# What you need:
→ Proteins
01 - 14 oz beef sirloin or chicken thighs, thinly sliced (alternatively, use 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 (purple yam) or ube halaya; substitute with sweet potato if preferred
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 fine salt
→ Toppings
13 - 1 cup kimchi, coarsely 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, finely 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), or 2 1/2 cups cooked jasmine or sushi rice
# Steps to follow:
01 - In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and gochujang. Add sliced beef, chicken, or tofu, then toss thoroughly to coat. 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. Refrigerate until needed.
03 - Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Sear marinated protein for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
04 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable. Alternatively, fluff the cooked rice if preparing bowls.
05 - To assemble tacos, spread ube crema on each tortilla, top with protein, kimchi, cabbage, cucumber, jalapeño, cilantro, sesame seeds, and pickled red onions. For rice bowls, layer rice with toppings and drizzle with ube crema.
06 - Serve immediately, allowing diners to customize tacos or bowls with their preferred toppings.
