the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, Bibillia, serves the traditional Korean bibimbap with a twist by preserving the unique Korean taste using some non-Korean ingredients .
Traditional Korean bibimbap is a popular and iconic Korean dish known for its colorful and vibrant presentation. The word “bibimbap” literally means “mixed rice” in Korean, and that’s precisely what the dish is – a combination of various ingredients mixed with rice. Here’s an overview of the components and preparation of traditional bibimbap:
- Rice: Steamed short-grain white rice forms the base of bibimbap. The rice is typically cooked to perfection, with a slightly sticky texture.
- Vegetables: A variety of fresh and sautéed vegetables are used, and they are often arranged in a circular pattern on top of the rice. Common vegetables include:
- Sautéed Spinach (Sigeumchi-namul): Spinach is blanched, seasoned with garlic, sesame oil, and sesame seeds.
- Sautéed Fernbrake (Gosari-namul): Fernbrake, or bracken fern, is blanched and seasoned.
- Sautéed Bean Sprouts (Kongnamul): Bean sprouts are blanched and seasoned.
- Sautéed Zucchini (Hobak): Thinly sliced zucchini is usually seasoned and lightly sautéed.
- Carrots: Julienned carrots are often lightly sautéed and seasoned.
- Mushrooms: Various mushrooms, like shiitake or oyster mushrooms, can be sautéed and used as a topping.
- Protein: Traditionally, bibimbap can be served with a variety of protein options, including:
- Beef (Bulgogi): Thinly sliced marinated beef is a common choice.
- Chicken: Grilled or sautéed chicken is sometimes used.
- Tofu: For a vegetarian or vegan option, tofu can be pan-fried and seasoned.
- Raw or Fried Egg: A raw egg yolk or a sunny-side-up fried egg is often placed on top of the bibimbap.
- Gochujang Sauce: Gochujang is a spicy and slightly sweet fermented red chili paste that is a key flavor component of bibimbap. It is mixed with sesame oil and other seasonings to create a savory and spicy sauce.
- Sesame Oil and Seeds: Toasted sesame oil is drizzled over the ingredients to add a nutty flavor, and sesame seeds are sprinkled on top for extra crunch and aroma.
- Korean Nori (Seaweed): Sometimes, pieces of roasted nori (seaweed) are added for a hint of umami flavor and texture.
To enjoy bibimbap, you typically mix all the ingredients together thoroughly before eating, ensuring that the flavors and textures are well combined. The result is a harmonious blend of tastes, colors, and textures that make bibimbap a delightful and satisfying Korean meal. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized to suit individual preferences, making it a favorite among both Koreans and international food enthusiasts.
What makes Bibillia special is the huge emphasis on two major beliefs:
1) Your health is important and Bibillia, uses the best ingredients with no MSG
2) Bibillia, offers delicious high quality meals prepared quickly.
Bibillia is open Monday to Sunday 11 am to 9 pm , 16 Chestnut Street, Ridgewood, NJ 07450 , Phone 201-857-8597 www.bibillia.com