Sesame Beef Tacos with Quick Pickled Onions is an easy, 15-minute meal that’s perfect for any night of the week!

Sesame Beef Tacos with Quick Pickled Onions on a plate

If you were to stop by our house on any random night, you would probably find us eating tacos. 

Breakfast tacos, I’m here for it. Nachos….which is basically like a deconstructed taco, I will never say no to. 

BUT! A classic ground beef taco I would eat any time of day. Whenever I plan out our meals for the week at least one dinner is covered and that’s Taco Tuesday. Gives us something to look forward to after eating chicken and veggies on Monday. 

However, y’all know me that I like to mix things up a bit in the kitchen. Today, I wanted to share a taco recipe with you that has an eastern theme, takes only 15 minutes to make, and will up your next taco Tuesday game. 

Are you ready to make some Sesame Beef Tacos with Quick Pickled Onions?

Sesame Beef Tacos with Quick Pickled Onions on a plate

What’s in these Sesame Beef Tacos with Quick Pickled Onions?

When it comes to cooking eastern themed food you will have a few more ingredients than traditional western. The good news? This recipe is super quick to make. In this recipe you’ll find:

ingredients to make Sesame Beef Tacos with Quick Pickled Onions

for the tacos:

  • Ground beef
  • Toasted Sesame Oil
  • Garlic
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
  • Soy Sauce
  • Brown Sugar
  • Rice Vinegar

for the quick pickled onions:

  • Red Onion
  • Granulated Sugar
  • Kosher Salt
  • Apple Cider Vinegar 

Tips for Making the Sesame Beef Tacos with Pickled Onions:

1) Ground Beef. Make sure to bring your ground beef to room temperature for at least for 30 minutes. This will ensure the beef will cook evenly.

2) Sesame Sauce. If you want to do a little prep you can combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and water into a bowl. Once combined add it to the skillet. 

3) Pickled Onions. These can be made ahead of time. Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week! 

pickled onions in a jar

4) Toast Tortillas. No, seriously. It will change your life forever. 

Can I freeze the Sesame Beef?

Absolutely! This ground beef mixture will last up to a month in the freezer! 

ground sesame beef in a skillet

May I Substitute Ground Beef? 

You betcha! Ground pork, turkey, chicken or plant-based would be a great alternative! 

What Toppings do You Recommend Besides Pickled Onions?

Whatever your heart desires! You could definitely omit the pickled onions and just use Sriracha. But any topping whether salsa, radishes, cheese, etc. will work! 

Sesame Beef Tacos with Quick Pickled Onions on a plate

More Taco Recipes to Enjoy: 

Print Recipe

Sesame Beef Tacos with Quick Pickled Onions

Yield: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

  • for the tacos:
  • 8 corn tortillas, toasted
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
  • 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 3 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp water
  • Sriracha, for garnish
  • for the quick pickled onions:
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced

Directions:

  1. for the tacos:
  2. In a large skillet preheated to medium-high heat add the ground beef. Cook the beef until no longer pink about five minutes. Drain the fat and set aside on a plate.
  3. Next, in the same skillet add the sesame oil and garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds. Stir in the crushed red pepper followed by the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer the sauce for about five minutes.
  4. Return the beef to the skillet and toss to combine the beef with the sauce.
  5. Scoop some of the beef into a toasted tortilla. Top with pickled onions and Siracha!
  6. for the pickled onions:
  7. In a medium bowl whisk together apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt and 1 cup of warm water until everything has dissolved. Place the onions into a jar and pour the vinegar mixture over the onions. Let the onions sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour and then place in the fridge.
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Sesame Beef Tacos with Quick Pickled Onions on a plate