BibimBap (비빔밥)

BiBimBap (비빔밥) is a healthy, filling Korean dish that many people love to eat. In Korean, it literally means “mixed rice” and that is exactly what you do. It is a scoop of rice served in a bowl with various vegetables and meat placed on top with a spicy sauce. When served, you thoroughly mix it and eat it with a spoon.

There are many variations and each region in Korea has its own take on the dish. For instance, Jeonju (전주),  an old, traditional city in the middle of South Korea is famous for it’s Jeonju BiBimBap. Dol-seot BiBimBap (돌솟 비빔밥) is served in a piping-hot stone bowl with a broth to help mix the rice.

Ingredients (1~2 servings)

• 1 c rice, medium grain
• 1-½ ~ 2 c water
• 1 lb ground beef or pork
• ¼ c sliced carrots
• ½ sliced onions
• 4 oz sliced shiitake or king mushrooms
• ½ c sliced zucchini
• ½ c bean sprouts, pre-blanched and drained
• 8 oz baby spinach, perilla leaves or lettuce
• 1~2 large eggs
• 1 t sesame seeds for garnish
• Soy sauce, garlic
• Cooking oil
• Extra sesame oil

Topping Sauce

• 2 T Korean hot pepper paste (gochujang)
• 2 T minced garlic
• 2 T sugar
• 2 T sesame oil
• 2 T sesame seeds

Directions

1. Measure rice and place in a bowl or strainer. Rinse and add to rice cooker with water. Cook.
2. In a bowl, add sliced meat, cooking wine, soy sauce, sesame oil and garlic. Set aside for 30 minutes to marinate.
3. Heat a frying pan, add cooking oil.
4. First stir fry each of these combinations, setting aside each group, add more oil as needed:
   1. Carrot – with a dash of salt
   2. onion – with garlic and a dash of salt
   3. mushrooms – with garlic and sprinkle of soy sauce
   4. zucchini – with garlic and a dash of salt
   5. bean sprouts – with garlic, a dash of salt, and some sesame oil
5. Stir fry the meat, keeping slices well separated. Set aside.
6. Fry eggs, sunny-side up (yolk on top, do not flip)
7. In a small bowl, combine the Topping Sauce ingredients and mix well.

Serving

• In serving bowl, add scoop of rice.
• Place each stir-fried ingredient (steps 4 &5) on top of rice.
• Add a tablespoon of Topping Sauce.
• Place fried egg on top and add sesame seeds for garnish.