In Korea – much like the rest of Asia, rice is an integral part of every meal. It is a staple in many households and deservingly so for its high energy property. In this recipe for Korean rice, we will be teaching you how to make a local favourite called bibimbap.

Bibimbap is as famous as kimchi in Korea. If we were to compare the popularity of this dish, our nasi goreng would probably be a close equivalent. Bibimbap literally means ‘mixed rice.’ This popular dish consists of white rice topped with vegetables, beef, a whole egg, and gochujang (red chilli pepper paste) if you like the heat. Alternatively, you can substitute the spicy paste for soy sauce or sriracha.

Ingredients:

• 1 cucumber cut into matchsticks
• 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean hot pepper paste)
• 1 bunch fresh spinach, cut into thin strips
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon olive oil2 carrots, cut into matchsticks
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes
• 1 pound thinly-sliced beef
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 4 large eggs
• 4 cups cooked white rice
• Toasted sesame oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• 2 teaspoons gochujang (Korean hot pepper paste) (optional)

Directions:

1. First, mix cut cucumber pieces with ¼ cup of the gochujang paste in a bowl. Make sure all the cucumbers are coated with the paste.
2. In a pot, boil water and blanch the spinach for 2 minutes. Immediately soak cooked spinach in ice water. Drain the spinach and squeeze out excess water. Mix spinach with soy sauce and set aside.
3. In a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil and add in carrots. Cook until carrots soften. Next, add in the garlic and stir until fragrant. Add in the cucumber-paste mix and red pepper flakes. Stir for 3 minutes and set aside in a bowl.
4. In the same pan over medium heat, cook the beef until brown. Remove from heat.
5. In a separate non-stick pan, cook the eggs one by one, sunny side up.
6. To serve, divide cooked rice into four bowls. Top with spinach, beef, cucumber and carrots. Then add an egg to each bowl. Drizzle each bowl with sesame oil, a sprinkle of sesame seed and gochujang sauce if you’d like some.

This simple but comforting recipe for Korean rice will soon be a staple at your home. If you find yourself not having all the ingredients or are just not in the mood to step into the kitchen, head on over to the foodora app and have your food delivered to you.