Bibimbap is one of the representative traditional Korean dishes, which is a mixed rice bowl with various vegetables, meat, egg, and seasoning sauce.
Although the exact origin of Bibimbap is not known, there are records that it existed during the Joseon Dynasty in the 17th century.
The origin of Bibimbap
It is speculated that "jogae Bibimbap," a traditional Korean dish that includes clams, might have been the precursor to Bibimbap. Over time, various ingredients such as vegetables, meat, egg, and seasoning sauce were added, leading to the creation of the Bibimbap we know today.
In Korea, the seasoning, ingredients, and preparation methods of Bibimbap can vary slightly by region. Representative types include Jeonju bibimbap from Jeonju, Gochujang Bibimbap from Chungcheong Province, and Haemul bibimbap from Jeju Island. However, bibimbap is loved as a traditional dish that mixes rice with various vegetables, meat, egg, and other ingredients in every region.
Recipe for bibimbap:
While Bibimbap can be made in slightly different ways depending on the region and the restaurant, let's take a look at the types and recipes of traditional Bibimbap.
Traditional Bibimbap
Traditional Bibimbap is a dish where various vegetables, meat, egg, and seasoning sauce are placed on top of rice. The commonly used vegetables include spinach, carrots, cucumbers, bean sprouts, fernbrake, onions, zucchinis, and red beans, while beef, pork, and chicken are used for the meat.
The traditional seasoning sauce is a mixture of gochujang (red chili pepper paste), soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Additionally, some versions may add shellfish such as mussels to enhance the sour flavor.
Bibimbap with Different Ingredients
- Yukhoe Bibimbap: A bibimbap made with yukhoe (Korean steak tartare) and various vegetables such as lettuce and egg.
- Haemul Bibimbap: A bibimbap made with seafood such as clams, shrimp, and squid.
- Chae-sol Bibimbap: A bibimbap made with various vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, and beansprouts.
- Kimchi Bibimbap: A bibimbap made with kimchi, which adds a spicy flavor.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups of rice
- Sesame oil
- Salt
- 3 tablespoons of gochujang (red chili pepper paste)
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1 carrot
- 1 handful of spinach
- 1 handful of scallions
- 1 cucumber
- 150g of beef
- 2 eggs
Wash 3 cups of rice and soak in cold water for about 30 minutes. Then put the rice in a rice cooker and add 3 cups of water to cook the rice.
When the rice is done, put it in a bowl and add a little sesame oil and salt, then mix well.
Dice the carrot into large pieces and briefly blanch in boiling water. Slice the spinach, scallions, and cucumber to an appropriate size. Slice the beef and marinate with salt, pepper, and soy sauce.
In a pan, add sesame oil and stir-fry the carrot, spinach, scallions, and cucumber.
Stir-fry the beef with soy sauce, gochujang, sugar, minced garlic, vinegar, and sesame oil.
Beat the eggs and cook them in a pan until they are crispy and browned on both sides.
Put the rice in a bowl and top it with the prepared ingredients. Add the egg on top and mix everything together before eating.
The recipe for bibimbap may vary slightly depending on the region and household. Therefore, it is also acceptable to adjust the taste by adding the desired ingredients.