Bibimbap Vegetarian

As a K-drama fan, I’d often seen Bibimbap in my favorite shows. My first taste of this dish was at Koin restaurant, owned by a Korean-Indian chef. It was love at first bite! I’ve since been eager to recreate it, and I’m thrilled that my family loved it just as much as I do.

Though the recipe looks lengthy it doesn’t take that time to prepare. I made it a vegetarian version. Feel free to add protein and veggies of your choice.

p.s you may top the dish with fried egg. Other sides that can be added are marinated zucchini, raddish,Avacado etc.

Preparation:

1. Cook sushi rice (or rice of your choice) according to packet instructions.

2. Once cooked, season the rice with: – Vinegar – Sesame oil – Good quality soya sauce – Salt to taste – Brown sugar.

Keep the seasoned rice ready for assembling your delicious Bibimbap.

Korean Banchan/ Seasoned Baby Spinach

Ingredients:-

1 bunch baby spinach

– Salt to taste

– Brown sugar 2tsp

– Rice vinegar 2tsp

– Soya sauce 2tsp

– 3 cloves garlic (grated)

– Sesame seeds 1tsp

Gochugaru 1tsp

– Sesame oil 1tsp

Method:

1. Wash the spinach well.

2. Blanch in salted hot water for 5 minutes.

3. Transfer to cold water, then squeeze out excess water.

4. Season with: – Pinch of salt – Brown sugar – Rice vinegar – Soya sauce – Grated garlic – Sesame seeds – Sesame oil and all the ingredients mentioned.

5. Mix well and refrigerate.

This seasoned spinach makes a delicious Korean banchan (side dish).

Cucumber Banchan

Preparation:

1. Slice English cucumber into thin rounds.

2. Marinate with pinch of salt, brown sugar and mayonnaise.

3.Alternatively, use any leftover sauce from previous preparations.

4.Refrigerate until ready to serve.

5. This cucumber banchan is a refreshing side dish!

Spicy Tofu Marinade

Ingredients:

– Silken tofu (or firm tofu, paneer, or protein of choice), cut into pieces

– 1 tsp gochujang

– 1 tsp honey

– Pinch of salt

– Brown sugar

– Rice vinegar

– Soya sauce

– 5 cloves garlic (grated)

Method:

1. Mix all marinade ingredients well.

2. Add tofu pieces and mix gently.

3. Refrigerate.

4. (Optional) If using firm tofu or paneer, you may need to cook or pan-fry before marinating.

Since silken tofu is delicate, it’s used raw in this recipe.

This spicy marinade adds a flavorful kick to your tofu!

Marinated Carrot Juliennes

Method:

1. Cut carrots into julienne strips.

2. Marinate in leftover sauces from previous preparations (e.g., gochujang marinade).

This adds a crunchy and flavorful touch to your dish!

Spicy Drizzling Sauce

Ingredients:-

1 tbsp gochujang

– 1 tbsp soya sauce

– 1 tbsp rice vinegar

– 1 tsp Sriracha sauce

– 1 tsp honey

– 1 tbsp brown sugar

– 1 tbsp chili oil

Method

:1. Mix all ingredients well.

2. Refrigerate.

Uses:- Dip for Asian dishes- Drizzle over Bibimbap.

This spicy sauce adds a flavorful kick to your dishes!

Assembling Bibimbap

Steps:1. Take a wide bowl and add a scoop of seasoned rice, spreading it evenly.

2. Arrange your chosen banchan (seasoned veggies, tofu, etc.) on top of the rice.

3. Drizzle the spicy sauce over the banchan.

4. Add a teaspoon of gochujang for extra heat.

5. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.

Serving:- Mix all the ingredients together with a spoon before eating.-

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Bibimbap!