Bibimbap

Bibimbap is one of Korea's most famous dishes. It is a bowl of warm rice topped with an assortment of colorful vegetables, a fried egg, and sometimes meat. A spicy red pepper paste called gochujang is added on top. Before eating, you mix everything together, which is what bibimbap means: "mixed rice."

What Goes in Bibimbap

A bibimbap bowl starts with a base of steamed white rice. On top, different vegetables are arranged in colorful sections. Common toppings include sauteed spinach, bean sprouts, carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms. A fried egg is placed in the center. Thin slices of beef are often added. The finishing touch is a big spoonful of gochujang, a sweet and spicy red pepper paste.

Dolsot Bibimbap

A special version called dolsot bibimbap is served in a sizzling hot stone bowl. The stone bowl is heated until extremely hot, then the rice and toppings are added. The heat from the bowl makes the rice on the bottom crispy and golden. When you mix everything together, you get a mix of crunchy and soft textures. The sizzling sound and smell make this version extra exciting.

Fun Facts

• Bibimbap literally means "mixed rice" in Korean.
• The stone bowl used for dolsot bibimbap can stay hot for over 30 minutes.
• Bibimbap is considered one of the healthiest dishes in Korean cuisine because it has so many vegetables.

Did You Know?

Bibimbap was traditionally made on the eve of the Lunar New Year as a way to use up all the leftover side dishes before starting fresh!