The viral smash burger taco trend got a new look with these Korean-Inspired Smash Tacos! They’re an epic fusion of crispy ground beef, sweet and savory Korean BBQ sauce, and crunchy toppings like cucumber, carrots and kimchi. Wrapped up in a warm flour tortilla, each bite is full of umami flavor, protein and gut-loving ingredients! Plus they’re simple to make and come together in under 30 minutes.
The smash burger taco trend from a few years ago has truly never died…for me at least! I think it’s so genius, and there are just so many different variations you can make. This time around I went with a Korean-Inspired Smash Taco that features a thin layer of ground beef glazed with Korean BBQ sauce and topped with tons of fresh veggies and kimchi! It’s a fun, simple & quick fusion recipe for your next taco night 🙂
If you’re a fan of bulgogi, a popular Korean dish that’s made form thinly sliced beef that’s marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, you’re going to love these tacos! Although this is by no means an authentic recipe, it is an incredibly easy way to achieve similar flavors and vibes in a fraction of the time. We’re using ground beef instead of steak, and a store-bought Korean BBQ sauce to make our lives easier!
To round out these tacos and add some ~health~ we are topping them with crisp diced cucumber, grated carrots and kimchi. Pretty much all the fresh, delicious components of a bulgogi bowl are found in these tacos. And kimchi is fab for your gut health! Can’t wait for yo try them out!
Why You’ll Love these Bulgogi Smash Burger Tacos
- They are quick and easy to make, coming together in under 30 minutes!
- This is a fun fusion spin on the smash burger taco trend.
- It has all of the same delicious components as a bulgogi bowl, but in taco form!
- They are high in protein, and feature gut-loving ingredients.
What You Need to Make these Korean-Inspired Smash Burger Tacos
- Flour Tortillas: I’ve only tested these with flour tortillas, but almond flour (or similar grain-free tortillas) should also work.
- Ground Beef: I used about 90% lean ground beef which adds a big boost of protein to these smash tacos!
- Garlic Powder, Ground Ginger, Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: We are keeping the spices for the ground beef pretty simple as a lot of the flavor comes directly from the Korean-Inspired sauce!
- Korean-Inspired Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sauce: After the meat is done cooking, we’re glazing it with some of this store-bought sauce for an easy way to add a bunch of flavor!
- Cucumber: Rounding out these tacos with some fresh, crisp veggies!
- Carrots: Grated or matchstick carrots are great here to add extra color and nutrients.
- Kimchi: Kimchi is made from fermented veggies and is a bit spicy and tangy. It’s a staple in Korean cuisine and is great for your gut!
- Green Onion: The perfect finishing touch.
- Sesame Seeds: Optional, and mostly for the aesthetic.
How To Make these Korean-Inspired Smash Tacos
Mix Together the Ground Beef Mixture:
First, in a large bowl add the ground beef and spices. Incorporate with your hands, but try not to over-mix. Divide the ground beef into 6 balls.
Smash Tortillas onto the Ground Beef:
Then, bring a large griddle pan or non-stick pan to medium heat. Once thoroughly pre-heated, place down a ball of ground beef and add a tortilla on top. Use a burger press (or a wide, flat bowl) to press down until the meat is thin. Repeat with the remaining tacos – you will likely have to do this in batches.
Flip & Brush with Korean BBQ Sauce:
Cook for 3-4 minutes, then carefully flip and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove from pan and brush about 1 tbsp of the sauce onto the meat of each taco.
Add Toppings & Enjoy:
Finally, top each taco with chopped cucumber, grated carrot, kimchi, green onion & sesame seeds. Enjoy!
How Do I Know When My Korean-Inspired Smash Tacos are Fully Cooked?
These Korean-Inspired Smash Tacos cook quicker than you might think! All it takes is about 3-4 minutes on one side and an additional 2 minutes on the other side. For peace of mind, you can check them with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the ground beef should be about 160F.
Can I Make these Gluten Free?
Unfortunately, the Korean-Inspired Sweet & Tangy BBQ sauce does contain gluten so even if you substitute gluten free tortillas, this recipe will not be fully gluten free or celiac safe. However, there are likely other brands of pre-made Korean BBQ style sauces that are gluten free so feel free to substitute those as long as they are relatively thick .
How Should I Store Leftover Korean-Inspired Smash Tacos?
These Korean-Inspired Smash Tacos are undoubtedly best when eaten fresh! However, if you know you’ll have leftovers or are planning to meal prep them, I would recommend leaving off the toppings until you’re ready to eat. Then, store the smash tacos in one airtight container in the fridge and the toppings in another.
Find the full recipe below. As always, please let me know if you tried it by commenting below or tagging me on Instagram, @munchinwithmaddie_.
Looking for More Fusion Taco Recipes?
- Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
- Buffalo Chicken Smash Burger Tacos
- Honey Lime Shrimp Tacos with Snap Pea Cabbage Slaw
- Elote Tacos with Chipotle Chicken and Veggies
- Broiled Flank Steak Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri Sauce
Korean-Inspired Smash Tacos
Equipment
- griddle pan or large non-stick pan
- burger press or other flat, heavy object
- spatula
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
For the Smash Tacos:
- 1 lb ground beef (about 90% lean)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 6 small flour tortillas
- 6 tbsp Heinz Korean-Inspired Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sauce
For Topping:
- kimchi
- finely chopped cucumber
- grated carrots
- chopped green onion
- sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a large bowl, add the ground beef and spices. Incorporate with your hands, but try not to over-mix. Divide the ground beef into 6 balls.1 lb ground beef, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp ground ginger, ½ tsp kosher salt, ¼ tsp black pepper
- Then, bring a large griddle pan or non-stick pan to medium heat. Once thoroughly pre-heated, place down a ball of ground beef and add a tortilla on top. Use a burger press (or a wide, flat bowl) to press down until the meat is thin. Repeat with the remaining tacos – you will likely have to do this in batches.6 small flour tortillas
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, then carefully flip and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove from pan and brush about 1 tbsp of the sauce onto the meat of each taco.6 tbsp Heinz Korean-Inspired Sweet & Tangy BBQ Sauce
- Top with chopped cucumber, grated carrot, kimchi, green onion & sesame seeds. Enjoy!kimchi, finely chopped cucumber, grated carrots, chopped green onion, sesame seeds
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @munchinwithmaddie_ on Instagram and/or hashtag it #munchinwithmaddie.