Vegetarian Korean Bibimbap Recipe (Cauliflower Rice Bowl) | Wicked Spatula (2024)

A vegetarian bibimbap recipe packed with healthy vegetables, kimchi, and fried eggs! 25-minute Korean bibimbap bowls are EASY, plus this one has a secret ingredient to make it low carb, keto and paleo friendly.

by Maya Last Updated on February 26, 2020 11 Comments

You are going to love this vegetarian bibimbap recipe! It’s so easy, ready in just 20 minutes, and loaded with fresh flavors! My Korean bibimbap may not be perfectly authentic, but it is TASTY and definitely reminds me of the classic version without the meat. In my opinion, the vegetables are the star of this show!Seasoned carrots, bean sprouts, and spinach get lightly cooked, which means they still have a nice crunch but just a wee bit softer. I also used some cucumbers, grilled scallions <— OBSESSED, and kimchi. Give the Korean rice dish a squirt of sriracha if you like heat!

What Is Bibimbap?

Traditionally, bibimbap is a Korean rice bowl that is topped with vegetables, meat, and eggs.

So, what’s my secret ingredient for bibimbap? Cauliflower rice!

I wanted to make my Korean rice dish healthier, so I made coconut cauliflower rice instead of the traditional white rice. I also made this a vegetarian bibimbap without any meat.

Bibimbap Ingredients

This is a whole30 cauliflower rice bowl, but you may be surprised by how many amazing flavors it has. It’s one of those meals thats so delicious that no one even cares that it’s “healthy,” too. Here are the ingredients in this riced cauliflower bowl recipe:

• Cauliflower Rice – The cauliflower rice is the base of this vegetarian bibimbap recipe. I made it with coconut aminos and sesame oil for extra flavor.
• Toasted Sesame Oil – The toasted oil in this dish gives it deep and traditional flavors.
• Coconut Aminos – Aka, the healthier soy sauce!
• Matchstick Carrots – The carrots add a bit of sweetness and a bit of crunch to the Korean bibimbap.
• Bean Sprouts – If you are strict paleo, you can skip the bean sprouts, otherwise add some in for MAJOR crunch.
• Cucumber – It adds a fresh and cooling flavor to the dish.
• Spinach – The wilted spinach adds loads of nutrition and dark leafy greens to the bowl.
• Scallions – I can’t get enough grilled scallions on this bibimbap recipe. You’ll feel the same way once you try them!
• Eggs – A great option for a vegetarian bowl but still getting some protein.
• Kimchi – Don’t skip this! This fermented topping adds a great bite of flavor and tang.
• Sriracha – Optional… unless you love spicy foods, in which case it’s mandatory!

How To Make Bibimbap

You’ll love that this vegetarian bibimbap recipe doesn’t take a long time to make! Here are the quick steps:

• Make the cauliflower rice. Cook the cauliflower rice in sesame oil until it’s soft and toasted. Set aside in two bowls.

• Saute carrots and bean sprouts. Wipe out the rice pan and add a bit more sesame oil to pan. Saute carrots for a few minutes, then remove and repeat with bean sprouts.
• Wilt the spinach. Add some more sesame oil to the same pan. Add the spinach and cook just until wilted.
• Grill the scallions. Using a gas burner or grill, char the scallions.
• Fry eggs. In a nonstick pan with sesame oil, fry the eggs until the whites are crispy but the yolk is still runny.
• Build the cauliflower rice bowls. Top your cauli rice with the vegetables, egg, kimchi, and scallions. Add sriracha to taste.

Bibimbap Pronunciation

Many people have asked what the bibimbap pronunciation is, so I thought I would help you out.

It’s pronounced bee-buhm-baap.

Can I Put Meat In Bibimbap?

Yes, absolutely, you can add meat to this Korean bibimbap! Some of my favorites are chicken, beef, and pork.

While beef is the traditional meat in bibimbap, they all taste delicious.

How Do You Store Vegetarian Bibimbap?

Let all of the bibimbap ingredients cool down and then store in airtight containers. Cook the eggs right before serving, so they keep their runny yolks!

You can easily reheat the vegetarian bibimbap in a skillet with a teaspoon or so of your favorite oil.

Can You Freeze Korean Bibimbap?

Yes, you can easily freeze this bibimbap recipe. Just place everything but the cucumber and eggs in a freezer-safe container, and it will last around 2 months in the freezer.

Defrost in the refrigerator and reheat before eating.

More Paleo Meal Ideas

Now that you have tried this cauliflower rice bowl recipe, here are moreeasy paleo mealsto try:

• Bang Bang Cauliflower – If you need to convince anyone to become a cauliflower-lover, this is the recipe.
• Spicy Healthy Kung Pao Chicken – Better than take out and WAY better for you!
• Orange Chicken Stir-Fry – Everyone loves the tangy, citrusy, and savory flavors going on in this dish!