Bibimbap is a Korean rice bowl topped with vegetable sides and meat and served with a gochujang sauce. Follow my easy step-by-step recipe to make the best bibimbap!
8ouncesthinly sliced tender beef (rib eye, sirloin, etc. or ground beef)
1.5tablespoonssoy sauce
2teaspoonssugar
2teaspoonssesame oil
2teaspoonscooking rice wine (Mirin or Mirim)
1teaspoonminced garlic(This recipes needs 2.5 teaspoons minced garlic in total. Mince it all at once for efficiency.)
1tablespoonchopped scallion(This recipe needs 4 tablespoons, 1 or 2 scallions depending on the size, in total. Chop them all once for efficiency.)
pepper to taste
Vegetables and eggs:
8ouncesmung bean sprouts (sukju, 숙주)or soybean sprouts (kongnamul, 콩나물) - see more vegetable options below.
1bunch spinach, about 8 ounces
2small cucumbers, about 5 ounces
4ouncesmushrooms (shiitake, white, cremini, etc.)
2medium carrots, about 5 ounces
1.5teaspoonsminced garlic,divided
33 tablespoons chopped scallion,divided
sesame oil
sesame seeds
salt
4eggs - optional
cooking oil
More vegetable options
8 ouncesKongnamul (soybean sprouts)
10 ouncesmu (Korean radish)
Bibimbap sauce
4tablespoonsgochujang, 고추장
2teaspoonssugar - adjust to taste, 1-3 teaspoons
1tablespoonsesame oil
1tablespoonwater
Instructions
Rice:
Cook the rice, without soaking and using a little less water than the amount you normally use. The rice for bibimbap should be a little drier than usual for best results.
Meat:
Beef: Cut into thin 2-inch long strips. Mix in 1.5 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 teaspoons of sugar, 2 teaspoons of sesame oil, 2 teaspoons of rice wine, 1 tablespoon of chopped scallion, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1/2 sesame seeds and a pinch of pepper. Marinate for 20 minutes. Sauté in a skillet for 2-3 minutes over high heat.
Vegetables:
Bean sprouts: Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the bean sprouts and briefly blanch, about 1 minute, flipping over once. Drain quickly and shock in cold water to stop cooking. Drain again. Toss with 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon of sesame seeds, and salt (about 1/2 teaspoon).
Spinach: Blanch the spinach in salted boiling water only until wilted, about 40 seconds. Drain quickly and shock in cold water. Squeeze out water. Cut into 3-inch lengths. Toss with 1 tablespoon of chopped scallion, 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon of sesame seeds and salt (about 1/2 teaspoon).
Cucumbers: Cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise and then thinly slice crosswise. Generously sprinkle salt (about 1/2 teaspoon) over sliced cucumbers and set aside for 10 - 15 minutes. Squeeze out excess liquid. Toss with 1 tablespoon of chopped scallion, 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon sesame oil and 1/2 teaspoon of sesame seeds.
Mushrooms and carrots: Thinly slice the mushrooms and carrots. Sauté each vegetable in a lightly oiled skillet for 1 - 2 minutes over medium-high heat, sprinkling with salt (about 1/4 teaspoon).
More vegetable options:
Kongnamul (Soybean sprouts): Bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the soy beansprouts and boil for 2-3 minutes. Drain quickly and shock in cold water to stop cooking. Drain again. Toss with 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon of sesame seeds, and salt (about 1/2 teaspoon) to taste.
Musaengchae (spicy radish salad): Cut 10 ounces of Korean radish (mu) into matchsticks. Add 2 tablespoons of chopped scallion, 1 tablespoon of gochugaru, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt (or more to taste), 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon sesame seeds. Mix everything well.
Optional Eggs:
Fry the eggs sunny side up or to your preference.
Bibimbap sauce:
Combine all of the sauce ingredients in a small bowl and mix thoroughly.
Assembling:
Place a serving of rice in a big bowl. Nicely arrange a small amount of each prepared vegetable and beef over the rice. Drizzle a little sesame oil over. Top with an optional fried egg and serve with the sauce.
For dolsot bibimbap: Lightly oil a stone or earthenware bowl with a teaspoon of sesame oil over medium heat. Add a serving of cooked rice and arrange the toppings on top. Cook for several minutes until the rice sizzles.