Bibimbap from Bonchon features a vibrant mix of seasoned vegetables, tender marinated beef, and a fried egg atop steamed rice, all drizzled with spicy gochujang sauce, delivering a colorful and flavorful Korean classic with a harmonious blend of textures.
Equipments
- Rice cooker or pot
- Mixing bowls
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Frying pan or skillet
- Spatula
- Saucepan (for blanching/boiling vegetables)
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Plate or serving bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Small bowl (for sauce)
Ingredients
- 2 cups short-grain white rice
- 8 oz (225g) beef ribeye or sirloin
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 zucchini
- 1 medium carrot
- 4 oz (115g) shiitake mushrooms
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 cup bean sprouts
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt
- 1 sheet roasted seaweed (gim/nori)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 3 tablespoons gochujang
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- Scallions
Freshness and quality of the vegetables like zucchini, carrots, spinach, and bean sprouts are crucial for authentic flavor and texture in your bibimbap. Using short-grain white rice ensures the right sticky consistency that holds the dish together perfectly. Marinate the beef ribeye or sirloin properly with soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil to enhance tenderness and savory depth. The spicy gochujang sauce, combined with sesame seeds and scallions, balances heat and sweetness to elevate the taste profile. You can recreate the vibrant and harmonious blend of flavors found in Bonchon's bibimbap with this carefully balanced copycat menu.
Instructions
- Cook the rice in the rice cooker or pot.
- Slice beef thinly and marinate with soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl.
- Julienne zucchini and carrot; slice mushrooms.
- Blanch spinach and bean sprouts separately in boiling water using a saucepan and slotted spoon/tongs; season both with salt and a touch of sesame oil.
- Sauté zucchini, carrot, and mushrooms separately in a frying pan with a little vegetable oil; season lightly with salt.
- Cook the marinated beef in the frying pan until browned; set aside.
- Fry eggs sunny-side-up in the skillet.
- Mix gochujang, rice vinegar, honey, and toasted sesame oil in a small bowl to make the sauce.
- Assemble: Portion rice into serving bowls, arrange vegetables and beef on top, add a fried egg.
- Garnish with shredded roasted seaweed, sesame seeds, and sliced scallions.
- Drizzle or serve with gochujang sauce.
- Serve immediately and mix before eating.
Substitution
Bibimbap from Bonchon copycat menu combines marinated beef, diverse seasoned vegetables, and a fried egg over steamed rice, topped with spicy gochujang for an authentic Korean flavor experience. If you don't have ribeye or sirloin, other tender cuts like flank steak or chicken can be substituted without compromising taste. When shiitake mushrooms are unavailable, cremini or button mushrooms offer a similar umami depth. Using a stovetop pot instead of a rice cooker still yields perfectly cooked short-grain rice if watched carefully. Your choice of gochujang can vary in heat intensity, so adjust the amount used to suit your spice preference.
Tips
Make sure to rinse the short-grain white rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch for a better texture. When blanching vegetables like spinach and bean sprouts, immediately transfer them to ice water to halt cooking and preserve their vibrant color. Use thinly sliced beef to ensure quick and even cooking, and don't overcrowd the pan when sauteing to achieve proper browning. When assembling, drizzle the spicy gochujang sauce according to your spice preference to balance flavor with your taste.
Nutritions
Bibimbap from Bonchon provides a balanced meal rich in protein from marinated beef and eggs, essential vitamins and minerals from a variety of seasoned vegetables like spinach, zucchini, and carrots, and healthy fats from sesame oil and seeds. The white rice offers a good source of carbohydrates needed for energy, while the gochujang sauce adds spicy flavor along with antioxidants from chili peppers. You benefit from fiber, iron, and vitamin A, supporting overall health and digestion. This dish combines nutrient-dense ingredients that contribute to a wholesome and satisfying Korean classic.
Storage
Store leftover bibimbap components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness; keep cooked rice and sauteed vegetables refrigerated for up to 3 days. Marinated beef and blanched greens should be cooled quickly before refrigeration to prevent spoilage. When reheating, warm the beef and veggies in a skillet and steamed rice in a microwave or rice cooker for the best texture, then add a fresh fried egg and gochujang sauce to restore flavor; you can also store the sauce in a separate small jar for up to 1 week.
Variation or Alternatives
For a vegetarian twist on your Bibimbap, you can substitute beef with marinated tofu or tempeh, seasoned similarly with soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic to maintain that savory depth. Swap short-grain white rice for brown rice or quinoa to enhance the dish's fiber content and add a nutty flavor. Instead of frying eggs sunny-side-up, poach or soft boil them for a different texture that blends beautifully with the vegetables and sauce. You can also customize the gochujang sauce by adding a splash of lime juice or more honey to balance spiciness according to your preference.
Allergies
Bibimbap from Bonchon contains common allergens such as soy (from soy sauce and gochujang), eggs, and sesame seeds, which can cause reactions in sensitive individuals. The dish also includes beef, which some may avoid due to dietary restrictions or allergies. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, it is essential to check with the restaurant or modify your order accordingly to ensure your safety.
Why this recipe?
Bibimbap from Bonchon restaurant attracts people with its vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, marinated beef, and perfectly cooked rice, all harmonized by a flavorful spicy gochujang sauce. The dish offers a balanced combination of textures and tastes, making every bite satisfying and nutritious. Your attempt to make a copycat recipe allows you to recreate this authentic Korean experience at home, customizing flavors and ingredients to suit your preferences. Cooking Bibimbap yourself is worth it for its health benefits and the rewarding experience of mastering a classic, beloved dish.