# What You'll Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 14 oz beef sirloin or chicken thighs, thinly sliced (or use firm tofu for vegetarian adaptation)
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 if needed)
09 - 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (or coconut yogurt for vegan preparation)
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh 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 bowls alternative)
# Method:
01 - In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and gochujang. Add the sliced beef, chicken, or tofu and toss thoroughly. Marinate for 15 to 20 minutes.
02 - Place cooked ube, sour cream or yogurt, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, and a pinch of salt into a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, creamy, and vibrant. Transfer to refrigeration until ready to serve.
03 - Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated protein for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring periodically, until deeply browned and fully cooked. Set aside.
04 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable. If opting for bowls, fluff the cooked rice and keep warm.
05 - For tacos, spread ube crema over each tortilla. Add cooked protein, then top with kimchi, cabbage, cucumber, jalapeño, cilantro, sesame seeds, and pickled onions. For bowl-style, layer rice with protein and toppings, finishing with a drizzle of ube crema.
06 - Present immediately, allowing diners to customize their own tacos or bowls with preferred toppings.
