Quick & Easy Vegan Bibimbap: Your Homemade Plant-Based Korean Bowl

2 weeks ago

Dive into a world of vibrant flavors and wholesome goodness with this incredibly easy and quick vegan Bibimbap recipe! Bibimbap, meaning "mixed rice with vegetables" in Korean, is a beloved dish known for its colorful array of fresh and cooked ingredients, all artfully arranged over a bed of warm rice and crowned with a savory, spicy sauce. It's a true feast for the eyes and the palate, offering a balanced and utterly satisfying meal that's perfect for any day of the week.

Are you looking for a healthy weeknight dinner that's bursting with flavor? Or perhaps you want to explore the exciting world of plant-based Korean cuisine? This homemade vegan Bibimbap is your answer! It's an excellent option for busy individuals, health-conscious eaters, and anyone eager to whip up a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. As one abillion user commented, "One of my favorite Korean dishes 😋" – and once you try this simplified version, it might become yours too!

This recipe simplifies the traditional process while retaining all the essential elements that make Bibimbap so appealing. You'll learn how to quickly prepare a medley of vibrant vegetables, crispy tofu, and a delicious gochujang sauce to bring it all together.

Ingredients

Assorted fresh vegetables, tofu, and Bibimbap sauce ingredients laid out on a wooden board, ready for preparation.

For the Bibimbap Bowl:

1 cup cooked short-grain rice (per serving)
1 block firm tofu, pressed and cubed or sliced
1 cup chopped [kale] (or spinach)
1 cup fresh bean sprouts
1/2 bell pepper, thinly sliced (any color)
4-5 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
1/2 cucumber, julienned
1/2 cup vegan kimchi (check abillion for local vegan options!)
1 tbsp sesame oil (for cooking vegetables)

For the Gochujang Sauce:

1 tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste - ensure it's vegan as some contain fish/shellfish; you can find reviews on abillion!)
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sugar or maple syrup
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp chili flakes (or more for extra spice)
1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions

A beautifully arranged vegan Bibimbap bowl with colorful vegetables, tofu, kimchi, and a rich sauce, ready to be mixed.

Prepare the Tofu: Press excess water from the tofu. Cut into desired shapes (cubes or thin slices). You can pan-fry, bake, or air-fry the tofu until golden and slightly crispy. Set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shiitake mushrooms and bell peppers, stir-frying for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp. Add the kale and bean sprouts, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until just wilted. Remove from heat and set aside, keeping vegetables separate for assembly.
Make the Gochujang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Gochujang, soy sauce, sugar (or maple syrup), black pepper, chili flakes, and sesame oil until well combined.
Assemble Your Bowl: Place a generous portion of warm cooked rice at the bottom of a large serving bowl.
Arrange Toppings: Artfully arrange the sautéed vegetables, prepared tofu, julienned cucumber, and vegan kimchi around the rice. The more colors, the better!
Serve: Drizzle the prepared Gochujang sauce over the toppings. Mix everything together just before eating to enjoy the full harmony of flavors and textures.

Variations & Adaptations

This vegan Bibimbap is wonderfully adaptable!

Gluten-Free: Ensure your Gochujang and soy sauce are certified gluten-free. Tamari is a great gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.
Different Veggies: Feel free to swap or add other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, spinach, radish, or even avocado for a creamy touch.
Add Crunch: Top with toasted sesame seeds or crushed roasted seaweed for extra texture.
Protein Boost: Instead of tofu, try pan-fried tempeh or crumbled plant-based mince for a different protein source.

Tips for the Perfect Bowl

Crispy Rice Bottom: If using a Dolsot (stone bowl), you can create a delicious crispy rice layer by heating the bowl with a little sesame oil before adding the rice.
Ingredient Prep: Prepare all your vegetables and sauce in advance. This makes assembly quick and easy, especially for weeknight meals.
Balance is Key: Bibimbap is all about the harmony of textures and flavors – fresh, cooked, soft, crunchy, spicy, savory. Don't be afraid to adjust seasoning to your preference.

Ready to create your own vibrant Bibimbap masterpiece? Give this recipe a try and discover how delicious and easy plant-based Korean cooking can be! Share your culinary creations with us on abillion by tagging @nhinhithenhenhe and #VeganBibimbap!