# What You'll Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 14 oz beef sirloin or chicken thighs, thinly sliced (substitute firm tofu for vegetarian option)
02 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
03 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
04 - 1 tablespoon brown sugar
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 teaspoon grated ginger
07 - 1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
→ Ube Crema
08 - 1/3 cup cooked ube (purple yam) or ube halaya (substitute with cooked sweet potato for color)
09 - 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (use coconut yogurt for vegan option)
10 - 1 tablespoon lime juice
11 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
12 - pinch of salt
→ Toppings
13 - 1 cup kimchi, chopped
14 - 1 cup shredded cabbage (red or green)
15 - 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
16 - 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
17 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
18 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
19 - 1/4 cup pickled red onions
→ Base
20 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas (soft taco size)
21 - 2 1/2 cups cooked jasmine or sushi rice (for bowl preparation)
# Directions:
01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and gochujang. Add sliced protein of choice and toss thoroughly to coat. Allow to marinate for 15 to 20 minutes.
02 - In a blender or food processor, add cooked ube, sour cream or yogurt, lime juice, honey, and salt. Process until smooth and evenly blended, adjusting texture if needed. Refrigerate until ready to assemble.
03 - Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high temperature. Add marinated protein and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
04 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until softened and warm. For bowls, fluff cooked rice before assembly.
05 - To prepare tacos, spread ube crema on each tortilla, add portions of protein, and layer with kimchi, cabbage, cucumber, jalapeño, cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, and pickled onions. For bowls, arrange rice as the base, top with protein and garnishes, and finish with a drizzle of ube crema.
06 - Present immediately, allowing guests to customize their tacos or bowls to personal preference.
