Bibimbap will always remind me of Ashley, (who was my roommate from college), hangovers, and California. You see I did my Masters of Fine Art at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), in LA, where I lived with Ashley for 3 years. It became a routine that when we had our typical beer pong type hangovers we would go to this tiny little Korean restaurant where Ashley would order a sweet and savoury soup, and I always opted for bibimbap. So it was due time I bring this dish back into my life and make Vegan Korean Bibimbap.
Now, of course, this dish isn't actually traditionally Korean as lentils aren't used in Korean cooking, but I've used all of the same flavours to get that amazing Korean vibe. I use my recipe for Sweet Korean Lentils, and my Vegan Toast Dipping Sauce (which is like an egg yolk). Then just sauté up some spinach, grab a jar of vegan-friendly kimchi and pair it all together on a bed of rice with some fresh carrots and cucumbers. Let's just say I polished off this giant bowl of deliciousness in record time.
I'm so happy to bring back bibimbap comfort into my life again (hopefully enjoyed without the hangover). The sweet and savoury lentils, spicy and tangy kimchi, and the rich egg yolk sauce make this dish total mouth heaven!
To make Vegan Korean Bibimbap: prepare the Sweet Korean Lentils and Vegan Toast Dipping Sauce according to the directions. These two dishes along with the rice can be prepared ahead of time and reheated before serving if desired.
To make the spinach, add the sesame oil to a skillet or frying pan and put over medium heat. When hot add the spinach and soy sauce. Stir and cook for 1 - 2 minutes just to wilt the leaves, don't overcook. Remove from heat.
To assemble the bowls, divide the rice evenly among the bowls. Follow the rice with the Sweet Korean Lentils, cooked spinach, carrots, cucumber, kimchi, and the drizzle the Vegan Toast Dipping Sauce in the middle of the bowl (or anywhere that you want it, omnomnom). Garnish with sesame seeds and hot sauce if desired.
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Vegan Korean Bibimbap
Servings:
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Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked rice, (white or brown)
- 1 recipe Sweet Korean Lentils
- 1 recipe Vegan Toast Dipping Sauce
For the sautéed spinach:
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 6 cups fresh spinach
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce, (gluten-free if preferred)
For the toppings:
- 2 medium carrots,, peeled and matchsticked
- ½ medium cucumber, matchsticked
- ½ cup kimchi, (check to make sure it's vegan)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, (optional)
- Sambal, , Sriracha, or other hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Korean Lentils and Vegan Toast Dipping Sauce according to the directions. These two dishes along with the rice can be prepared ahead of time and reheated before serving if desired.
- To make the spinach, add the sesame oil to a skillet or frying pan and put over medium heat. When hot add the spinach and soy sauce. Stir and cook for 1 - 2 minutes just to wilt the leaves, don't overcook. Remove from heat.
- To assemble the bowls, divide the rice evenly among the bowls. Follow with the Sweet Korean Lentils, cooked spinach, carrots, cucumber, kimchi, and the drizzle the Vegan Toast Dipping Sauce in the middle of the bowl. Garnish with sesame seeds and hot sauce if desired.
Nutrition
Bon appetegan!
Sam.
Susan says
My omnivore husband enjoyed this as well as I did and I like it better than the tofu and top versions I’ve tried. We used sautéed zucchini and red bell pepper instead of spinach. Loved it! The next day we had it with steamed and sautéed broccoli and both days with spicy kimchi. The egg was a great addition !
Susan says
I meant tvp but was autocorrected, so much for editing !
Steph Attwood says
OMG I made this last night for my vegan friends. I love bim bap it’s one of my favourite dishes and this was excellent. Those lentils yum. I also used a slice of silken tofu for the egg white.
Sam Turnbull says
Amazing! Thrilled you enjoyed it so much, Steph 🙂
Katie says
This turned out incredible! So healthy and so delicious. I lived in Korea for a while and miss the food so thank you for this. I was surprised by how ‘beefy’ the lentils were. Will be making again for sure!
Sam Turnbull says
Amazing!! So happy you loved it, Katie 🙂
tajhizyar laboratory equipment says
Thanks for your useful info !
N says
It seems hot for food its watching you...
Sam Turnbull says
Haha, yeah... it wouldn't be the first time.
Adri says
Turned out amazingly, as your recipes always do!
Sam Turnbull says
Awww shucks, thank you!!
Beryl says
I love Korean food! I tried the recipe and it was fantastic. Thanks for motivating me in the kitchen!
Sam Turnbull says
Thrilled you enjoyed it so much, Beryl 🙂
Deb Zak says
Looks terrific. How'd you make the :egg: look round and hold it's shape?
Rustle says
I am wondering that, too!
Sam Turnbull says
When I was setting up for photography the egg yolk sauce cooled down a bit and when I spooned it on it just kinda did that!
Bethery says
My sister married a Korean in 1975! So, I've been eating Korean food since then, and Bi Bim Bap has always been a favorite. And Jap chae, and sahm, and.....Can't wait to try it with the dipping sauce. For me, the egg yolk was always an important part. I'm so glad Korean food is so au courant right now!
Sam Turnbull says
Haha! Awesome!! I hope you enjoy my version, Bethery 🙂
Jenn Brown says
I can't wait to try this! I have been craving Bi Bim Bap, and I'm excited to try the vegan egg yolk! I have the black salt in my amazon cart. Could I marinate the carrots and cucumber with some rice vinegar or other flavors to soften them up a bit? I love the lentil addition for protein. Thanks Sam!
Sam Turnbull says
Hi Jenn, absolutely! I liked having the break of a fresh veggie as all of the other flavours are pretty strong, but if you want more of a pickled vegetable, then by all means, go for it!
Danielle says
Wow! This looks legit!
Sam Turnbull says
Thank you!