Easy Korean Bibimbap Sauce Recipe

Bibimbap is one of Korea’s most loved comfort foods — a bowl of rice topped with colourful vegetables, protein, and a deliciously spicy-sweet sauce.

The secret to a great bibimbap is the sauce. This simple Korean bibimbap sauce is made with gochujang, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a little sweetness. It takes just a few minutes to make and brings all the flavours of the bowl together.

Ingredients

Makes enough sauce for 2–3 bowls of bibimbap.

• 2 tablespoons Ginger’s Pantry Gochujang

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon rice syrup or honey

• 1 teaspoon soy sauce

• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

• 1–2 teaspoons water, if needed

Method

1. Add the gochujang, sesame oil, rice vinegar, rice syrup, soy sauce and garlic to a small bowl.

2. Mix well until smooth and combined.

3. Stir in the sesame seeds.

4. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water until you reach your preferred consistency.

5. Taste and adjust. Add a little more rice vinegar for acidity, sweetness for a milder sauce, or gochujang for extra heat.

How to Use Bibimbap Sauce

To make bibimbap, start with a bowl of warm steamed rice. Add your favourite cooked or fresh vegetables such as:

• Carrot

• Spinach

• Bean sprouts

• Mushrooms

• Zucchini

• Cucumber

Top with a fried egg, beef, chicken, tofu or your favourite protein.

Add a generous spoonful of bibimbap sauce, then mix everything together just before eating.

The best part of bibimbap is mixing everything together so the spicy, sweet and savoury sauce coats the rice and vegetables.

Make It Your Own

There is no need to follow a strict combination of vegetables. Bibimbap is a great way to use whatever vegetables you have in the fridge.

For a milder sauce, use less gochujang. For a richer and spicier flavour, add another spoonful of gochujang.

Ginger’s Pantry Tip

For the best flavour, use a good-quality fermented gochujang. Our Ginger’s Pantry Gochujang is made in small batches and is perfect for bibimbap, dipping sauces, marinades and everyday Korean cooking.

Once you have the sauce ready, bibimbap becomes an easy and delicious meal you can make at home.