# Components:
→ Proteins
01 - 14 oz beef sirloin or chicken thighs, thinly sliced (alternatively 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 sweet potato for color if desired)
09 - 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (substitute coconut yogurt for vegan alternative)
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 - or 2 1/2 cups cooked jasmine or sushi rice (for bowl option)
# Directions:
01 - Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and gochujang in a mixing bowl. Add sliced beef, chicken, or tofu, then toss thoroughly to coat. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for 15 to 20 minutes.
02 - In a blender or food processor, combine cooked ube, sour cream or yogurt, lime juice, honey, and salt. Process until the mixture is smooth and vibrant in color. Refrigerate until needed.
03 - Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated protein and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring as needed, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
04 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable. For rice bowls, fluff the cooked rice and keep warm.
05 - To prepare tacos, spread a layer of ube crema on each warmed tortilla, add cooked protein, and garnish with kimchi, cabbage, cucumber, jalapeño, cilantro, sesame seeds, and pickled red onions. For bowl preparation, arrange rice as the base, top with protein and garnishes, and drizzle with ube crema.
06 - Serve immediately, allowing each guest to build their own tacos or bowls as preferred.
