Save A vibrant, flavor-packed recipe blending inspirations from street food around the world (think Korean bulgogi tacos, Filipino ube crema, and zesty Mexican toppings). Perfect for a fun, customizable meal that will wow everyone at the table.
I first made these fusion tacos for a family dinner where everyone wanted something interactive and flavorful. Mixing different cuisines made it the highlight of the night, and now it's a go-to when I want to impress guests or celebrate global flavors at home.
Ingredients
- Proteins: 400 g (14 oz) beef sirloin or chicken thighs, thinly sliced (or use firm tofu for vegetarian), 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 tsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- Ube Crema: 1/3 cup cooked ube (purple yam) or ube halaya (can substitute with sweet potato for color), 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (use coconut yogurt for vegan), 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp honey or maple syrup, pinch of salt
- Toppings: 1 cup kimchi (chopped), 1 cup shredded cabbage (red or green), 1 small cucumber (thinly sliced), 1 jalapeño (thinly sliced), 2 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped), 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, 1/4 cup pickled red onions
- Base: 8 small corn or flour tortillas (soft taco size), or 2 1/2 cups cooked jasmine or sushi rice (for bowls)
Instructions
- Marinate the Protein:
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and gochujang. Add the sliced beef/chicken/tofu, toss well, and marinate for 15–20 minutes.
- Prepare the Ube Crema:
- In a blender or food processor, combine ube, sour cream or yogurt, lime juice, honey, and salt. Blend until smooth and vibrant purple. Refrigerate until serving.
- Cook the Protein:
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated protein for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- Warm the Base:
- Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable. For bowls, fluff the cooked rice.
- Assemble:
- To make tacos, spread ube crema on each tortilla, add protein, then top with kimchi, cabbage, cucumber, jalapeño, cilantro, sesame seeds, and pickled onions. For bowls, layer rice with toppings and drizzle with ube crema.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, letting everyone build their own tacos or bowls as desired.
Save Sharing these tacos brought our family around the kitchen island, each person constructing their perfect bite and comparing topping combinations. It turned a regular weeknight into a global celebration.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, skillet or grill pan, blender or food processor, cutting board and knife, tongs or spatula
Allergen Information
Contains gluten (in tortillas/soy sauce), dairy (in crema), and soy (in soy sauce/gochujang). For gluten-free, use gluten-free tortillas and tamari. For dairy-free, opt for coconut yogurt. Always check labels for allergens in kimchi, gochujang, and other condiments.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 470 , Total Fat: 15 g , Carbohydrates: 60 g , Protein: 22 g
Save Enjoy these tacos and bowls fresh for the brightest flavors, and let everybody join in the assembly fun. The leftovers make fantastic lunches, too!
Recipe Guide
- → What proteins work best for these tacos and bowls?
Thinly sliced beef sirloin, chicken thighs, or firm tofu (for vegetarian) absorb the marinade well and cook quickly, delivering rich flavor.
- → Can I prepare the ube crema ahead of time?
Yes, blend the ube crema and refrigerate it for up to two days, ensuring a smooth, vibrant topping comes together quickly at assembly.
- → How can I tailor the dish for gluten-free diets?
Choose gluten-free tortillas and tamari in place of soy sauce, and double-check kimchi ingredients for hidden gluten sources.
- → What substitutions are there for ube?
Swap ube for roasted sweet potatoes or purple potatoes to maintain the color and creamy sweetness in the crema.
- → Are there suggested toppings to enhance flavor?
Add crunchy kimchi, shredded cabbage, jalapeño, fresh cilantro, sesame seeds, pickled onions, or even avocado for richness.
- → What side pairings complement this fusion meal?
A crisp lager or chilled Riesling pairs nicely, though fresh fruit slaw or spicy chips also work as refreshing accompaniments.