We are always looking for fun and creative dishes to cook, and this one is no exception. Bipimbap can be spelled a few different ways including bi bim bop and bi bim bap, but no matter how you pronounce it, it’s still delicious.
Bipimbap is a traditional Korean dish. The word translates in to “mixed rice” and is such a versatile dish. The basis for it is a seasoned rice topped with an array of beautifully cut veggies, any variety of meats, and topped with a raw or fried egg. The combination of flavors and textures creates this explosive experience of culinary delight!
Since bipimbap can be done in such a variety of ways, it makes a perfect meal for creative cooks on a budget. Don’t have one item in our recipe? It’s ok, substitute it with something else you love. Here is where you can really play around. Use veggies of your choice and infuse a little creativity. Don’t like something? Don’t add it. Don’t have something? Don’t worry! Love mushrooms? Throw them in. Have some leftover sautéed spinach? USE IT!!
As long as you have rice, veggies and the sauce you are well on your way to having one of the greatest culinary experiences of your life. Trust me, this dish is that good. Between the flavor combinations and the colorful presentation, it’s a dish that is sure to impress. And yes, impress on a budget.
You’ll need a few staples to achieve the signature Korean flavor such as soy sauce, rice vinegar, and my favorite seasoning Gochujang. After the initial purchase, those are pantry items that will last you for dozens of Asian inspired recipes, and other than those ingredients this recipe is INCREDIBLY flexible. Look around your kitchen. Just because you’re cooking on a budget doesn’t have to mean that you’re food is boring!
Bibimbap: Fun to Say, Even More Fun to Eat
Ingredients
For the meat:
- Ground meat of choice – we like veal (partly because it’s what was on sale)
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 2 tsp Sesame Oil
- 3 Tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 3 Cloves Garlic – chopped
- 2 Green Onions – chopped
For the Rice:
- ¼ cup DRY Rice per bowl
- ¼ cup Rice Vinegar
- 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Water
- 3 Tbsp Gochujang
- 2 tsp Sesame Oil
For the Toppings and Veggies:
- Here is where you can get creative. Remember what we talked about? Use what you have and what you love, just make it pretty! It’s all about the cuts.
- Carrots
- Cucumber
- Onions
- Radishes
- Green onion
- Lime wedge
- Sesame seeds
- 1 Egg per bowl
Instructions
For the Meat:
- Marinate for a minimum of 20 minutes but no longer than overnight. *The garlic can actually break down the meat and make it mushy.
- Sear on high heat in lightly oiled skillet
For the Veggies:
- Carrots julienned and sautéed just to soften slightly
- Cucumbers – julienned and marinated in ponzu and 1 tsp honey
- Onions – thinly sliced & sautéed to soften slightly
- Radishes – sliced thin – used raw
- Green Onion, Sesame Seeds & Lime Wedge – for garnish
- 1 Fried Egg per bowl – cut using ring mold for presentation (you can just as easily use the rim of a cup)
For the Rice:
- Cook rice as directed – may use white or brown
- Season cooked rice with rice vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, water, gochujang, and sesame oil
- Place cooked rice at bottom of bowl
- Layer Ground meat over top
- Add veggies – sectioned off for presentation
- Top with egg & finish with green onions, sesame seeds, lime wedge & additional gochujang or siracha
As with all of our recipes, remember, we give you the fundamentals to create this delicious meal. Adjust however you like! Add things, take things out, use what you have on hand. Just because you’re cooking on a budget doesn’t have to mean that you eat bland, boring food. Get creative and experiment with bold flavor. This Bibimbap recipe is one of our favorite last minute meals because it can be made with nearly any veggies or meat. It’s the seasoning and the cut of the vegetables that make it what it is.
So get creative and see what you can do. I bet it’s more than you give yourself credit for.
What are some of your favorite budget recipes?
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