Zesty bowls and tacos combine bulgogi, ube crema, kimchi, and vibrant street-food flavors for a customizable meal.
# Components:
→ Proteins
01 - 14 oz beef sirloin or chicken thighs, thinly sliced (firm tofu may be substituted 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 grated ginger
07 - 1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
→ Ube Crema
08 - 1/3 cup cooked ube or ube halaya (substitute with sweet potato if desired)
09 - 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (or coconut yogurt for vegan)
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 - 2 1/2 cups cooked jasmine or sushi rice (for bowls)
# Preparation steps:
01 - In a mixing bowl, blend soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and gochujang. Incorporate the sliced protein of choice, ensuring thorough coating. Marinate for 15 to 20 minutes.
02 - Combine cooked ube, sour cream or yogurt, lime juice, honey, and a pinch of salt in a blender or food processor. Process until the mixture is smooth and vividly colored. Refrigerate until serving.
03 - Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated protein for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring intermittently, until evenly browned and fully cooked. Transfer to a serving dish.
04 - Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and flexible. If using rice, gently fluff the cooked grains.
05 - For tacos, spread a layer of ube crema onto each tortilla, add seared protein, then top with kimchi, cabbage, cucumber, jalapeño, cilantro, sesame seeds, and pickled red onions. For bowls, layer rice with toppings and finish with a generous drizzle of ube crema.
06 - Present all components and toppings so guests can individually compose tacos or bowls to their preference.
