# Components:
→ 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 freshly grated ginger
07 - 1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
→ Ube Crema
08 - 1/3 cup cooked ube or ube halaya (alternatively, roasted sweet potato for color)
09 - 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (coconut yogurt for vegan adaptation)
10 - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed 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)
# Method:
01 - Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and gochujang in a mixing bowl. Add the sliced beef, chicken, or tofu and coat evenly. Allow to marinate for 15 to 20 minutes.
02 - Place cooked ube, sour cream or chosen yogurt, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, and salt into a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and vibrant in color. Refrigerate until use.
03 - Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high. Sear marinated protein for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and lightly browned. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
04 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable. For rice bowls, fluff hot jasmine or sushi rice with a fork.
05 - Spread a layer of ube crema over each tortilla, top with cooked protein, and finish with kimchi, shredded cabbage, cucumber, jalapeño slices, cilantro, sesame seeds, and pickled red onions. For bowls, layer the rice with toppings and drizzle with the crema.
06 - Allow diners to build their own tacos or bowls, customizing toppings as desired. Serve immediately.
