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! Preparation Time: 30 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 50 minutes Category: Main Dish Difficulty: Medium Cuisine: Fusion (Korean, Filipino, Mexican, Californian) Yield: 4 servings Diet: Contains dairy and gluten (can be adapted for vegetarian/vegan diets)
I first tried making fusion tacos after traveling and eating street food in LA, Manila, and Seoul. The creative combinations were unforgettable, and I loved how everyone built their own bite—from spicy, tangy kimchi to creamy ube sauces.
Ingredients
- Proteins: 400 g (14 oz) beef sirloin or chicken thighs, thinly sliced (or use firm tofu for vegetarian)
- 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
- Ube Crema: 1/3 cup cooked ube (purple yam) or ube halaya (can substitute with sweet potato for color)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: 1/2 cup (use coconut yogurt for vegan)
- Lime juice: 1 tbsp
- Honey or maple syrup: 1 tsp
- Salt: Pinch
- 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 the sliced beef/chicken/tofu, toss well, and marinate for 15 & 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 & 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 Our family loves gathering for taco night, experimenting with toppings from different cultures. Everyone has their own favorite combination, and there are never any leftovers!
Notes and Variations
Swap ube with roasted sweet potato for a similar look and a subtle flavor twist. Add avocado or a fried egg for extra richness. For parties, prepare all fillings ahead so guests can build their own tacos or bowls.
Allergen & Nutritional Information
Contains gluten (in tortillas/soy sauce), dairy (in crema), and soy (in soy sauce/gochujang). For gluten-free, use gluten-free tortillas and tamari. For dairy-free, use coconut yogurt in crema. Always check labels for allergens in kimchi, gochujang, and other condiments. Per serving: 470 calories, 15 g fat, 60 g carbohydrate, 22 g protein.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, skillet or grill pan, blender or food processor, cutting board and knife, tongs or spatula
Save Create your own fusion feast and enjoy the global flavors in every bite! These tacos and bowls are best shared fresh and colorful with friends or family.
Recipe Questions
- → Which proteins work best for these tacos and bowls?
Thinly sliced beef, chicken thighs, or firm tofu are all excellent choices for flavorful, tender results.
- → Can I make these dairy-free or gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute coconut yogurt for dairy and use gluten-free tortillas or tamari to accommodate dietary needs.
- → What is ube crema, and can I substitute ingredients?
Ube crema is a creamy blend of purple yam and yogurt or sour cream; sweet potato or purple potato can replace ube.
- → How do I adapt toppings to personal taste?
Mix and match kimchi, cabbage, pickled onions, and fresh vegetables based on what you enjoy or have available.
- → What is the best way to serve this meal?
Let guests build their own tacos or bowls with warm bases and assorted toppings for a fun, hands-on experience.
- → Any pairing suggestions for drinks?
Crisp lager or chilled Riesling complements the fusion flavors and balances spicy, tangy notes.