Vegan Bibimbap
Ingredients:
For the Bibimbap:
• 200 g firm tofu, pressed
• 4 tsp soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
• 1 tsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 2–4 tsp oil (e.g., rice bran oil)
• 100 g mushrooms (shiitake preferred), sliced
• 100 g spinach
• 1 carrot, shredded
• 50 g edamame beans
• ½ cup cooked brown rice
• Pickled daikon (see below)
• ½ long cucumber, finely sliced
• 1 spring onion, finely sliced
For the Pickled Daikon:
• 100 g daikon (or radishes), thinly sliced
• 60 ml rice wine vinegar
• 60–120 ml water
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
For the Dressing:
• 2 tbsp gochujang
• 2 tsp rice wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
Directions:
- Prepare the Pickled Daikon: Combine rice wine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a bowl. Stir until sugar and salt dissolve. Add sliced daikon, ensuring it’s submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least a few hours, preferably overnight.
- Marinate the Tofu: Cut the pressed tofu into equal-sized cubes. In a shallow bowl, mix 4 tsp soy sauce with 1 tsp gochujang. Add tofu cubes, ensuring they’re coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Cook the Tofu: Heat 2 tsp oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add marinated tofu cubes and fry until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté sliced mushrooms until tender. Remove and set aside.
- Blanch spinach in boiling water for 1–2 minutes until wilted. Drain and squeeze out excess water.
- Lightly steam or blanch edamame beans
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together gochujang, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, maple syrup, and grated garlic until smooth.
- Assemble the Bibimbap: Divide cooked brown rice between serving bowls. Arrange tofu, mushrooms, spinach, shredded carrot, edamame, pickled daikon, cucumber slices, and spring onion on top. Drizzle with the prepared dressing.
- Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately, encouraging diners to mix everything together before eating.
(Prep Time: 30 mins | Cooking Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 2–3)