Bibimbap – Korean Spicy Mixed Rice Recipe
Bibimbap has always held a special place in my heart.
The first time I tried it was at a bustling Korean restaurant, where the sizzle of the hot stone bowl and the vibrant colors of the toppings instantly caught my attention.
It was love at first bite—spicy, savory, and perfectly balanced.
Ever since then, I’ve been making my own version at home, tweaking it for the perfect blend of flavors and textures.
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and packed with nutrients, this Korean classic is a must-try!
Kitchen Tools
| Tool | Purpose | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Rice Cooker | Cooking perfect rice | Kitchen supply store, online |
| Non-stick Pan | Sautéing vegetables and beef | Home goods store, online |
| Mixing Bowl | Preparing sauce and marinating beef | Supermarket, online |
| Chopsticks/Tongs | Mixing ingredients together | Asian grocery store, online |
| Serving Bowl | Assembling bibimbap | Kitchen supply store, online |
Prep Time
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Active Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
Rice Base:
- 250g Rice
- 350ml Water
Beef Marinade:
- 200g Beef (thinly sliced)
- 1 tsp Minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp Sugar
- 1/2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tsp Sesame oil
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Marinate for 20 minutes
Vegetables:
- 100g Mung bean sprouts
- 100g Spinach
- 1/2 tsp Soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp Sesame oil
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 100g Carrot (julienned, sautéed with salt & black pepper)
- 100g Courgettes (sliced, sautéed with salt & black pepper)
- 50g Mushroom (sliced, sautéed with salt & black pepper)
Toppings:
- 1 Egg (fried or raw, per preference)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Spicy Sauce:
- 3 tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1/2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tsp Sugar
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly, then cook with 350ml water until tender. Keep warm.
- Marinate the Beef: Mix beef with garlic, sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Let it marinate for 20 minutes.
- Prepare Vegetables:
- Blanch mung bean sprouts in boiling water for 30 seconds, then drain.
- Blanch spinach in boiling water for 30 seconds, then season with soy sauce, sesame oil, and sesame seeds.
- Sauté carrot, courgettes, and mushrooms separately in a pan with a little salt and black pepper.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Sauté the marinated beef until fully cooked (about 5 minutes).
- Prepare the Egg: Fry an egg sunny-side up or leave it raw for a more traditional experience.
- Make the Spicy Sauce: In a bowl, mix gochujang, mayonnaise, soy sauce, and sugar until smooth.
- Assemble the Bibimbap: In a bowl, place a generous portion of rice. Arrange the beef, vegetables, and egg on top. Drizzle with the spicy sauce.
- Mix and Enjoy! Stir everything together before eating for a perfect bite every time.
Food Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Keep sauce separate to maintain texture.
- Reheat in a pan or microwave, adding a little water if the rice becomes dry.
Pro Tips
- Customize it! Swap out beef for chicken, tofu, or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Crispy rice option: If you have a stone bowl, heat the rice in it for a crispy bottom layer.
- Extra spice: Add more gochujang or serve with kimchi for an added kick.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~550 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 75g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sodium | 950mg |
FAQs
- Can I use brown rice?
- Yes! Brown rice adds extra fiber and nutrients but takes longer to cook.
- What if I don’t have gochujang?
- Substitute with Sriracha or a mix of miso paste and chili flakes.
- Can I make bibimbap ahead of time?
- Yes! Store components separately and assemble when ready to eat.
- Is bibimbap spicy?
- It can be! Adjust the gochujang to your spice preference.
- Can I make this vegan?
- Absolutely! Replace beef with tofu and skip the egg.
Final Thoughts
Bibimbap is a perfect blend of flavor, texture, and nutrition.
Whether you’re new to Korean cuisine or a longtime fan, this dish is an easy way to bring bold flavors to your table.
Mix, enjoy, and make it your own!
