Bibimbap Recipe (Korean Mixed Rice Bowl)

Summary:

Bibimbap is a popular Korean dish that means "mixed rice." It features a bowl of warm rice topped with assorted vegetables, seasoned meat, a fried egg, and a spicy sauce. This version uses halal-certified ingredients to keep it suitable for Muslim dietary needs, without compromising on flavor or authenticity.

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Ingredients

Base:

• 2 cups cooked white rice (short-grain or jasmine)

Toppings (customizable):

• 200g halal beef (sirloin or ground), thinly sliced

• 1 zucchini, julienned

• 1 carrot, julienned

• 1 cup spinach or baby bok choy

• 100g mushrooms (shiitake or button), sliced

• 1 egg (sunny side up or soft-boiled)

• Sesame seeds, for garnish

• 1–2 tsp sesame oil

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• Halal soy sauce

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Halal Bibimbap Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons gochujang (halal-certified Korean chili paste, or substitute)

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar

• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

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Instructions

1. Cook the rice and keep it warm in a covered pot or rice cooker.

2. Prepare the vegetables:

   • Sauté zucchini and carrots separately in a bit of oil until tender but still bright. Season with salt.

   • Blanch spinach or bok choy for 30–60 seconds in boiling water. Drain, then season with garlic, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt.

   • Sauté mushrooms with soy sauce and garlic until soft and browned.

3. Cook the beef:

   • In a hot pan, heat sesame oil and cook the beef slices with garlic, soy sauce, salt, and pepper until fully cooked.

4. Prepare the egg:

   • Fry the egg sunny-side up (or cook to your preference). The runny yolk adds richness to the dish.

5. Make the sauce:

   • Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice as desired.

6. Assemble the bowl:

   • In a large bowl, scoop in a portion of rice.

   • Arrange each topping (vegetables, beef, and egg) on top in separate sections.

   • Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle sesame seeds.

   • Add a spoonful of sauce in the center or serve on the side.

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Tips

• Halal gochujang: If you can't find halal-certified gochujang, mix chili paste with honey, vinegar, and garlic as a substitute.

• Vegetarian option: Replace beef with sautéed tofu or tempeh for a meat-free version.

• Meal prep: Store each topping separately in the fridge and assemble fresh bowls throughout the week.

• Crunch factor: Add some roasted seaweed or kimchi (halal) for extra texture and flavor.

• Balance: Include a mix of soft, crunchy, salty, spicy, and sweet for the perfect bowl.