Bibimbap 🍚 (Korean Rice Bowl)

Grain bowls are one of my favorites for lunch. This version has deeply embedded Asian flavors and can easily be customized to your preferences. These are hearty, filling, full of flavor and protein. I hope you give it a try!

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Ingredients:

Cooked white or brown rice

Olive oil

1 cucumber

Shredded carrots

3 cloves garlic, crushed

2 tbsp gochujang

2 cups spinach

Soy sauce

Sesame seeds

Red pepper flakes

1 container shiitake mushrooms

1 lb Swiss steaks

Salt and pepper to taste

Eggs

Scallions, sliced

Optional: Jalapeños, sliced

Sesame oil

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Directions:

For the shiitake crisps:

Preheat your oven to 400 degree. Slice your shiitake mushrooms and mix with a drizzle of olive oil and 1 tsp soy sauce. Place on a cookie sheet. Bake until crispy, ~15 minutes. Check periodically to prevent burning.

For the cucumber carrot mixture:

Slice your cucumbers into matchsticks. Mix with your gochujang and set aside.

In a frying pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and add in your carrots. Cook until soft, about 2 minutes. Add in your garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Add the cucumbers and sauté for 2 more minutes, until all the flavors meld together. Remove from the frying pan and set aside.

For the spinach:

Bring a little water to boil. Add in your spinach and shock it for ~ 2 minutes. Remove into a bowl and mix with 1 tsp soy sauce, some red pepper flakes and sesame seeds.

For the meat:

Pat your meat dry. Season with salt and pepper on both sides. Place in a frying pan with some olive oil on medium high heat. Once one side is golden brown, flip. Pour in 2-3 tbsp soy sauce and cover the pan. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until cooked to your preference. Remove from pan and set aside to rest.

For the eggs:

Wipe out any excess liquid from the frying pan you cooked the meat in. Add in a little olive oil and fry your eggs.

To compile:

Place some rice in your bowl. Arrange the carrot/cucumber salad, spinach, mushrooms and meat on the rice. Top with an egg. Sprinkle scallions, jalapeños, and sesame seeds on top. Drizzle sesame oil and add red pepper flakes if you want for extra heat. Enjoy!