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Bibimbap

A vibrant Korean rice bowl loaded with colorful vegetables, protein, and a spicy gochujang sauce – the perfect introduction to Korean cuisine.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked short-grain white rice

  • 100g beef mince (or firm tofu for vegetarian option)

  • 1 cucumber

  • 1 carrot

  • 100g bean sprouts

  • 100g spinach

  • 2 eggs

  • 100g shiitake mushrooms

  • 4 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chilli paste)

  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon sugar

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Garnishes

  • Toasted sesame seeds

  • Spring onions, finely sliced

  • Kimchi (optional)

  • Extra gochujang sauce

Directions

Step 1

Cook the rice according to package instructions. For authentic bibimbap, short-grain rice works best as it's stickier. Once cooked, keep warm.

Step 2

Prepare the sauce by mixing gochujang, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Set aside.

Step 3

Prepare all vegetables: Julienne the cucumber and carrot into thin matchsticks. Wash the bean sprouts and spinach thoroughly.

Step 4

In a pot of boiling water, blanch the bean sprouts for 1 minute. Remove with a slotted spoon and season with a pinch of salt and a few drops of sesame oil.

Step 5

In the same water, blanch the spinach for 30 seconds until just wilted. Drain well, squeeze out excess water, and season with a pinch of salt and a few drops of sesame oil.

Step 6

Slice the mushrooms and sauté in a pan with a little oil until golden brown and moisture has evaporated. Season with a splash of soy sauce.

Step 7

If using beef, marinate it with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar for 10 minutes. Then cook in a hot pan until browned and cooked through.

Step 8

Fry eggs sunny-side up, keeping the yolks runny. If you prefer, you can cook them fully.

Step 9

Assemble the bibimbap: Place warm rice in the center of each bowl. Arrange the vegetables, meat (or tofu), and egg in separate sections around the rice, creating a colourful display.

Step 10

Serve immediately with the gochujang sauce on the side or drizzled over the top. Before eating, mix everything together thoroughly – the word "bibimbap" literally means "mixed rice"!