Vegan Bibimbap with Gochujang Sauce
Vegan bibimbap is a vibrant Korean dish made with a mix of fresh vegetables, hearty rice, and a rich, spicy gochujang sauce. This simple, plant-based recipe offers a healthy and flavorful meal that's easy to prepare at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup short-grain white rice
- 1 cup spinach blanched
- 1 cup shiitake mushrooms sautéed
- 1 carrot thinly sliced and lightly sautéed
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts blanched
- 1/4 cup kimchi optional for extra flavor
- 1/4 cup sliced cucumbers
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 sheet nori seaweed, cut into thin strips
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- For the Gochujang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Korean red pepper flakes gochugaru
- 3 tbsp maple syrup or brown rice syrup
- 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tbsp red miso paste
- 1 tbsp garlic minced
- 1 tbsp ginger minced
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Rinse 1 cup of short-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice using the absorption method or a rice cooker until fluffy and slightly sticky.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Blanch the spinach and bean sprouts for 1-2 minutes in boiling water, then drain.
- Sauté the shiitake mushrooms and sliced carrots in a little sesame oil until softened.
- Make the Gochujang Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the Korean red pepper flakes, maple syrup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, miso paste, garlic, ginger, and salt. Stir until smooth and combined. Adjust sweetness and spice to taste.
- Assemble the Bowl:
- Divide the cooked rice into bowls. Arrange the prepared vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, carrots, bean sprouts, cucumbers, and kimchi if using) in sections around the rice.
- Top It Off:
- Add a generous spoonful of gochujang sauce over the top. Garnish with sesame seeds and nori strips.
- Final Touches:
- Drizzle a bit of sesame oil on top and enjoy mixing everything together before eating.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute tofu or tempeh for added protein.
- Adjust the spice level in the gochujang sauce by adding or reducing the red pepper flakes or maple syrup for balance.
- You can add avocado or extra kimchi for more flavor and creaminess.