If you’re someone who loves experimenting with flavors and crossing culinary boundaries, you’re going to adore this dish i.e. Kimchi Pancake Tacos.
It’s where Korea meets Mexico in the most delicious way. Imagine crispy, savory kimchi pancakes acting as taco shells, filled with spicy pork (or tofu for our vegetarian friends), fresh crunchy veggies, and a drizzle of zesty sesame-lime crema.
It’s a mouthwatering mix of textures, heat, and tang – perfect for a fun dinner night.
Choose Your Kimchi Pan Cake Type And Preferences
Simple & Easy To Make | Authentic Kimchi Touch
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Ingredients You’ll Need To Make Kimchi Pancake Tacos
For the Kimchi Pancakes (Taco Shells):
- 1 cup chopped kimchi (try Choi’s Kimchi for authentic flavors)
- 1/2 cup kimchi juice
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup rice flour (adds extra crispiness)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (Kadoya Pure Sesame Oil is highly recommended)
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground pork or tofu
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (San-J Tamari is a great gluten-free option)
- 1 tbsp honey
- Shredded red cabbage
- Sliced cucumber
- Chopped cilantro
For the Sesame-Lime Crema:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
Optional Tools:
- A quality non-stick pan (Carote Non-Stick Frying Pan makes flipping pancakes a breeze)
- Taco holders (Stainless Steel Taco Stands keep your creations upright and photogenic!)
- Food processor for mixing ingredients
Step-by-Step Instructions To Make Kimchi Pancake Tacos
Step 1: Making the Kimchi Pancakes
In a mixing bowl, combine chopped kimchi, kimchi juice, all-purpose flour, rice flour, egg, and salt followed by mixing this preparation until you have a smooth batter.
Heat sesame oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat until it shimmers and then pour about 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake, spreading it thin to mimic a taco shell.
Brown each face for 2-3 minutes, aiming for a tempting golden-brown and appealing crispness.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool and set into a taco shape (you can use taco holders for this).
Step 2: Preparing the Filling
Heat a skillet and saute garlic in sesame oil until fragrant followed by adding ground pork or tofu, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Stir in gochujang, soy sauce, and honey. Cook until well-coated and slightly caramelized.
Step 3: Whipping Up the Sesame-Lime Crema
Mix sour cream, sesame oil, lime juice, and zest in a bowl. Add salt to taste. This tangy topping balances the spicy and savory flavors of the tacos.
Step 4: Assembling the Tacos
Lay each kimchi pancake flat and load it up with the spicy pork or tofu and add a handful of shredded cabbage, cucumber slices, and cilantro.
Next up, drizzle with sesame-lime crema and serve immediately and enjoy the crunch!
The Key to Kimchi Pancake Taco Perfection
Creating truly memorable Kimchi Pancake Tacos comes down to three key elements: perfectly crispy pancakes, authentic kimchi flavor, and a balanced filling. Here’s how to achieve each one:
1. Golden-Brown Pancakes (No Sticking!)
Nobody wants soggy or torn pancakes. I used to struggle with this until I discovered the Carote Non-Stick Frying Pan.
Its superior non-stick surface makes flipping a breeze, guaranteeing perfectly golden-brown pancakes every time.
For delicate flips without tearing, I also recommend the OXO Silicone Turner it’s the perfect balance of sturdy and gentle.
2. Authentic Kimchi Flavor
Kimchi is the star of the show, and using high-quality kimchi is essential for authentic flavor.
I highly recommend Choi’s Kimchi.
It’s fermented to perfection and adds just the right amount of spice and tang.
3. Flavorful and Balanced Filling
The filling is where the magic happens, therefore a touch of Kadoya Pure Sesame Oil adds a deep, nutty aroma that complements the spicy gochujang and savory pork (or tofu).
If you want to avoid gluten or looking for a gluten-free option, my top recommendation for a gluten-free choice is San-J Tamari Soy Sauce.
4. Neat and Photogenic Presentation
Want to take your taco presentation to the next level? Stainless Steel Taco Stands keep your creations upright and prevent them from falling apart, making them perfect for serving and sharing on social media.
Tips for Success
- Batter Consistency: Your pancake batter should be thick enough to hold its shape but not so thick that it doesn’t spread. Should the mixture need a little loosening, don’t hesitate to add a splash of water.
- Filling Swaps: Feel free to swap the pork or tofu for shredded chicken, shrimp, or even jackfruit for a vegan option.
- Crispness Factor: Instead of stacking the pancakes, allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack, doing this keeps them taco-ready and crunchy.
- Presentation: Use taco holders to serve. They’re practical and elevate the look of your dish.
Final Thoughts
Food is a universal language, and fusion recipes like Kimchi Pancake Tacos speak to the creativity and connection that cooking can bring.
Try this recipe, and you’ll find yourself at the crossroads of Korean and Mexican cuisine, savoring every crunchy, tangy, and spicy bite.
Don’t forget to share your creations and enjoy the journey of flavor fusion!
Are you all set to taste the scrumptious combination of Mexican and Korean flavors? Checkout the helpful links below to get the tools and ingredients you need to make these unforgettable Kimchi Pancake Tacos:
