Global Street-Food Fusion Tacos (Print)

Fusion tacos and bowls blend bold global flavors for a vibrant, hands-on main dish with customizable ingredients.

# Ingredients:

→ Proteins

01 - 14 oz beef sirloin or chicken thighs, thinly sliced (substitute with 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 grated fresh ginger
07 - 1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)

→ Ube Crema

08 - 1/3 cup cooked ube (purple yam) or ube halaya (substitute with cooked sweet potato if desired)
09 - 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (use 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 red or green cabbage
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)

# Directions:

01 - In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and gochujang. Add the thinly sliced beef, chicken, or tofu and toss to coat evenly. Allow to marinate for 15 to 20 minutes.
02 - Add cooked ube, sour cream or yogurt, lime juice, honey, and salt to a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and vibrant in color. Chill until ready to serve.
03 - Preheat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated protein for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
04 - Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and flexible. For bowl preparation, fluff the cooked rice with a fork.
05 - To build tacos, spread a layer of ube crema on each tortilla, add cooked protein, then top with kimchi, shredded cabbage, cucumber slices, jalapeño, cilantro, sesame seeds, and pickled onions. For bowls, layer rice with toppings and drizzle with ube crema.
06 - Serve immediately, allowing everyone to customize their tacos or bowls as desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Fun and customizable for everyone at the table
  • Unique global flavors in each bite
02 -
  • Ube can be replaced with roasted sweet potato or purple potato for a similar look
  • Always check ingredient labels if you have food allergies, especially with condiments like kimchi and gochujang
03 -
  • Warm tortillas just before serving for best texture
  • Let guests assemble their own tacos or bowls so everyone gets exactly what they love