# What you'll need:
→ Proteins
01 - 14 oz beef sirloin or chicken thighs, thinly sliced (substitute with firm tofu for vegetarian options)
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 variation)
09 - 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (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 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 (option for bowl presentation)
# Method:
01 - Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and gochujang in a mixing bowl. Add sliced beef, chicken, or tofu, ensuring each piece is coated thoroughly. Allow to marinate for 15 to 20 minutes under refrigeration.
02 - Place cooked ube, sour cream or yogurt, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, and salt in a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and vividly colored. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
03 - Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Transfer the marinated protein to the pan and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring for even browning, until fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
04 - Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable. If preparing bowls, fluff the cooked rice and portion as desired.
05 - For tacos, spread a layer of ube crema on each tortilla, add cooked protein, and finish with kimchi, cabbage, cucumber, jalapeño, fresh cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, and pickled red onions. For bowls, arrange rice, protein, and toppings, then drizzle with ube crema.
06 - Present immediately for optimal texture and flavor, allowing diners to customize tacos or bowls to their preference.
