Pin A vibrant, flavor-packed recipe blending inspirations from street food around the world, featuring Korean bulgogi tacos, Filipino ube crema, and Mexican toppings for a customizable meal experience.
I first tried fusing these international flavors for a weekend gathering with friends and was amazed by how quickly everyone dove in to build their own tacos and bowls. The colorful fillings and tangy ube crema were a hit that brought bold new vibes to our usual taco night.
Ingredients
- Beef sirloin or chicken thighs (or tofu): 400 g (14 oz), thinly sliced, ideal for quick cooking and fusion flavor
- Soy sauce: 1 tbsp, gives savory depth
- Sesame oil: 1 tbsp, for rich aroma
- Brown sugar: 1 tbsp, for balanced sweetness
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, for bold flavor
- Ginger: 1 tsp, grated, brightens the marinade
- Gochujang: 1 tsp, Korean chili paste that adds heat
- Cooked ube or ube halaya: 1/3 cup, brings vibrant color and subtle sweetness
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: 1/2 cup, base for the crema (use coconut yogurt for vegan)
- Lime juice: 1 tbsp, gives fresh tang
- Honey or maple syrup: 1 tsp, balances acidity
- Salt: Pinch, to taste
- Kimchi: 1 cup, chopped, for fermented kick
- Shredded cabbage: 1 cup, crunchy topping
- Cucumber: 1 small, thinly sliced, for crispness
- Jalapeño: 1, thinly sliced, offers heat
- Fresh cilantro: 2 tbsp, chopped, adds freshness
- Toasted sesame seeds: 2 tbsp, nutty garnish
- Pickled red onions: 1/4 cup, for zing
- Corn or flour tortillas: 8 small (soft taco size), or
- Jasmine or sushi rice: 2 1/2 cups, cooked, as bowl base
Instructions
- Marinate the Protein:
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and gochujang. Add sliced beef, chicken or tofu, toss well, and marinate for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Prepare the Ube Crema:
- Blend ube, sour cream or yogurt, lime juice, honey, and salt in a blender until smooth and vibrant. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Cook the Protein:
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high and cook the marinated protein for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned and cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Warm the Base:
- Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable. If using rice, fluff before serving.
- 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:
- Let everyone build their own tacos or bowls and enjoy immediately.
Pin This recipe quickly became a tradition for Saturday family lunch, letting everyone pile their favorite toppings—kids go heavy on crema while adults spice it up with jalapeño.
Pairings & Adaptations
Pairs perfectly with crisp lager, chilled Riesling, or refreshing agua fresca. For vegetarian, use jackfruit or pan-seared tofu. Go gluten-free by choosing tamari and gluten-free tortillas.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls for marinating and toppings, a sturdy skillet or grill pan, blender, sharp knife, and spatula or tongs for easy assembly.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains about 470 calories, 15 g fat, 60 g carbohydrates, and 22 g protein, making it a satisfying meal packed with nutrients and color.
Pin Give your next dinner a street-food twist with these bold fusion tacos and bowls. Every bite delivers a new surprise—let your guests explore and enjoy!
Recipe Questions
- → What protein options are suitable for this fusion dish?
Use thinly sliced beef, chicken thighs, or firm tofu. Jackfruit is a creative vegetarian alternative.
- → Can ube crema be made vegan?
Yes, substitute coconut yogurt for dairy and maple syrup for honey to create a vegan-friendly crema.
- → How do I assemble tacos or bowls?
Spread ube crema on tortillas or rice, add cooked protein, then layer on toppings like kimchi, cabbage, and cilantro.
- → What can I use if ube isn't available?
Swap with roasted sweet potato or purple potato to achieve a similar texture and vibrant color for your crema.
- → What sides or drinks pair well with these fusion tacos?
A crisp lager or chilled Riesling complements the bold flavors. Try avocado or a fried egg for extra richness.
- → Are gluten-free or dairy-free adaptations possible?
Use gluten-free tortillas and tamari. For dairy-free options, select coconut yogurt for the ube crema.