What is Korean Bibimbap?
Bibimbap is a dish made with rice that is topped with seasoned vegetables and proteins that are mixed together with a red pepper-based sauce and then eaten with a spoon. It is said to have been created after the dishes from ancestral rites (Jesa), and other celebrations were distributed and shared with family and neighbors. These already cooked and seasoned dishes left over from the celebrations were added to rice and enjoyed.
Based on the regions in Korea and the different kinds of Bibimbap, various ingredients can be added. The region of Jeonju (전주비빔밥) is the most known place for bibimbap in Korea.
There are two basic ways to serve Bibimbap. It can be served at room temp in a bowl or sizzling in a Dolsot (돌솥). You can choose your preferred serving vessel based on your preference and the amount of time you have to cook. They both have their own benefits.
What Kind of Rice is Used in Bibimbap?
The base of Bibimbap is rice. It is made up usually of a mixture of sweet white rice (찹쌀) and medium grain white rice (백미). My preferred ratio is a mix of 3 parts medium grain white rice (백미) to 1 part sweet white rice (찹쌀).
Although white rice as the base for Bibimbap is most common, there are other options as well. You can make a mix of white medium grain rice and barley or a mix of white medium grain rice and brown rice. Plain textured and flavored rice mixes go well as the base of Bibimbap.
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