Korean Short Rib Tacos with Kimchi Slaw
Flanken-cut beef short ribs marinated in Asian pear, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, garlic, and fresh ginger, seared over screaming high heat and served on warm corn tortillas with spicy kimchi cabbage slaw and a drizzle of sriracha-lime mayo.
Charred, sticky caramelized rib edges with exceptionally tender, savory-sweet beef slices.
Cook with Cocinanding Companion
Distraction-free step-by-step guidance with persistent ingredient checklists, timers, and printable Infoguide.
Step-by-Step Video Guide & Creator Variants
Cocinanding Guide vs. Creator Video: Related Video — Unconfirmed Comparison (Sam the Cooking Guy): This public video is provided as a visual reference for the dish. Exact ratios, timings (25m prep / 15m cook / 120m rest), and US grocery suggestions on this page are independently standardized by Cocinanding.
Korean Short Rib Tacos with Kimchi Slaw
Sam The Cooking Guy
Public YouTube video embedded as a visual technique reference. The written recipe guide, verified timings, and US grocery brand picks are independently authored by Cocinanding (not a commercial partnership).
Other Related Culinary Videos (Complementary Dishes)
Beef Birria Quesa-Tacos with Dipping Consomé
Related braised birria, short rib tacos & carne asada video (Mexican / Fusion) by Sam the Cooking Guy exploring a complementary approach within the same dish family.
San Diego-Style Loaded Carne Asada Fries
Related braised birria, short rib tacos & carne asada video (Cal-Mex / San Diego) by Sam the Cooking Guy exploring a complementary approach within the same dish family.
What to Buy & Brand Guide
Editorial US Grocery Suggestions • Zero Paid Placements
USDA Choice Beef Flanken Cut Short Ribs
Standard Size: 2 lb packWhy it matters: Thin cut with three bone cross-sections that sears in minutes.
Where to find in US: Meat department at Costco, H-Mart, or local butcher.
Acceptable substitutes: Very thinly sliced flank steak cut against the grain.
Kadoya Pure Toasted Sesame Oil
Standard Size: 11 oz bottleWhy it matters: Deeply roasted nutty punch that anchors Asian marinades.
Where to find in US: Asian aisle.
Acceptable substitutes: Lee Kum Kee Pure Sesame Oil.
Why This Recipe Works
💡 The Enzymatic Tenderizer
Grated Asian pear contains natural protease enzymes that soften meat fibers within 2 hours without turning the texture mushy.
Ingredients for 4 ServingsUS Standard Measurements
- 2 lbs Bone-in beef short ribs, flanken-cut across the bone (1/3-inch thick)(Traditional cut for Korean galbi)
- 0.5 unit Asian pear or sweet Fuji apple, finely grated(Natural enzymatic tenderizer)
- 0.5 cup Low-sodium soy sauce⭐ Recommended: Kikkoman Less Sodium
- 0.25 cup Dark brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Toasted pure sesame oil⭐ Recommended: Kadoya Pure Toasted Sesame Oil
- 4 cloves Fresh garlic cloves, grated
- 1 tbsp Fresh ginger, grated
- 12 units Small yellow corn street taco tortillas⭐ Recommended: El Milagro or Guerrero
- 1 cup Fermented Napa cabbage kimchi, chopped with green onions
- 2 cups Shredded green cabbage
- 2 tbsp Fresh lime juice, divided
- 0.5 cup Mayonnaise blended with Sriracha chili sauce
- 1 tbsp Toasted white sesame seeds
Required Kitchen Tools
- ✓Outdoor flat-top griddle or cast-iron skillet
- ✓Large marinating bowl
Step-by-Step Preparation
Marinate Ribs
Whisk grated Asian pear, soy sauce, brown sugar, grated garlic, grated ginger, and toasted sesame oil. Coat ribs thoroughly and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Toss Slaw and Sauce
Chop kimchi and toss with 2 cups shredded green cabbage, sliced scallions, and 1 tbsp fresh lime juice. Stir sriracha-mayo with the remaining 1 tbsp fresh lime juice.
Sear Hot & Fast
Heat cast-iron skillet or flat-top grill until smoking. Sear ribs for 3 to 4 minutes per side until charred on edges and cooked to at least 145°F (63°C).
Slice & Assemble
Cut rib meat off the tiny bones into bite-sized strips. Warm corn tortillas, pile high with beef, and top with kimchi cabbage slaw, sriracha-lime mayo drizzle, and 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds.
Common Mistakes & Troubleshooting
Avoid the mistakes that ruin this recipe
⚠️ Problem: The marinade charred black before the meat cooked
Underlying Cause: Excess pooled sugary marinade in the pan.
Fix & Solution: Wipe or drain marinade off ribs thoroughly before searing on hot cast iron.
Frequently Asked Culinary Questions
Specific ingredient, technique, and US grocery answers for Korean Short Rib Tacos with Kimchi Slaw
❓ Which brand of flanken short ribs should I look for in US grocery stores for Korean Short Rib Tacos with Kimchi Slaw?
Editorial suggestion: USDA Choice Beef Flanken Cut Short Ribs (Choice / Angus Beef). Thin cut with three bone cross-sections that sears in minutes. Typical aisle: Meat department at Costco, H-Mart, or local butcher. Acceptable substitute: Very thinly sliced flank steak cut against the grain.
❓ How do I fix: "The marinade charred black before the meat cooked"?
Common cause: Excess pooled sugary marinade in the pan. Practical fix: Wipe or drain marinade off ribs thoroughly before searing on hot cast iron.
The Ultimate Cal-Mex Mashup
Sam the Cooking Guy took San Diego by storm by shattering food snobbery. These tacos bring together the sweet-savory punch of Korean Galbi and the street food magic of Southern California taco trucks.
Visual Kitchen Infoguide (Print or Save to Phone)
Engineered for at-a-glance kitchen reference: combines exact ratios, verified timings (25m prep + 15m cook + 120m rest), US supermarket brand picks, and sensory checkpoints on a single one-page sheet.
✓ 100% Free • No email required • Fully synced with recipe steps & brands
More Editorially Validated Recipe Guides
Butterflied raw shrimp flash-cured in a savory, fiery black sauce of charred chiltepín peppers, Maggi umami sauce, soy, fresh lime, and crisp cucumbers.
Crispy grilled cornmeal arepas stuffed with creamy avocado chicken salad made with tender shredded chicken, ripe Hass avocado, fresh lime, and cilantro.
Iconic Peruvian Chifa wok-fried rice made with chilled day-old rice, tender seared chicken, egg ribbons, fresh scallions, grated ginger, and dark roasted sesame oil.