There is a little cafe in our building that sells a huge assortment of delicious foods. One such food is the bibimbap. It’s a traditional Korean dish and is basically a whole mess of veggies and marinated beef tossed over rice. The entire thing is then topped with a fried egg and the spiciest of sauces. It’s a little pricey at ten dollars a pop but I get two days worth of lunch out of it so win/win. I try not to buy it often but every now and then, I just can’t help myself.
Being who I am meant trying to recreate this, in some form, at home. I decided to leave the egg off – even though a runny egg is usually the best part – so that I could easily transport this with me to work. I also swapped out the rice for quinoa, just to make myself feel a little better. Well, let me tell you, this is a winner. It’s so bright, fresh and healthy. The bean sprouts and carrots give a great crunch while the spinach and zucchini are filled with flavor. Top the whole thing with a sweet chili sauce and you are good to go. A perfect, easy lunch that’s healthy and tasty. Score!
- 1 carrot, peeled and cut into thin matchsticks
- ½ zucchini, cut into matchsticks
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 large handful of spinach
- 1 tsp. sesame oil
- 2-3 Tbsp. bean sprouts
- Sweet garlic chili sauce for serving
- Heat sesame oil in a sauce pan over medium. Once hot, toss in the spinach and sauté until wilted. Remove to a plate.
- Place quinoa in the center of a large bowl. Around the quinoa, place carrot matchsticks, zucchini matchsticks, spinach and bean sprouts. Serve with chili sauce.
This looks amazing! love that you added the quinoa.
The quinoa was a total last minute choice, too!
I LOVE Bi Bim Bap! I need to find a good place that has it in Austin, my favorite place is back home in MA. A tiny little Korean restaurant where this little old woman takes your order, then goes in the back and makes your food. It’s SO GOOD.
Your little Korean restaurant sounds just like mine! They have the BEST food! I definitely think you need to find a place in Austin soon and get your fix in!
I have never heard of Bibimbap before, but it sounds lovely! I admire the healthy and transportable version of it you came up with.
I’d never heard of bibimbap until a few months ago but I’m so glad that I did. It’s now one of my favorite meals!
This looks fantastic! Love all the bright, fresh veggies, and using quinoa rather than rice is a great variation. I’ve been eating so many cupcakes recently, that I feel like this kind of lunch is just what I need!
I am so not against eating tons of cupcakes. I mean, should we not be eating cupcakes every day?
This looks so good!! I love all the veggies and then of course topped with a sweet chili sauce (which I can never get enough of…). Definitely perfect for lunches! Or a quick weeknight meal!
The sweet chili sauce is definitely the best part! I love slopping it over everything.
Yay, love this! Looks beautiful – I’m making this for lunch today
I hope you do and I hope you love it!
This sounds so yummy!! I’ve never had bibimbap before, but it’s right up my alley with all the delicious veggies!
The veggies are so crunchy and fresh. I think that’s what I love about this dish.
Hope you love it, if you try it!
Yum! I was drawn in by the sweet chili sauce. I go through soooo much of that stuff.
Oh man, the sweet chili sauce is so dangerous!
This looks absolutely delicious!
Thanks! It’s definitely yummy!
Love this big plateful of fresh, healthy foods! I love having an assortment of things to eat… meals are made so much more fun that way!
Kind of like a good detox meal!
I’ve wanted to try quinoa for ages now- this whole bowlful looks absolutely amazing!
I definitely think, if you’re going to try quinoa, this is the perfect way! There’s plenty of other veggies and flavors to balance it out!
So gotta make this! As a vegie I’m always looking for new & exciting recipes. Thanks for sharing.
Oh, I hope you love it!
This looks incredible! I love all of the veggies, but that sauce is what drew me in the most! Yum!
Yes! The sauce really does it for me!