Bibimbab

Taken from the Korean word for “mixed rice,” Bibimbap is rice, a collection of vegetables, meat, raw egg, and chili pepper paste served in a scalding hot stone bowl. For visual appeal, different colors are often placed adjacent. The best part of Bibimbap is the fact you are supposed to stir it before you eat it.

Bibimbap is a popular Korean dish that contains many ingredients mixed in a bowl with rice and hot pepper paste. It is also referred to as goldongban and is one of the most representative Korean dishes along with bulgogi and kimchi.

There was a longstanding tradition among our ancestors that any leftover food on New Year’s Eve was not to be kept into the New Year. For this reason, the practice of mixing various ingredients in a bowl with rice was started. Koreans are also known to cook many different dishes to pay respects to their ancestors on major holidays such as the Lunar New Year and Chuseok. Since there is a lot of food leftover on these occasions, people enjoy mixing them.

Although the recipe for bibimbap sounds rather simple, there are regional variations and one of the most well known is Jeonju bibimbap which contains bean sprouts. With a growing number of health conscious individuals, bibimbap containing fresh shoots, wild greens or mountain herbs is also gaining popularity. It’s not only the variation in ingredients that make a difference. Dolsot (stone pot) bibimbap, containing slow-cooked rice, has always been popular. Another interesting variation is yangpun (large brass bowl)bibimbap. As the Korean name suggests, the large brass bowl contains enough bibimbap to feed two to three.

The ingredients, an assortment of herbs and meats, all have their own distinct flavors and tastes, but a spoonful of hot pepper paste in the mix produces a surprisingly pleasant taste.

Bibimbap is not only delicious, it also contains a wealth of nutrients such as cellulose and vitamins while being low in cholesterol and fat. Such healthy dishes are ideal for all but especially so for busy students as well as hardworking individuals always on the go.

What better way to provide a simple yet nutritious meal than to prepare tasty bibimbap for your entire family. Here's another video for cooking Bibimbap!

Korean BBQ

What is Korean BBQ?

Korean barbecue is the method of roasting beef, pork, chicken, or other types of meat.

Here's a detailed guide on how to eat Korean BBQ in a Korean restaurant!

1. Sitting down to the table.

2. Ordering meat

Most Korean BBQ restaurants offer both beef and pork on the menu. Some places specialize in one or the other, and you can often tell which by looking at the sign outside. If there’s a picture of a pig on it, they specialize in pork. If there’s a picture of a cow on it, they specialize in beef. Sometimes you’ll see a picture of a duck, too! But usually a  pig or cow.

These are layered pork belly called 'Samgyeopsal'. 

In my opinion they are the most popular one in Korea, and I would recommend them.

  

3. Side dishes

These can include at least one kind of kimchi, a green onion salad (pajeori: 파절이), pickled sliced onion, or a radish pickle. Most Korean BBQ restaurants serve bean paste stew for free of charge (but not always). If the restaurant is more generous, you will get an even wider variety of side dishes.

4. Cooking the meat

After you order meat, your sever will start up the grill. Depending on the restaurant, they'll usually take responsibility for the cooking and stop in now and then to turn over the meat so it's cooked evenly. Tongs are next to the grill, so you might need to do it yourself if they're busy, so keep and eye on it so the meat doesn't burn.

5. Ordering alcohol

This step for over 21, should order a Korean vodka: soju. It’s a clear, slightly sweet, Korean alcoholic beverage made with potato or tapioca starch, although traditionally it was made with rice. At 20% ABV it’s stronger than beer.

 6. Ready to eat

If you watch this video, you will know why people love them!