Bibimbap (Korean Mixed Rice Bowl) Recipe

Bibimbap (비빔밥) is one of the most famous Korean dishes, loved for its beautiful presentation, balanced nutrition, and bold flavors. The word literally means “mixed rice”, and that’s exactly what it is: a bowl of steamed rice topped with colorful vegetables, seasoned beef, fried egg, and spicy-sweet gochujang sauce.

Whether you’re looking for a healthy Korean recipe, a comforting rice bowl, or a vegetarian-friendly meal, bibimbap is the perfect choice.

 

Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

For the bowl:

• 2 cups cooked white rice (short-grain preferred)
• 200g (7 oz) beef (ribeye or ground beef), thinly sliced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 zucchini, julienned
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1 cup spinach
• 4–5 shiitake mushrooms (or button mushrooms), sliced
• 2 fried eggs (sunny-side up)
• Sesame oil & sesame seeds for garnish

For the beef marinade:

• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• A pinch of black pepper

For the bibimbap sauce:

• 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp sugar (or honey)
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 tsp vinegar (optional, for tanginess)
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

 

Instructions

1. Prepare the beef

• Mix beef with soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, and pepper. Marinate for 15 minutes, then stir-fry until cooked.

2. Cook the vegetables

• Blanch spinach in boiling water for 30 seconds, rinse in cold water, squeeze excess water, and season with a drop of sesame oil and salt.
• Boil bean sprouts for 2–3 minutes, rinse, and season with sesame oil and salt.
• Stir-fry carrots and zucchini lightly with a pinch of salt until softened.
• Stir-fry mushrooms with a little sesame oil until tender.

3. Make the sauce

• Mix gochujang, sesame oil, sugar, water, vinegar, and sesame seeds. Adjust sweetness and spice to taste.

4. Assemble the bibimbap

• In a large bowl, add a serving of steamed rice.
• Arrange beef, spinach, bean sprouts, carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms neatly on top of the rice.
• Place a fried egg in the center.

5. Serve and mix

• Add a generous spoonful of bibimbap sauce.
• Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle sesame seeds.
• Mix everything together before eating.
  

 

Serving Tips

• Serve bibimbap in a hot stone bowl (dolsot) for extra crispy rice at the bottom.
• For a vegetarian or vegan bibimbap, simply skip the beef and egg, and add tofu instead.
• Adjust spice level by controlling how much sauce you add.

 

✨ Pro Tip: Bibimbap is as much about presentation as flavor. Arrange toppings in a rainbow pattern to highlight the dish’s beauty—this not only makes it delicious but also Instagram-worthy.

 

Why You’ll Love This Bibimbap Recipe

• ✅ Healthy and balanced: packed with protein, veggies, and whole grains
• ✅ Customizable: use seasonal vegetables or your favorite toppings
• ✅ Quick and easy: ready in under 30 minutes if you prep veggies ahead
• ✅ Authentic Korean flavor: spicy, savory, and satisfying

If you’re looking for an authentic Korean bibimbap recipe that’s also easy enough for beginners, this guide will give you everything you need!