June 26, 2026 ยท 5 min

Korean-Style Sesame Beef Tacos with Quick-Pickled Veggies and Chili Sour Cream

Dinner5 min1990 cal / serving

These Korean-style sesame beef tacos are a delicious twist on traditional tacos. The savory beef filling gets a kick from gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) and is balanced by tangy quick-pickled veggies and a spicy chili sour cream. All made in one pan for easy cleanup!

Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of textures and flavors-crunchy pickled radishes and cucumber, tender beef and creamy sauce-will make these tacos a new favorite.


Recipe details

Dinner5 min1990 cal / serving2 servings

Nutrition per serving

Calories1990 kcalProtein34.6 gFat105.6 gCarbs225.4 gSugar172.1 gFiber4.9 gSodium2637 mg

Dietary labels

Gluten-free: noLactose-free: noDairy-free: no

Allergen check

Gluten / wheat: containsMilk / dairy: containsEgg: not detectedFish: not detectedShellfish: not detectedPeanut: not detectedTree nuts: not detectedSoy: containsSesame: containsMustard: not detectedCelery: not detectedSulphites: not detectedLupin: not detectedMolluscs: not detected

Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.


Ingredients

Sour Cream4 tablespoon Sour CreamView ingredient guide
Soy Sauce2 tablespoon Soy SauceView ingredient guide
Mini Cucumber1 unit Mini CucumberView ingredient guide
Sesame Oil1 tablespoon Sesame OilView ingredient guide
Ground Beef10 ounce Ground BeefView ingredient guide
Radishes3 unit RadishesView ingredient guide
Shredded Red Cabbage4 ounce Shredded Red CabbageView ingredient guide
Flour Tortillas6 unit Flour TortillasView ingredient guide
Scallions2 unit ScallionsView ingredient guide
Sriracha2 teaspoon SrirachaView ingredient guide
Garlic Powder1 teaspoon Garlic PowderView ingredient guide
Cilantro0.25 ounce CilantroView ingredient guide
Sugar3 teaspoon (tsp) SugarView ingredient guide
Cooking Oil1 teaspoon (tsp) Cooking OilView ingredient guide
Saltteaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guide
Black Pepperteaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guide

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, combine sour cream and sriracha. Set aside.
  2. In another small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar and a pinch of salt. Thinly slice the radishes and cucumber (or use a mandoline). Add to the vinegar mixture and toss. Let pickle while you prepare the rest.
  3. In a third bowl, combine soy sauce, remaining 3 teaspoons white wine vinegar, remaining 2 teaspoons sugar, garlic powder and Korean chili flakes. Stir until sugar dissolves.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add cooking oil. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper and cook, breaking it up, until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired.
  5. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the beef. Cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef, about 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil.
  6. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
  7. Assemble tacos: divide beef among tortillas. Top with pickled radishes and cucumber, shredded red cabbage, sliced scallions and cilantro. Drizzle with chili sour cream.
  8. Serve immediately.

Recipe Tips

For extra heat, add more gochugaru or sriracha to taste.

If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the Korean chili flakes.

The pickled veggies can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.

FAQ

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted. Cook until no longer pink and adjust seasoning as needed.

What can I use instead of gochugaru?

You can substitute with red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I make these tacos gluten-free?

Use corn tortillas and ensure your soy sauce is tamari or gluten-free. The recipe contains wheat in the flour tortillas and soy sauce.

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