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To make Spicy Korean Chicken Tacos, you need these main items: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 8 small corn or flour tortillas - 1 cup shredded cabbage (green or purple) - 1 carrot, julienned - ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Sesame seeds for garnish The marinade brings all the flavor. Use these ingredients: - 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste) - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon honey - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 inch fresh ginger, grated These toppings add extra flavor and crunch: - Lime wedges for squeezing - Additional cilantro for garnish - Extra sesame seeds for a nice touch Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. This makes the process smooth and fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, gather your ingredients. You need gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and ginger. In a medium bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of gochujang, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of honey. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 inch of grated ginger. Stir well until smooth. This marinade is key to the rich flavor of the chicken. Next, take your 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Place them in the bowl with the marinade. Use your hands to coat each piece well. Cover the bowl and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate for up to 2 hours in the fridge. This step makes the chicken juicy and full of flavor. Now, it’s time to cook. Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). When done, remove the chicken from heat and let it rest. After a few minutes, slice it into thin strips. Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet or on the grill. Lay down some shredded cabbage and julienned carrot on each tortilla. Place a few slices of the spicy chicken on top. The crunch from the cabbage and carrot balances the spicy chicken well. Top each taco with fresh chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve with lime wedges on the side. Squeeze the lime over the tacos just before eating for a zesty kick. Enjoy your spicy Korean chicken tacos! Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay juicy and cook well. Thighs hold flavor better than breasts. If you prefer a leaner option, chicken breasts work too. Just be careful not to overcook them. Marinating is key to great taste. Mix gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and ginger. Let your chicken sit in this mix for at least 30 minutes. For even more flavor, marinate it for two hours. This helps the chicken absorb all the delicious spices. You can grill, pan-fry, or bake the chicken. Grilling gives a smoky taste. Pan-frying allows for a nice crust. Baking is easy and hands-off. No matter the method, ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). This keeps it safe to eat and perfectly cooked. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or even overnight. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat thoroughly. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic will elevate the flavors of your marinade, making your tacos even more delicious. Adjust the Heat: If you prefer your tacos less spicy, reduce the amount of gochujang or mix in a little mayonnaise to balance the heat. Perfectly Warm Tortillas: To get soft and pliable tortillas, warm them on a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer. They are leaner but still tasty. For a vegetarian option, use tofu or tempeh. You can also try using shrimp for a seafood twist. Instead of gochujang, use sriracha for a different heat level. If you cannot find sesame oil, olive oil works too. Feel free to get creative with your taco styles. Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a low-carb option. You can also try soft flour tortillas or crunchy corn shells. For a fusion twist, try using a bao bun instead. Add kimchi to your tacos for an extra kick. These tacos go great with many side dishes. Try serving them with a simple cucumber salad. A side of pickled radishes adds a nice crunch. You can also make some spicy fries for extra flavor. For a refreshing drink, serve iced tea or a light beer. Store leftover chicken in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure it cools before sealing. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to label your container with the date. Tacos are best when fresh, but you can store extras. If you have leftover tacos, separate the chicken from the toppings. Wrap the tortillas in foil or plastic wrap. Store the chicken and toppings in separate airtight containers. This helps keep everything fresh and prevents sogginess. To reheat chicken, place it in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes until heated through. For the tortillas, warm them in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes. This brings back their softness. You can also microwave the chicken for a quick option. Just cover it to keep moisture in. Gochujang is a spicy Korean chili paste. It has a sweet and salty taste. You can find it at Asian grocery stores or online. Look in the international aisle of big stores too. It comes in a red tub or jar. You can use it in many dishes, not just tacos. Yes, you can prepare these tacos ahead of time. Marinate the chicken up to two hours before cooking. You can also chop the veggies and warm the tortillas. Store everything separately in the fridge. Just assemble the tacos right before serving. This keeps them fresh and tasty. These tacos go well with many drinks. Try a light beer for a refreshing choice. A fruity soda can also be nice. If you prefer cocktails, a margarita pairs well too. For a non-alcoholic option, serve iced tea with lemon. Each drink enhances the spicy flavors of the tacos. Spicy Korean chicken tacos combine bold flavors and fun prep steps. We explored the key ingredients, from marinade basics to optional toppings. You learned how to marinate, cook, and assemble these tasty tacos. I shared tips to enhance flavor and alternative cooking methods. Variations let you mix things up, and storage tips help keep leftovers fresh. Now, you can enjoy these spicy tacos any time. Get creative and share your own twists!

Spicy Korean Chicken Tacos

Delicious tacos filled with spicy marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and topped with cilantro and sesame seeds.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Korean
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage (green or purple)
  • 1 carrot julienned
  • 0.5 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 lime cut into wedges
  • to taste sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well to create a marinade.
  • Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they're well-coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for more flavor).
  • Preheat a grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  • Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
  • Warm the tortillas briefly on the grill or in a dry skillet until they are pliable.
  • Assemble the tacos by laying down some shredded cabbage and carrot on each tortilla, followed by a few slices of the spicy chicken.
  • Top each taco with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
  • Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos just before eating.

Notes

Marinate the chicken for longer for more flavor.
Keyword chicken, Korean, spicy, tacos