Croatian-style Bibimbap

Ingredients

While the original Bibimbap is traditionally made with Korean ingredients like gochujang and kimchi, this Croatian adaptation incorporates local Croatian flavors. We substitute gochujang with ajvar, a savory red pepper spread, and replace kimchi with pickled cabbage. These changes give the dish a unique Croatian twist while still maintaining the essence of Bibimbap. We alse have the original recipe for Bibimbap, so you can check it out.

• 300g (10.5 oz) beef, thinly sliced 300g (10.5 oz) beef, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 cups cooked rice 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 carrot, julienned 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 zucchini, julienned 1 zucchini, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, julienned 1 red bell pepper, julienned
• 1 cup bean sprouts 1 cup bean sprouts
• 1 cup pickled cabbage 1 cup pickled cabbage
• 4 eggs 4 eggs
• 4 tablespoons ajvar (Croatian red pepper spread) 4 tablespoons ajvar (Croatian red pepper spread)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Sesame seeds for garnish Sesame seeds for garnish
• Fresh cilantro for garnish Fresh cilantro for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 8g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the beef, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated beef and cook until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
3. 3.
   In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Stir-fry the carrot, zucchini, and red bell pepper until crisp-tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
4. 4.
   In a separate skillet, fry the eggs sunny-side up or according to your preference.
5. 5.
   To assemble the Croatian-style Bibimbap, divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Arrange the cooked beef, stir-fried vegetables, bean sprouts, pickled cabbage, and fried eggs on top of the rice.
6. 6.
   Drizzle each bowl with 1 tablespoon of ajvar and sprinkle with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro for garnish.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — For a tender and flavorful result, choose a lean cut of beef and slice it thinly against the grain.
• Ajvar — Look for ajvar in specialty stores or make your own by roasting red peppers and blending them with garlic, oil, and vinegar.
• Pickled cabbage — If you can't find pickled cabbage, you can substitute it with sauerkraut for a tangy flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• To add an extra Croatian touch, you can sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top of the Bibimbap before serving.
• Feel free to customize your Croatian-style Bibimbap by adding other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
• If you prefer a spicier version, you can add a few drops of Croatian hot sauce or chili flakes to the ajvar.
• Don't forget to serve the Bibimbap with a side of Croatian bread or pita for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Croatian-style Bibimbap hot, allowing the flavors to meld together. Mix all the ingredients in the bowl thoroughly before enjoying each delicious bite.

Presentation advice

For an eye-catching presentation, arrange the colorful vegetables and beef in a circular pattern on top of the rice. Place the fried egg in the center and garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh cilantro.