice bowl features tender chicken glazed in a sweet and savory sauce, served over fluffy rice with steamed vegetables and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 cups steamed mixed vegetables (such as broccoli, carrots, and snap peas)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, honey, garlic, and ginger to make the teriyaki sauce.
- Add the chicken pieces to the sauce and marinate for 15 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken in the marinade until fully cooked and caramelized, about 10 minutes.
- While the chicken cooks, steam the mixed vegetables until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Assemble the bowls by placing rice at the base, topping with chicken and steamed vegetables, then sprinkle with sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Adjust sweetness by varying the honey amount.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Main Course
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 28g