Spicy Korean Bibimbap Recipe

Bibimbap is a beloved Korean dish that combines rice with a variety of colorful vegetables and often includes meat, topped off with a fried egg and a spicy sauce. This recipe will guide you through creating a delicious and visually appealing bibimbap at home.

Ingredients

For the Rice and Toppings:

• 4 cups cooked short-grain white rice
• 4 large eggs (sunny-side up)
• ½ English cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 cup fresh mung bean sprouts
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 4 cups baby spinach
• 4 ounces sautéed shiitake mushrooms (optional)
• Sesame seeds for garnish
• Sea salt to taste
• Kimchi (optional, for serving)
• Chopped scallions (optional, for serving)

For the Beef (or Tofu) Marinade:

• 250 g (8 oz) beef tenderloin or thick steak, very finely sliced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

For the Gochujang Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons gochujang paste
• 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1.5 teaspoons soy sauce
• 3 teaspoons white sugar
• 1 garlic clove, finely grated
• 2.5 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Add the beef slices and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cook the Vegetables: Blanch the mung bean sprouts in boiling water for about 5 minutes, then drain and toss with a teaspoon of sesame oil and a pinch of salt. Sauté the spinach until wilted and season with salt.
3. Prepare the Gochujang Sauce: In a small bowl, combine all sauce ingredients and mix until well combined.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

1. Heat a skillet over high heat with a little oil. Remove excess marinade from the beef and cook for about 3–4 minutes until browned and caramelized. Set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Bibimbap

1. Divide the warm rice among four bowls.
2. Arrange the vegetables in sections on top of the rice to create a colorful display.
3. Place the cooked beef (or tofu) in the center of each bowl.
4. Top each bowl with a sunny-side-up egg.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle sesame seeds over each bowl and drizzle with additional sesame oil.
2. Serve with kimchi and chopped scallions on the side.
3. To eat, add gochujang sauce to taste, mix everything together in your bowl, and enjoy!

Pro Tips

• Rice Choice: Short-grain rice is traditional for bibimbap due to its sticky texture which helps hold everything together.
• Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize your bibimbap with seasonal vegetables or your favorites like zucchini or bell peppers.
• Vegan Option: Substitute beef with marinated tofu or tempeh for a delicious plant-based option.

Bibimbap is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy meal at home. Enjoy this delightful dish that brings together various flavors and textures in every bite!