Ingredients
For the Bibimbap:
2 cups cooked white or brown rice
1/2 lb ground beef or chicken (or tofu for a vegetarian option)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Vegetables:
1 cup spinach, blanched and squeezed dry
1 cup zucchini, julienned
1 cup carrots, julienned
1 cup bean sprouts
1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for sautéing)
Salt, to taste
For the Toppings:
4 fried eggs (sunny-side up)
4 teaspoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
2 green onions, sliced
Execution
Prepare the Rice
Cook the rice according to package instructions and keep it warm.
Marinate the Meat
In a bowl, combine the ground beef (or chicken) with soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, minced garlic, and ground black pepper. Let it marinate while you prepare the vegetables.
Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Sauté the zucchini for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender, seasoning with a pinch of salt. Remove and set aside. Repeat this process for the carrots, mushrooms, and bean sprouts, adding more oil as needed. For the spinach, quickly sauté it in the skillet for 1-2 minutes and set aside.
Cook the Meat
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if necessary, and cook the marinated meat over medium-high heat until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
Fry the Eggs
In a separate pan, fry the eggs sunny-side up to your desired doneness.
Assemble the Bibimbap
In each serving bowl, place a generous scoop of warm rice at the bottom. Arrange the sautéed vegetables, meat, and a fried egg on top.
Add Toppings
Drizzle gochujang over the top and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Serve
Serve the bibimbap hot, allowing everyone to mix their ingredients together before eating for the best flavor experience.
Additional tips
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with tofu or tempeh, and add more vegetables like bell peppers or radishes for extra flavor and texture.
- Add More Color: Use colorful vegetables like purple cabbage or red bell peppers to enhance the dish’s appearance.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of gochujang to suit your taste. You can also mix gochujang with a little sesame oil for a milder sauce.
- Rice Variations: For a healthier twist, try using cauliflower rice or quinoa instead of traditional rice.
