Save A vibrant flavor-packed recipe blending inspirations from street food around the world: Korean bulgogi tacos, Filipino ube crema, and zesty Mexican toppings come together for a customizable meal bursting with color and excitement. These fusion tacos and bowls are perfect for sharing and let everyone build their own plate with global flair.
The first time I made these tacos for friends, we spent the evening mixing and matching toppings, smiling over the vivid colors and satisfying flavors. It's become our go-to for lively weekend dinners or when we're craving something out of the ordinary!
Ingredients
- Beef sirloin or chicken thighs (or firm tofu for vegetarian): 400 g (14 oz), thinly sliced
- Soy sauce: 1 tbsp
- Sesame oil: 1 tbsp
- Brown sugar: 1 tbsp
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1 tsp, grated
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste): 1 tsp
- Cooked ube or ube halaya (or sweet potato for color): 1/3 cup
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (or coconut yogurt for vegan): 1/2 cup
- Lime juice: 1 tbsp
- Honey or maple syrup: 1 tsp
- Salt: Pinch
- Kimchi, chopped: 1 cup
- Shredded cabbage (red or green): 1 cup
- Cucumber, thinly sliced: 1 small
- Jalapeño, thinly sliced: 1
- Fresh cilantro, chopped: 2 tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds: 2 tbsp
- Pickled red onions: 1/4 cup
- Corn or flour tortillas (soft taco size): 8 small, or
- Cooked jasmine or sushi rice (for bowls): 2 1/2 cups
Instructions
- Marinate the Protein:
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and gochujang. Add the sliced beef, chicken, or tofu, toss well, and marinate for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Prepare the Ube Crema:
- In a blender or food processor, combine ube, sour cream or yogurt, lime juice, honey, and salt. Blend until smooth and vibrant purple. Refrigerate until serving.
- Cook the Protein:
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated protein for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- Warm the Base:
- Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable. For bowls, fluff the cooked rice.
- Assemble:
- To make tacos, spread ube crema on each tortilla, add protein, then top with kimchi, cabbage, cucumber, jalapeño, cilantro, sesame seeds, and pickled onions. For bowls, layer rice with toppings and drizzle with ube crema.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, letting everyone build their own tacos or bowls as desired.
Save One of my favorite moments is watching family members create their own taco masterpieces, carefully assembling each layer—the purple crema always gets a laugh and a smile from everyone at the table!
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, skillet or grill pan, blender or food processor, cutting board and knife, tongs or spatula
Allergen Information
Contains gluten, dairy, and soy. For gluten-free, use gluten-free tortillas and tamari; for dairy-free, swap coconut yogurt in the crema. Always double-check labels on kimchi, gochujang, and other condiments.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 470 per serving. Total Fat: 15 g. Carbohydrates: 60 g. Protein: 22 g.
Save Try variations with jackfruit, vegan crema, or swap tortillas for rice bowls. This recipe keeps dinner fun and flavorful every time!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute tofu or jackfruit for the meat?
Yes, both tofu and jackfruit are excellent protein substitutes and work well with the marinade for a vegetarian version.
- → What is ube crema and where can I find ube?
Ube crema is a creamy, tangy sauce made from purple yam. If ube is unavailable, use sweet potato for a similar flavor and color.
- → Are these tacos gluten-free or dairy-free?
Use gluten-free tortillas and tamari. Opt for coconut yogurt in the crema for dairy-free options, and always check other ingredient labels.
- → What toppings can I use besides those listed?
Feel free to add avocado, a fried egg, or shredded lettuce. Mix and match textures and flavors for added variety.
- → Can I make bowls instead of tacos?
Absolutely! Use cooked jasmine or sushi rice as the base, arrange protein and toppings, and drizzle with ube crema for a hearty bowl.
- → What side dishes or drinks pair well with this meal?
Serve with crisp lager, chilled Riesling, or light salads to complement the fusion flavors and refresh the palate.