# Components:
→ Proteins
01 - 14 oz beef sirloin or chicken thighs, thinly sliced (firm tofu may be substituted for a 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)
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
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 (as alternative bowl base)
# Directions:
01 - In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and gochujang. Add sliced beef, chicken, or tofu and toss thoroughly. Allow to marinate for 15 to 20 minutes for optimal flavor infusion.
02 - Blend cooked ube, sour cream or yogurt, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, and a pinch of salt in a blender or food processor until a smooth, vividly colored crema is achieved. Refrigerate until assembly.
03 - Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated protein for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring periodically, until browned and fully cooked through. Transfer to a platter and keep warm.
04 - Gently heat the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until softened and pliable. If preparing bowls, fluff the cooked rice for serving.
05 - To build tacos, spread a layer of ube crema on each tortilla, add the cooked protein, and arrange toppings including kimchi, cabbage, cucumber, jalapeño, cilantro, sesame seeds, and pickled onions. For bowls, layer rice with the same toppings and drizzle with ube crema.
06 - Serve immediately, encouraging diners to assemble tacos or bowls according to personal preference.
