These Spicy Korean Pork Tacos are quick, easy and full of flavour. Uses just one, always tender pork tenderloin, cut into strips and cooked with a Korean inspired sauce.
1 1/2lb.pork tenderloin, fat and silver skin removed
8smallflour tortillas
Quick Pickled Red Onions (Optional, or just use thinly sliced red onion):
1/2largered onion, cut in 1/8-in. rounds then separated into rings
1/3cupwhite vinegar
1/4teaspoongranulated sugar
1/4teaspoonsalt
1clovegarlic, halved
Spicy Pork Marinade:
3Tablespoonssambal oelek, or Asian Chili Garlic Sauce
2Tablespoonsbrown sugar
1teaspoonfresh ginger, minced, or ginger paste
1clovegarlic, minced
2Tablespoonsoy sauce
2teaspoonsesame oil
Korean Gochujang Sauce (optional, or just use Sriracha, Asian Chili Garlic Sauce or Sambal Oelek):
2Tablespoonsgochujang, *see Note 1 below
2Tablespoonsbrown sugar
1/2teaspoongarlic, minced
2Tablespoonswhite vinegar
1teasponsesame seeds
Toppings:
Thinly sliced cucumbers
Thinly sliced jalapeno pepper
Chopped fresh cilantro
Diced green onions
Lime wedges, for drizzling
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Instructions
Make the Quick Pickled Red Onions: In a medium saucepan on the stovetop, boiL the vinegar with the sugar, salt and garlic until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and add onion rings. Push onion down into liquid so it is mostly covered and let stand for at least 30 min. To store longer, cover and refrigerate. Can be refrigerated up to 1 week.
Prepare the pork: Thinly slice the pork tenderloin and place into a medium bowl.
Prepare the Spicy Pork Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients. Pour over the sliced pork and toss to combine. Let stand on the counter while you prepare the toppings and sauce, if using, or if making ahead, cover and refrigerate.
Preheat oven to 350F, to warm the tortillas.
Prepare the toppings: Slice and chop the topping ingredients and set aside.
Prepare the Gochujang Sauce: Combine all the Gochujang sauce ingredients in a small bowl and stir to combine. Set aside.
Wrap the tortillas in aluminum foil and pop into the oven to warm for 7-8 minutes, while you cook the pork.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated pork (with marinade) and spread into a thin layer. Let cook, undisturbed, until pork starts to brown, then stir and continue cooking, stirring, until pork is cooked through. Remove pork to a serving platter. Arrange the toppings in sections on the platter and place the small bowl of the gochujang sauce on the platter as well. Serve with warmed tortillas.
Notes
Note 1: Gochujang is a Korean red pepper paste that hasn't quite broken into the mainstream grocery stores yet (at least not here :). Look for it in Asian grocers or you can find it easily online. It keeps a long time in the fridge and is indispensable if you like to make Korean food at home.