Vegetarian Bibimbap: Korean Rice with Protein and Vegetables
Aruna
Bibimbap is a traditional Korean dish in which rice is mixed with a whole lot of lightly sauteed vegetables, sprouts and meat, and flavoured with Gochujang, the Korean Chilli Paste. I have substituted meat with paneer (you can also use Tofu) in this Vegetarian Bibimbap.
Mix all ingredients listed under the sauce and set aside.
Cooking the Rice
Wash the rice well and pressure cook in 3.5 cups water till done.
Let the rice cool completely.
Getting the Vegetables and Paneer
Peel and cut the carrot into 2" think sticks.
Cut the zucchini into small 1/4" pieces
Cut the mushrooms into thin slices.
Cut the paneer into 1/2" cubes.
Cooking the Vegetables and Paneer
In a pan, heat a few drops of oil, and add carrot sticks and a pinch of salt. .
Saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In a pan, heat a few drops of oil, and add mushrooms and a pinch of salt. .
Saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In a pan, heat a few drops of oil, and add sprouts and a pinch of salt. .
Saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In a pan, heat a few drops of oil, and add Zucchini and a pinch of salt.
Saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Boil 3 cups of water with 1/2 tsp salt.
Turn off the heat and add the spinach. Let the spinach blanch in the hot water for 30 seconds.
Using a colander, drain all the hot water and rinse in cold water.
Drizzle 1/2 tsp sesame oil and 1/2 tsp roasted sesame seeds. Set aside.
Serving the Vegetarian Bibimbap
Transfer the sauce into a bowl.
Spread the rice on a larger platter.
Place individual vegetables and paneer on top of the rice.
Place the bowl of sauce in the platter.
Eating the Bibimbap
Just before serving, mix all ingredients well.
Serve individual portions.
Notes
I had some Chinese Sesame Oil and I used that for cooking. This oil has a distinct smoky flavour that is lacking in our sesame oil, and adds a new level of flavour to the Bibimbap, and indeed all South East Asian cooking.
The Koreans use bean sprouts which I substituted with moon sprouts. Let the moong sprout for at least 2 days.
I used soy sauce in the Bibimbap sauce because the meat (when used) is marinated in soy sauce (among other ingredients), and I did not want to miss out on the flavour of the soy sauce.
You can use other vegetables like Cabbage, Bell Peppers, etc.
I plan to use Soy Granules/Chunks the next time in place of the meat.
Keyword Bibimbap, Koream Mixed Rice with Vegetables, Korean Fried Rice, Vegetarian Bibimbap
Tried this recipe?Do let me know how you liked it @aahaaram or tag #aahaaram!