The ULTIMATE bibimbap recipe
The ULTIMATE bibimbap recipe is a medium Chinese recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by James Bok on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $9.80 total, $2.45 per serving
Ingredients
- 300 g Fresh Spinach (washed, trimmed, then steamed)
- 2 Tbsp Sesame Oil (divided: 1 Tbsp for marinating spinach, 1 Tbsp for cooking)
- 1 Tbsp Garlic (minced (about 3 cloves))
- 0.5 Tbsp Salt (kosher or sea salt)
- 2 Tbsp Granulated Sugar (balances the salty flavor)
- 3 Tbsp Red Food Coloring (optional, for a bright hue)
- 1 medium Cucumber (sliced thin, fried 1 minute to remove excess water)
- 1 medium Zucchini (sliced into half‑moons)
- 1 medium Onion (sliced)
- 1 medium Carrot (julienned)
- 100 g Mushrooms (sliced (button or cremini))
- 300 g Beef (flank or sirloin) (thinly sliced into bite‑size strips)
Instructions
Steam and Marinate Spinach
Place the washed spinach in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam for 3–5 minutes until wilted. Transfer to a mixing bowl, add 1 Tbsp sesame oil, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, and ½ Tbsp salt. Toss gently and let sit while you prepare the other ingredients.
Time: PT5M
Dry‑Fry Cucumber
Slice the cucumber into thin half‑moon pieces. Heat a drizzle of sesame oil in the wok over medium‑high heat and add the cucumber slices. Fry for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly, then remove and set aside on a paper towel.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Sweet‑Savory Sauce
In a small bowl combine 2 Tbsp sugar, ½ Tbsp salt, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, and 3 Tbsp red food coloring with 2 Tbsp water. Stir until the sugar dissolves. This will give the stir‑fry a glossy, lightly sweet flavor and a vibrant color.
Time: PT2M
Stir‑Fry Zucchini
Add a fresh splash of sesame oil to the wok, increase to high heat, and add the sliced zucchini. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and stir‑fry for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
Time: PT4M
Add Remaining Vegetables
Add the sliced onion, julienned carrot, and sliced mushrooms to the wok. Stir‑fry for another 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the carrots start to soften.
Time: PT3M
Cook Beef
Push the vegetables to the side of the wok, add a little more sesame oil, and spread the beef strips in a single layer. Stir‑fry for 4 minutes, or until the beef is browned but still pink inside.
Time: PT4M
Combine All Components
Return the marinated spinach and fried cucumber to the wok. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and toss everything together for 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat the vegetables and beef evenly.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Transfer the stir‑fry to a serving platter, drizzle a final drizzle of sesame oil if desired, and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 22 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Allergens: Sesame
Last updated: April 16, 2026








