Authentic Bibimbap Recipe: A Korean Delight
Welcome to a taste of Korea with this Bibimbap recipe, a dish that brings together a colorful medley of vegetables, aromatic flavors, and a comforting bed of rice. Whether you’re reminiscing about your college days or discovering Korean cuisine for the first time, this recipe will take you on a flavorful journey. The original recipe is from the Moosewood Restaurant, known for its vegetarian fare, but feel free to add chicken, beef, or pork to suit your taste. Pork, in particular, adds a delightful depth of flavor. 🍚🌶️🍳
Ingredients:
For the Rice and Vegetables:
- 3 cups brown rice
- 2 cups sticky rice
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced into thin strips
- 1/2 cup mung bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup scallions, chopped
- 3 sheets nori (seaweed), cut into strips
For the Sauce and Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust to taste)
- Salt to taste
- 2 eggs
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Rice: Begin by cooking the brown and sticky rice according to package instructions. Ideally, start this step first so the rice will be ready by the time you finish preparing the vegetables.
-
Blanch the Green Beans: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the green beans and blanch them for about 4 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain well and set aside.
-
Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- Green Beans: In a skillet, heat about 1 teaspoon of oil over medium heat. Stir-fry the blanched green beans for 2 minutes. Remove them from the skillet and pile them on a platter. Cover and set aside.
- Carrots: Add another teaspoon of oil to the skillet if necessary. Stir-fry the julienned carrots for about 4 minutes until just tender. Place them on the platter next to the green beans.
- Bell Peppers: Next, stir-fry the julienned bell peppers for about 3 minutes. Arrange them on the platter with the other vegetables.
- Mushrooms and Zucchini: Finally, stir-fry the sliced mushrooms and zucchini separately for 2 to 3 minutes each until tender. Place them on the platter in separate piles.
-
Blanch the Mung Bean Sprouts: Blanch the mung bean sprouts in boiling water for 1 minute. Drain in a colander, pressing to eliminate excess water. Set aside.
-
Assemble the Dish:
- Prepare the Casserole Dish: Oil the bottom and sides of a casserole dish or a stainless-steel pot.
- Layer the Rice: Scoop the cooked rice into the dish, spreading it evenly.
- Arrange the Vegetables: Arrange the stir-fried vegetables (mushrooms, green beans, carrots, zucchini, bell peppers) and mung bean sprouts in attractive mounds around the perimeter of the rice, leaving space in the center for the eggs.
- Add Scallions and Nori: Sprinkle the chopped scallions and nori strips over the vegetables.
-
Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the chili paste and sesame oil. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the vegetables and rice. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt to taste.
-
Cook the Eggs: Fry the eggs sunny side up in the remaining teaspoon of oil until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny.
-
Heat the Casserole: Cover the casserole tightly and place it on medium heat for about 3 minutes, or until the rice begins to sizzle and everything is heated through. If your dish is not flameproof, preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C). Place the casserole in the oven for about 5 minutes just before serving to heat it through.
-
Serve: Using a spatula, carefully transfer the fried eggs to the center of the casserole. Serve the Bibimbap immediately, encouraging everyone to mix the ingredients together before eating. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and textures of this traditional Korean dish!
Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
This Bibimbap recipe brings a hearty and wholesome meal to your table with the perfect blend of textures and flavors. The blend of vegetables, rice, and the savory sauce makes it a delightful dish for any occasion. Enjoy the delicious journey with every bite! 🍲🥢🌟
