Main Dishes

Kimchi Bibimbap

A warm stone bowl of kimchi bibimbap with seasoned rice, sautéed kimchi, beef, a soft egg yolk, and scattered sesame seeds
Prep
15 mins
Cook
15 mins
Servings
2
KoreanEasyDinnerDairy FreeHigh Protein

About this dish

Kimchi bibimbap is a bold, deeply savory one-bowl rice dish that sits at the heart of Korean home cooking. While traditional bibimbap often highlights seasoned vegetables and gochujang, this version leans into well-fermented kimchi, letting its tangy heat season the rice, the meat, and the egg all at once.

The dish comes together quickly once the ingredients are prepped, making it a practical weeknight meal that still feels like a proper Korean table spread. Finish each bowl with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil and a scatter of sesame seeds for the glossy, nutty aroma that defines this recipe.

Ingredients

UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.

Cooked short-grain white rice

grain

400 g

Imperial measurement: 2 cups

Well-fermented napa cabbage kimchi, chopped

vegetable

200 g

Imperial measurement: 1 cup

Thinly sliced beef ribeye or sirloin

protein

150 g

Imperial measurement: 5.3 oz

Soy sauce

seasoning

15 ml

Imperial measurement: 1 tbsp

Toasted sesame oil

fat

15 ml

Imperial measurement: 1 tbsp

Gochujang

seasoning

15 g

Imperial measurement: 1 tbsp

Garlic, minced

vegetable

6 g

Imperial measurement: 2 cloves

Granulated sugar

other

4 g

Imperial measurement: 1 tsp

Large eggs

protein

2

Neutral oil, such as grapeseed or vegetable oil

fat

15 ml

Imperial measurement: 1 tbsp

Scallions, thinly sliced

vegetable

20 g

Imperial measurement: 2 stalks

Toasted sesame seeds

other

6 g

Imperial measurement: 2 tsp

Sea salt

seasoning

2 g

Imperial measurement: 1/4 tsp

Freshly ground black pepper

spice

1 g

Imperial measurement: 1/4 tsp

Method

1

Marinate the beef

10 minutes

In a small bowl, combine the sliced beef, soy sauce, half of the sesame oil, minced garlic, sugar, and a pinch of black pepper. Toss gently until each slice is coated, then set aside for 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

2

Sear the kimchi

5 minutes

Heat a wide skillet over medium-high heat with half of the neutral oil. Add the chopped kimchi and cook, stirring occasionally, until the edges begin to caramelize and the juices thicken slightly, about 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer the kimchi to a plate and wipe the skillet if needed.

3

Cook the beef

4 minutes

Add the remaining neutral oil to the same skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and cook without stirring for 1 minute, then stir-fry until just cooked through and lightly browned, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.

4

Fry the eggs

3 minutes

Lower the heat to medium and add the eggs to the skillet. Fry until the whites are set but the yolks remain soft and runny, about 3 minutes. If you prefer firmer yolks, cook 1 minute longer. Season lightly with sea salt.

5

Warm the rice and assemble

2 minutes

Divide the warm cooked rice between two bowls. Arrange the seared kimchi and beef over the rice, then top each bowl with a fried egg. Add a spoonful of gochujang to each bowl.

6

Finish and serve

1 minute

Drizzle the remaining sesame oil over the bowls, then scatter with sliced scallions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately, mixing everything together at the table so the gochujang and egg yolk coat the rice.

Equipment

  • Wide skillet or cast-iron pan
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Serving bowls

Nutrition facts

420 kcal
Calories
28 g
Protein
72 g
Carbohydrates
24 g
Fat
4 g
Fiber
1250 mg
Sodium

Tips

  • Use kimchi that has fermented for at least two weeks for the deepest flavor, fresh kimchi will taste milder and less complex.
  • For a crisp rice crust, warm the assembled bibimbap in a lightly oiled stone bowl over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.
  • If you want extra vegetables, add blanched spinach or sautéed zucchini, but keep them lightly seasoned so the kimchi remains the star.
  • To make the dish ahead, store the cooked beef, kimchi, and rice separately and fry the eggs just before serving.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve with a simple bowl of clear radish soup or a light doenjang broth on the side.
  • Pair with a small dish of pickled radish or cucumber for a fresh contrast.
  • Offer extra gochujang and sesame oil at the table so everyone can adjust their bowl.

Rate this recipe

No ratings yet. Be the first to rate it.

Jieun Lee

Recipe by

Jieun Lee

Specialises in Korean cuisine

Jieun makes japchae with glass noodles and sesame oil. She stirs with her eyes closed.

Describe yourself in three words: Zen, glossy, sesame queen.