Hot Takes: Bibimbap
The sound of packaging ripping open to sweet and salty deliciousness is music to our ears, but every now and then, we love to indulge in snacks that take a little more heat. While these Korean bites take a bit more effort, it only means the results are that much more delicious!
Simple in concept, one of the worldwide famous Korean dishes, bibimbap, could be what you need for your next meal prep session. Literally translated to “mixed rice,” this dish can be versatile, and save you from spending a lot of money or wasting food. Why? Besides rice, you can put anything you like in your bowl of bibimbap from exotic combinations to simply what you have left in the fridge from the day before. Today, let’s have a look at some possible combinations for your bowl of wonders!
- Raw Fish Bibimbap
As each bibimbap consists of various toppings on a bed of rice, the options could be endless. The appetizing red color of the raw saengseon (fish) contrasts with the green vegetables on top, such as lettuce and chives, and makes the perfect combination for a fresh lunch meal. Fun fact: There is symbolism behind bibimbap and every color in the bowl. The red-orange color of the raw fish, for example, represents the South and the heart of the human body. And yes, it will definitely steal your heart from the first try.
- Spicy Pork Bibimbap
Two of the most famous Korean dishes combine to make a superhero combination to satisfy your cravings. The bland taste of the rice can neutralize the spiciness of the pork chops, so even if you are not a person who can bear spicy food, the balance in this dish is perfect for you! The cucumbers and spinach add a pop of color to the picture while representing the East and the liver, which will definitely thank you for delivering all the nutrients you need for a balanced diet.
- Saessak Bibimbap
Bean sprouts are present in almost every bibimbap bowl as their chewy and savory taste enriches the taste of the whole meal. However, there is a special bibimbap bowl dedicated to the precious taste of bean sprouts. White vegetables, like sprouts or daikon radish, represent the West as well as our lungs, and you will probably feel like taking a deep breath and filling your body with new life from all the positive effects a bowl of saessak bibimbap brings with itself.
- Yakcho Bibimbap
If you want to have a good excuse to enjoy lots and lots of bibimbap, here is one: it's actually beneficial for your health. The yakcho bibimbap comes from a town in Korea called Jecheon. This area is great for the growth of medical herbs, and locals use them not only for medicine, but food as well! This combination is one of the most famous foods in Jecheon, and who wouldn’t like to eat in abundance and not feel guilty about it? The black color of the shiitake mushrooms, nori seaweed and herbs themselves represent the kidneys, which need special care — probably a little more than every other organ — and yakcho bibimbap has got your back!
Bibimbap has an endless list of varieties, and one can design it based on preferences. There is no wrong way to make bibimbap but there is only one way to enjoy it: Eat up!
Written by Monica Boyadzhieva
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