Bibimbap: a Delicious, Healthy Korean Meal in a Bowl
Korean bibimbap is a delicious Korean dish that is not only delicious, but incredibly healthy and nutritious.
If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you’ll know that I adore Korean food, and bibimbap is one of the dishes I love.
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Bibimbap Event
So when I was invited to attend the Korean Bibimbap Backpacker’s event at the Korean Cultural Center in Los Angeles, I was really excited! The Bimbimbap Backpackers travel the world presenting Bibimbap tutorials, and spreading the wonderful Korean culture wherever they go! I was the first person to win one of the items they were giving away—a yummy sweet Korean pancake mix—which I’ve tasted before and LOVE, so I was happy!
I was so impressed with the wonderful presentation, the delicious dishes and explanation regarding all the different foods, but especially the bibimbap. What exactly is bibimbap? It means “mixed rice” and is a super healthy, and very delicious meal all in one bowl! Read on.
Korean food we were served
At the event, we were served mandoo, deep fried Korean dumplings which were followed by rice balls with a spicy sauce which were chewy and delicious and reminded me of Italian gnocchi. Then a salad with a simple, yet tasty dressing and japchae (sweet potato starch noodles with vegetables) was served, and then came pork belly and rice; the final treat was a crispy tofu appetizer with rice, and these were just the starters!
Next, we were provided with details about bibimbap and how to serve it, and were told that it is important to have five colors of toppings which are placed on top of the bottom layer of rice, which not only provide a healthy variety of nutrients, but are important in signifying positive aspects of a healthy life, too.
According to the Bibimbap Backpackers, bibimbap helps the body excrete and burn unwanted fats (it really is probably one of the healthiest, most complete meals you can make.)
We were then able to make our own bibimbap!
How to Make a Bibimbap Bowl
Bibimbap is quite simple, so anyone can make it at home. It would be a great idea for a buffet style party. Everyone can create their own bowl to their own liking. On top of steamed rice, we chose from:
- shredded carrot
- pickled radish (my favorite!)
- shredded cucumber
- shredded seaweed
- mung bean sprouts
- hard boiled egg yolk
- lettuce
- tofu
- caramelized garlic
- bulgogi (Korean barbequed beef)
- Korean red sauce which could be drizzled on top
This is my creation and it was DELICIOUS!!
Finally, we were served a lovely fruit flavored tea, which was the perfect ending to such a healthy lunch.
Korean Bibimbap: A Delicious, Healthy Meal in a Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup white sticky rice (cooked)
- ¼ cup shredded carrot (as desired)
- ¼ cup pickled radish (as desired)
- ¼ cup shredded cucumber (as desired)
- ¼ cup shredded seaweed (as desired)
- ¼ cup mung bean sprouts (steamed, as desired)
- 1 hard boiled egg yolk (crumbled, or whole fried egg as desired)
- ¼ cup shredded lettuce (as desired)
- ¼ cup tofu (your choice soft or firm, as desired)
- 1 tsp caramelized garlic (as desired)
- ¼ cup bulgogi (Korean barbecued beef, as desired)
- 1 tsp Korean red sauce (Gochujang, which can be drizzled on top as desired)
Instructions
- Put the rice in bowls.
- Top with any or all of the toppings listed.
- Add Korean red sauce if desired.
Notes
- Use this recipe for the bulgogi
Nutrition
If you have never tried Korean bibimbap, (or any Korean food, for that matter), I cannot urge you strongly enough to get yourself to the nearest Korean market, or even Korean restaurant, to try some of the tastiest food you’ll ever have. You’ll find five more Korean recipes below.
Doenjang Jjigae (Korean Bean Paste Soup)
Jal mug get sum ni da! (Bon appetit in Korean)
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Hi sodium content in bibimbap. Might be nutritious but the sodium…lol
Korean cuisine is one of the healthiest I know. Compared to processed food, like canned soups, and other prepared products, I’ll take bibimbap anyday.
How wonderful, I too love Korean Food and never really knew how easy it is to make bibimbap. Would love to have that for dinner tonight.
Lucky for me that I live less than 2 miles from a large Korean grocery store! I’m due for a trip for more kimchee! :)