Bibimbap (비빔밥 - Mixed Rice)

Recipe & Instructions (US Units)

Ingredients:

• Rice:
  • 2 cups cooked short-grain white rice (warm)
• Vegetables (Namul):
  • 5 oz spinach, blanched, squeezed dry, seasoned with 1 tsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp sesame oil, pinch garlic powder
  • 1 large carrot, julienned, stir-fried until tender-crisp with pinch of salt
  • 5 oz bean sprouts, blanched, squeezed dry, seasoned with 1 tsp sesame oil, pinch salt, pinch garlic powder
  • 1 small zucchini, julienned, stir-fried until tender-crisp with pinch of salt
  • Optional: Shiitake mushrooms, sliced, stir-fried with soy sauce and sesame oil; Bellflower roots (Doraji)
• Protein:
  • 1/2 lb ground beef or thinly sliced beef (like bulgogi), cooked with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 1 tsp sesame oil, 1 minced garlic clove
  • OR Firm tofu, pan-fried
• Toppings:
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for eggs)
  • Toasted sesame oil
  • Toasted sesame seeds
• Bibimbap Sauce (Gochujang based):
  • 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp sugar or corn syrup
  • 1 tbsp water
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp minced garlic

Instructions:

1. Prepare Components: Cook rice. Prepare each vegetable component separately as described above (blanch/stir-fry, season). Cook the protein.
2. Make Sauce: Whisk together all bibimbap sauce ingredients until smooth.
3. Fry Eggs: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry eggs sunny-side up or over easy.
4. Assemble Bowls: Divide warm rice among 4 bowls. Neatly arrange portions of each prepared vegetable and the protein over the rice in distinct sections. Drizzle lightly with toasted sesame oil.
5. Top & Serve: Place a fried egg in the center of each bowl. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately with the bibimbap sauce on the side for each person to add and mix to their liking.

What Makes It Special:

Bibimbap is a visual and culinary delight, showcasing a harmonious balance of colors, textures, and flavors. The act of vigorously mixing the various components – seasoned vegetables (namul), savory protein, warm rice, spicy-sweet gochujang sauce, and rich egg yolk – just before eating creates a uniquely satisfying and customizable meal. It's a healthy, complete, and iconic Korean dish.