# What You Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 14 oz beef sirloin or chicken thighs, thinly sliced (alternatively, use firm tofu as 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 or ube halaya (may substitute with sweet potato for color)
09 - 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (use coconut yogurt for vegan preparation)
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 - alternatively, 2 1/2 cups cooked jasmine or sushi rice
# Directions:
01 - Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and gochujang in a mixing bowl. Add thinly sliced beef, chicken, or tofu, toss to coat thoroughly, and allow to marinate for 15 to 20 minutes.
02 - In a blender or food processor, blend cooked ube, sour cream or yogurt, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, and a pinch of salt until smooth and vibrant. Refrigerate crema until ready for use.
03 - Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Transfer marinated protein to the hot pan, cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until nicely browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
04 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable. If using rice as the base, fluff the grains with a fork to separate.
05 - For tacos, spread a layer of ube crema on each warm tortilla, top with cooked protein, then finish with kimchi, shredded cabbage, cucumber, jalapeño slices, cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, and pickled red onions. For rice bowls, layer rice with toppings and drizzle ube crema on top.
06 - Serve immediately, allowing guests to build their own tacos or bowls with the prepared components as desired.
