Korean Pork Tacos with Slaw

Ingredients and Their Part in the Tacos

The first step is gathering all the ingredients. There are quite a few, but most are pantry and refrigerator staples that come together for amazing flavor.

For the bulgogi sauce:

• Soy sauce - Creates the savory base of the sauce.
• Toasted sesame oil - Adds rich, nutty flavor.
• Sugar - Balances the savory ingredients with sweetness.
• Garlic - Gives the sauce bold flavor and depth.
• White sesame seeds - Add texture and subtle nuttiness.
• Red pepper flakes - Bring gentle heat.
• Black pepper - Adds warmth and spice.
• Ginger - Gives the sauce classic Korean-inspired flavor.
• Cooked pork loin/tenderloin - Tender leftover pork becomes flavorful Korean bulgogi tacos when sliced and mixed with a little of this spicy bulgogi sauce.

For the crispy slaw:

• Coleslaw mix - Creates a crisp and crunchy base.
• Jalapenos - Add spicy heat and freshness.
• Red and yellow bell peppers - Bring sweetness, crunch, and color.
• Cilantro - Adds fresh herb flavor.
• Red onion - Gives the slaw a sharp bite.
• Paprika, cayenne, and cumin - Add smoky warmth and depth.
• White vinegar - Provides tanginess.
• Olive oil - Helps create a smooth dressing.
• Lime juice - Brightens the slaw with fresh citrus flavor.
• Sugar - Balances the acidity.

For the tacos and toppings:

• Flour tortillas - Soft and warm, perfect for holding all the fillings.
• Avocados - Add creamy richness.
• Shredded cheddar cheese - Gives a savory cheesy finish.
• Sour cream - Helps cool the heat from the sauce and slaw.
• Pickled onions, jalapenos, or cucumbers - Add tangy crunch.

How to Make Korean Pork Tacos

Preparing these Korean pork tacos is a simple three-step process. First, you'll make the bulgogi sauce, then the slaw, and finally assemble the tacos. Here's what to do:

To make the bulgogi sauce:

1. Place ingredients for sauce, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, sugar, garlic, sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, black pepper and ginger, in a medium saucepan.
2. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down and simmer until the mixture is thickened and reduced by half, about 20 minutes.

To make the slaw:

1. Place the coleslaw mix (I like to use the one with carrots), chopped jalapenos, sliced red and yellow bell peppers, chopped cilantro, and chopped red onion in a large bowl.
2. Mix the paprika, cayenne pepper, and cumin together then sprinkle on top of the slaw mixture.
3. Whisk together vinegar, olive oil, lime juice and white sugar for a simple dressing.
4. Drizzle over slaw mixture then toss to coat. Let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes while preparing the rest of the meal.

To assemble the tacos:

Pour a small amount of the sauce over the sliced pork and reheat the pork in the microwave until warm. Reserve the remaining bulgogi sauce and serve on the side.

Warm the tortillas and gather your favorite toppings like avocados, shredded cheese, and sliced jalapenos. Sour cream is also a way to cool some of the heat.

Assemble your pork taco by placing a little seasoned pork in a warm tortilla, top with Asian slaw, and finish with a little bulgogi sauce and your favorite toppings. Now take a bite - crunchy, sweet, savory, and spicy with tons of fresh flavor. Believe me, you'll want your leftover pork served this way from now on!

Recipe Variations to Make It Your Own

This recipe is easy to customize with different proteins and toppings.

• Pork - Use ground pork or pulled pork instead of sliced pork loin or tenderloin.
• Chicken - Rotisserie chicken, baked chicken, or ground chicken all work well.
• Beef - Try sliced steak, short ribs, or ground beef.
• Fish - Salmon or shrimp make delicious alternatives.
• Vegan - Substitute tofu for a plant-based version.
• Slaw - Replace the slaw with kimchi for extra bold Korean flavor.

How to Serve Them

Serve the pork and slaw with warm tortillas, extra bulgogi sauce, sliced avocados, shredded cheese, and your favorite toppings for a fun make-your-own taco dinner.

Pickled onions, cucumbers, extra cilantro, lime wedges, and sour cream are all delicious additions that pair beautifully with the bold Korean-inspired flavors.

How to Store Leftovers and How Long They Last

Store leftover pork separately from the slaw in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The pork will keep for up to 4 days, while the slaw is best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days for maximum crunch and freshness.

To reheat the pork, warm it gently in the microwave in short intervals or in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through. Add a little extra bulgogi sauce if needed to keep it moist.

The bulgogi sauce can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

More Asian Recipes

If you love bold Asian-inspired flavors, here are more delicious recipes to try.

• Asian Beef Lettuce Wraps - Fresh and flavorful with savory beef filling.
• Chicken with Plum Sauce - Sweet and savory chicken with rich plum flavor.
• Baked Honey Garlic Chicken - Sticky, sweet, and full of garlic flavor.
• Ground Beef Lettuce Wraps - Easy and satisfying for quick dinners.
• Pork Tenderloin Stir Fry - Tender pork with savory stir-fry flavors.

Find lots of easy recipes for Asian food right here on 2CM!