Korean Bibimbap
Bibimbap, a Korean dish of mixed rice, vegetables, and meat, is a beloved staple in Korean cuisine. This vegetarian version features a medley of colorful vegetables, including carrots, zucchini, spinach, and onion, tossed in a savory and slightly spicy sauce made with gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Bibimbap's origins can be traced back to the Three Kingdoms period of Korean history (57 BC-668 AD). During this time, farmers would pack lunches of rice, vegetables, and meat to take with them to the fields. Over time, these lunches evolved into the modern-day bibimbap, which is typically served with a fried egg on top.
Korean Bibimbap Korean Bibimbap Korean Bibimbap Korean Bibimbap
Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 10 | Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1/2 cup chopped carrots
  • 1/2 cup chopped zucchini
  • 1/2 cup chopped spinach
  • 1/4 cup chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons gochujang sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine the rice, carrots, zucchini, spinach, and onion.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the gochujang sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
  3. Pour the sauce over the rice mixture and toss to coat.
  4. Serve immediately.
Why It Works
  • The combination of textures and flavors in bibimbap is what makes it so appealing. The chewy rice, crunchy vegetables, and savory sauce create a delightful contrast that keeps you coming back for more.
  • Gochujang, a fermented chili paste, is the key ingredient in bibimbap's signature sauce. It adds a rich, slightly spicy flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
  • Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor to the sauce and helps to bind the ingredients together.