Korean Beef Smash Burritos (Crispy & Loaded!)

These Korean beef smash burritos are the last word fusion dinner — seasoned floor beef is pressed straight right into a tortilla and seared in a forged iron skillet till crispy, then loaded with crunchy sesame slaw, jasmine rice, cucumbers, and triple-drizzled with Japanese BBQ sauce, kewpie mayo, and chili crisp. In the event you love my smash burger tacos, you’re going to lose it over these.

The smash method is what makes these burritos next-level. As a substitute of cooking the meat individually and including it as a filling, you press uncooked seasoned beef straight onto the tortilla and prepare dinner them collectively. The end result? A crispy, caramelized layer of beef that’s fused to the tortilla — no falling aside, no soggy bottoms, simply pure taste in each chunk.

Why You’ll Love Korean Beef Smash Burritos

• The smash method: Urgent uncooked beef into the tortilla and searing them collectively creates an insanely crispy, caramelized crust that stays put.
• Korean-inspired taste bomb: Ginger, garlic, sesame, and chili crisp deliver daring Asian-inspired flavors that pair completely with the crunchy slaw.
• Prepared in underneath an hour: half-hour of prep and 20 minutes of cooking — that’s a weeknight-friendly timeline for a restaurant-quality meal.
• Customizable toppings: Go heavy on the kewpie, mild on the chili crisp, or pile on further slaw — these burritos are constructed for personalization.

Elements for Korean Beef Smash Burritos

Right here’s what you want for these loaded smash burritos:

For the Smashed Beef Tortillas

• Floor beef: I take advantage of 80/20 floor beef for the perfect taste and sufficient fats to get that crispy sear. You may sub floor rooster or turkey — simply realize it’ll change the flavour (and you could want somewhat further oil).
• Garlic and ginger: Recent is non-negotiable right here. These two are the spine of the Korean-inspired taste profile.
• Minced carrot: Provides a refined sweetness and retains the meat combination moist.
• Sesame seeds, cilantro, and sesame oil: Layers of nutty, herby, fragrant taste all through the meat.
• Massive burrito tortillas: Go massive — you want sufficient floor space for the smash method and all these fillings.

For the Sesame Slaw and Toppings

• Pink cabbage slaw: Shredded pink cabbage, cilantro, inexperienced onions, and matchstick carrots tossed with sesame oil, rice vinegar, and lime juice. It’s crunchy, tangy, and the right distinction to the wealthy beef.
• Cucumber sticks: Cool, crisp mini cucumbers add freshness and crunch.
• Japanese BBQ sauce: Candy, savory, and barely smoky — it ties all the things collectively.
• Kewpie mayo: Creamier and tangier than common mayo. Common mayo works in a pinch.
• Chili crisp: That spicy, crunchy, oily warmth that makes all the things higher. In the event you find it irresistible in my chili crunch Brussels sprouts, you’ll find it irresistible right here too.
• Jasmine rice: Fluffy, aromatic jasmine rice provides substance and soaks up all of the sauces.

Learn how to Make Korean Beef Smash Burritos

Step 1: Combine the Beef

Mix the bottom beef, garlic, ginger, carrot, sesame seeds, cilantro, sesame oil, and sea salt in a big mixing bowl. Combine till simply mixed — don’t overwork the meat or it’ll get robust.

Step 2: Make the Slaw

Toss the shredded cabbage, cilantro, inexperienced onions, and matchstick carrots with sesame oil, rice vinegar, lime juice, and salt. Therapeutic massage the cabbage along with your arms to melt it — this helps it take up the dressing and makes it simpler to roll.

Step 3: Smash the Beef into Tortillas

Divide the meat into 4 equal parts and roll into balls. Place a ball on a tortilla and press the meat as skinny as attainable, spreading all of it the way in which to the sides. That is the smash method — the thinner the meat, the crispier the end result.

Step 4: Sear in Solid Iron

Warmth a big forged iron skillet over medium-high warmth. Place a tortilla meat-side down and prepare dinner for two–3 minutes till the meat is crispy and caramelized. Flip and prepare dinner 30 seconds extra to brown the tortilla. Take away to a clear floor.

Step 5: Construct and Roll

Whereas the tortilla continues to be heat and pliable, unfold 1 tablespoon every of BBQ sauce, kewpie, and chili crisp over the meat. Add ½ cup of jasmine rice, ⅓ cup of slaw, and some cucumber sticks. Roll tightly and repeat with the remaining tortillas.

Ideas for the Greatest Smash Burritos

• Press the meat skinny: The thinner you press the meat, the crispier it will get. Don’t go away thick spots within the center.
• Sizzling skillet, no oil wanted: The meat fats renders because it cooks — no further oil obligatory. Simply be certain that your skillet is correctly preheated.
• Roll whereas heat: The tortilla must be heat and versatile to roll with out cracking. Construct your burrito proper off the skillet.
• Don’t overmix the meat: Combine till simply mixed. Overworking floor beef makes it dense and chewy.

Serving Recommendations

These smash burritos are a whole meal on their very own, however if you wish to go all-out, serve them alongside:

Substitutions and Variations

• Floor meat: Floor rooster, turkey, or pork all work. Leaner meats might have 1–2 tablespoons further oil combined in.
• Tortillas: Flour tortillas work finest for rolling. Entire wheat or spinach tortillas are nice swaps.
• Spice degree: Skip the chili crisp and use hoisin sauce for a milder choice, or double the chili crisp for those who prefer it sizzling.
• Kewpie mayo: Common mayo or a sriracha mayo each work as substitutes.
• Rice: Swap jasmine rice for brown rice, cauliflower rice, or skip it totally for a lighter burrito.

Learn how to Retailer Korean Beef Smash Burritos

• Fridge: Retailer assembled burritos wrapped in foil within the fridge for as much as 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to re-crisp.
• Freezer: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for as much as 2 months. Thaw in a single day and reheat in a skillet.
• Meal prep tip: Cook dinner the meat tortillas and retailer flat. Make the slaw individually. Assemble contemporary when able to eat for the crunchiest end result.

FAQ

What makes these “smash” burritos?

The smash method means urgent uncooked seasoned beef straight onto the tortilla earlier than cooking. The meat and tortilla prepare dinner collectively in a sizzling skillet, making a crispy, caramelized beef layer that’s fused to the tortilla.

Can I take advantage of a unique sort of meat?

Completely! Floor rooster, turkey, or pork all work properly. If utilizing a leaner meat, add 1–2 tablespoons of additional oil to the combination so it nonetheless will get crispy within the skillet.

What’s kewpie mayo?

Kewpie is a Japanese-style mayo made with egg yolks solely (no whites), plus rice vinegar as an alternative of distilled vinegar. It’s creamier, tangier, and barely sweeter than American mayo. You will discover it at most grocery shops within the worldwide aisle.

Do I would like so as to add oil to the skillet?

Nope! The fats from the bottom beef renders because it cooks, creating its personal cooking oil. Simply be certain that your forged iron is correctly preheated.

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