# What You'll Need:
→ 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 (may substitute sweet potato for color)
09 - 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (or coconut yogurt for vegan adaptation)
10 - 1 tablespoon lime juice
11 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
12 - Pinch of salt
→ Toppings
13 - 1 cup chopped kimchi
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 variation)
# Method:
01 - In a mixing bowl, blend soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and gochujang. Toss thinly sliced beef, chicken, or tofu in the marinade, ensuring even coating, and let rest for 15 to 20 minutes.
02 - In a blender or food processor, combine cooked ube, sour cream or yogurt, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Purée until smooth and striking in color. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
03 - Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high flame. Sear the marinated protein for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
04 - Gently warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable. For bowls, fluff the cooked rice before serving.
05 - For tacos, spread a layer of ube crema on each tortilla. Top with cooked protein, kimchi, cabbage, cucumber, jalapeño, cilantro, sesame seeds, and pickled red onions. For bowls, layer rice with toppings and finish with a drizzle of ube crema.
06 - Present immediately and allow guests to build their own tacos or bowls to taste.
