is no secret that Korean culture has grown significantly in popularity outside of Korea in recent years. And with the rise of highly sought-after movies and television shows, whereby traditional Korean foods tend to be at the centre of most scenes, it is no surprise that more and more people have taken an interest in certain dishes; the classic bibimbap being one of the best things you can opt for!

So, what is a Bibimbap?

Simply put, it is a bowl consisting of rice, beef, vegetables, and a spicy Gochujang sauce (Korean red chili paste). Once the ingredients are ready, they are tossed and mixed together until fully combined, then garnished with toasted sesame seeds, spring onions and fresh red chilies.

Though this may be the standard recipe, Bibimbap can be made several different ways, depending on the regions they come from. For example, the one listed above is the most classic variation, with the Gochujang being their signature ingredient. Traditionally, the ingredients are placed in a hot stone bowl, and topped with a raw egg yolk that is immediately folded into the dish and cooks within seconds as a result of the heat permeating both from the bowl and the other ingredients.

This version, also called the Jeonju Bibimbap, is hands down a national treasure in South Korea, so much so that there is actually a Jeonju Bibimbap Festival, held annually in October in a little town called Jeonju Hanok Village.

Other versions of this fabulous dish include the following:

• Jinju Bibimbap: its signature feature being the mound of marinated raw beef piled on top.

• Tongyeong Bibimbap: hailing from the coastal town of Tongyeong, this version consists of a generous helping of nothing less than the freshest of seafoods. 

• Yeolmu Kimchi Bibimbap; flavoured to the max with the traditional kimchi – its juices blended into the dish, and the fermented cabbages acting as the star of show.

These are just to name a few. Truth be told, there are any number of ways to make bibimbap at home. Whether you’re opting for meat, seafood, vegetarian or vegan; the possibilities are endless. Though, we do promise you one thing; they are all DELICIOUS!

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