Save A vibrant, flavor-packed recipe blending inspirations from street food around the world—think Korean bulgogi tacos, Filipino ube crema, and zesty Mexican toppings. Perfect for a fun, customizable meal!
I first served these fusion tacos at a weekend gathering with friends from different backgrounds, and everyone loved comparing their favorite combinations. It’s become our go-to meal when we’re feeling adventurous but want something easy and interactive.
Ingredients
- Proteins: 400 g (14 oz) beef sirloin or chicken thighs, thinly sliced (or use firm tofu for vegetarian), 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 tsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- Ube Crema: 1/3 cup cooked ube (purple yam) or ube halaya (can substitute with sweet potato for color), 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (use coconut yogurt for vegan), 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp honey or maple syrup, pinch of salt
- Toppings: 1 cup kimchi (chopped), 1 cup shredded cabbage (red or green), 1 small cucumber (thinly sliced), 1 jalapeño (thinly sliced), 2 tbsp fresh cilantro (chopped), 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, 1/4 cup pickled red onions
- Base: 8 small corn or flour tortillas (soft taco size), or 2 1/2 cups cooked jasmine or sushi rice (for bowls)
Instructions
- Marinate the Protein:
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and gochujang. Add sliced beef/chicken/tofu, toss, and marinate 15–20 minutes.
- Prepare the Ube Crema:
- In a blender or processor, combine ube, sour cream or yogurt, lime juice, honey, and salt. Blend until smooth and purple. Refrigerate until serving.
- Cook the Protein:
- Heat skillet or grill pan over medium-high. Cook the marinated protein 4–6 minutes, stirring, until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- Warm the Base:
- Heat tortillas in skillet or microwave until soft. For bowls, fluff the cooked rice.
- Assemble:
- For tacos, spread ube crema on each tortilla, add protein, and 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.
Save We pile bowls high and swap toppings around the table. Even picky eaters find their perfect combo, and it’s a joyful, easy mess to eat together—the best moments come from customizing each bite.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these tacos or bowls with a crisp Asian lager, chilled Riesling, or sparkling water with lime for a refreshing balance to the rich flavors.
Allergen Adaptations
For gluten-free, use gluten-free tortillas and tamari. For dairy-free, substitute coconut yogurt in the crema. Always read ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Additions & Variations
Add avocado, a fried egg, or extra roasted veggies to customize. Substitute ube with roasted sweet potato or purple potato for color if needed.
Save Enjoy these vibrant fusion tacos and bowls as a colorful feast—each serving is a global street-food adventure you’ll want to revisit again and again.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I make this fusion dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute beef or chicken with firm tofu or jackfruit for a hearty vegetarian variation. Ensure toppings and bases are plant-based as desired.
- → What can I use if I can't find ube?
Roasted sweet potato or purple potato are excellent substitutes, providing similar color and a naturally sweet flavor for the crema.
- → How do I adapt for gluten-free or dairy-free diets?
Choose gluten-free tortillas and tamari for soy sauce. Use coconut yogurt in place of sour cream for the crema, and double check condiments for allergens.
- → What topping options work best for bowls or tacos?
Kimchi, shredded cabbage, cucumber, jalapeño, cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, pickled onions, and even avocado or fried egg can add exciting texture and taste.
- → Which base should I use: tortillas or rice?
Soft corn or flour tortillas work great for handheld tacos, while jasmine or sushi rice create filling bowls. Pick what suits your mood or group!
- → Can I make this fusion dish ahead of time?
Most elements can be prepared in advance, especially the ube crema and marinated protein. Assemble just before serving for best texture and freshness.