bibimbap

Easy One-Pot Bibimbap Recipe with Beef Gochujang Sauce – A Comforting Korean Rice Bowl

Looking for a delicious Korean food idea that’s easy, satisfying, and perfect for lunch or dinner? This bibimbap recipe is a warm hug in a bowl - filled with vibrant vegetables, savory beef gochujang sauce, and topped with a soft, half-boiled egg. It’s not only beautiful to look at but also incredibly nourishing and customizable based on what you have in the fridge.

In this version, I simplify the traditional stir-fry method by cooking the vegetables all together in one pot. It saves time and still delivers the classic, layered flavors of this beloved Korean dish.

What Is Bibimbap?

Bibimbap translates to “mixed rice” in Korean. It’s a colorful bowl of warm white rice topped with an assortment of sautéed or blanched vegetables (namul), meat (often beef), a fried or soft egg, and gochujang (Korean red pepper paste). Before eating, everything is stirred together so each bite is bursting with flavor.

It’s one of the most iconic and versatile Korean dishes, traditionally served in a hot stone bowl (dolsot) that crisps up the bottom layer of rice. But it can also be made easily at home in a regular bowl, like I did here.

This homemade bibimbap is my go-to when I want something quick, comforting, and packed with nutrition.

---

• Easy One-Pot Cooking – No need to stir-fry each vegetable separately.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Make the toppings ahead and assemble when needed.
• Customizable – Use any vegetables or protein you like.
• Balanced and Nutritious – Full of fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
• Great Dinner or Lunch Idea – Quick enough for weeknights and satisfying for lunch.
• Vegan Option – Just mix rice and Veggie with soy sauce or any vegan sauce you want!

---

Ingredients

Vegetables

• 1 zucchini, julienned
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 3 shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced
• ½ bunch of spinach, cleaned and trimmed

Base

• Steamed short-grain white rice (about 1 cup per serving)

Beef Gochujang Sauce

• 100g minced beef
• 3 tbsp gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar

Topping

• 1 egg, soft-boiled or half-boiled
• 1 tbsp sesame oil per serving
• Optional: sesame seeds

---

How to make it

1. Prepare the Vegetables

In a medium pot, combine:

• The julienned zucchini
• Carrot
• Sliced shiitake mushrooms
• Spinach

Add about 100ml of water and a small pinch of salt. Cover the pot and simmer over medium heat for around 6 minutes, or until all the vegetables are tender but still vibrant.

This method softens the veggies and lightly steams them together, letting their flavors blend beautifully while keeping cleanup minimal. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a wholesome, veggie-packed meal without juggling multiple pans.

2. Make the Beef Gochujang Sauce

In a small pan, cook the 100g of minced beef over medium heat until just browned.

Then, add:

• 3 tbsp gochujang
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar

Mix everything well and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the flavors come together. This sauce is savory, slightly sweet, spicy, and deeply umami—it’s what really ties the dish together.

You can make this sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

3. Cook the Egg

Bring a small pot of water to a gentle boil. Carefully add your egg and cook for 6 minutes for a half-boiled, jammy yolk. Run it under cold water immediately and peel gently.

This soft-boiled egg adds creamy richness to the final bowl.

4. Assemble the Bibimbap

In a bowl, start with a generous scoop of steamed rice.

Top with:

• The cooked vegetables (arranged separately or mixed)
• A spoonful (or two) of the beef gochujang sauce
• The soft-boiled egg
• A drizzle of toasted sesame oil
• Optional toppings like sesame seeds or sliced scallions

Mix everything together before eating, and enjoy the burst of textures and flavors in every bite.

---

Tips

• Vegan Bibimbap: Skip the beef and make a gochujang sauce with soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and a dash of sesame oil. Or try tofu!
• Add More Veggies: You can also add bean sprouts, cucumbers, or bell peppers.
• Spicy Kick: If you like it extra spicy, add a bit of Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) or more gochujang.
• Crispy Rice: For a dolsot-style bibimbap, press your cooked rice into a hot, oiled pan and let it crisp up before adding toppings.

---

This recipe balances flavor, nutrition, and convenience. Traditional bibimbap can take time due to the separate preparation of each vegetable. By lightly steaming the vegetables together, we retain their bright colors and nutritional value while making the process more efficient.

The beef gochujang sauce adds depth and richness, especially when paired with the mild vegetables and soft rice. The egg finishes it with a creamy, luxurious texture. Together, they make the perfect Korean comfort food.

---

A Brief Note on Bibimbap’s History

Bibimbap has roots in Korean royal court cuisine, but it’s also deeply connected to everyday home cooking. It’s often eaten on Lunar New Year’s Eve to use up leftover vegetables, a tradition rooted in reducing food waste and starting the new year with a clean slate.

Today, bibimbap is one of Korea’s most internationally recognized dishes - celebrated for its color, variety, and balance. It’s endlessly adaptable and can be both humble and refined.

---

Serving Suggestions

Serve bibimbap with:

• A small bowl of miso soup or doenjang jjigae (fermented soybean paste stew)
• A side of kimchi for added zing
• Pickled radish or cucumber for a crisp contrast

It’s a filling, balanced meal on its own, but you can round it out with small side dishes (banchan) for the full Korean dining experience.

---

Final Thoughts

This easy bibimbap recipe proves that you don’t need a long list of ingredients or a complicated process to enjoy a satisfying Korean rice bowl at home. With just a few fresh veggies, flavorful beef gochujang sauce, and a soft egg, you’ve got a deeply comforting and healthy dish perfect for any night of the week.

If you’re looking for a flavorful dinner idea that’s good for you and deeply satisfying, give this bibimbap a try. You can make it ahead, customize it to your taste, and enjoy the harmony of Korean flavors in one bowl.