Bibimbap (Korean Mixed Rice Bowl with Bulgogi)

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Prepare the bulgogi: Wrap the steak in plastic wrap or place on a clean plate. Place in the freezer until firm, about 20 minutes. This will make it easier to thinly slice.

2. Step 2

   Meanwhile, add garlic, onion, pear, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple juice, 1 tablespoon of the oil and black pepper to a blender. Blend until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl or resealable container until the steak has firmed in the freezer.

3. Step 3

   Once steak has firmed, remove from the freezer and, using a sharp knife, very thinly slice across the grain. Toss sliced beef in the marinade and set aside for 30 minutes and up to 4 hours. If marinating longer than 30 minutes, transfer the meat to the refrigerator. (Bring to room temperature 45 minutes before cooking.)

4. Step 4

   Meanwhile, prepare the rice: Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear, then transfer it to a medium saucepan. Add 2¼ cups water and bring to a boil over medium-high. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, until most of the water has been absorbed, about 4 minutes. Turn off the heat with the lid on and let sit until rice is cooked through and fluffy, 12 to 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside, covered. (Alternatively, use a rice cooker and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.)

5. Step 5

   Make the gochujang sauce: In a medium bowl, stir together the garlic, gochujang paste, apple juice, rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and sugar until well combined. This can be made up to 2 days ahead.

6. Step 6

   Prepare the banchan: For the bean sprouts, finely grate 1 garlic clove into a medium bowl. In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups water and ½ teaspoon salt to a boil over high heat. Add the bean sprouts to the saucepan and cook until softened and slightly translucent, about 3 minutes. Using tongs or chopsticks, transfer to the bowl with the garlic, along with 2 teaspoons sesame oil and 1 teaspoon soy sauce, and toss until combined. Reserve the cooking liquid in the saucepan.

7. Step 7

   For the spinach, return the reserved bean sprouts cooking liquid to a boil over high heat. Add the spinach and stir until wilted, about 1 minute. Turn off the heat. Using tongs or chopsticks, transfer the spinach to a colander. Rinse under cold water until cool, then gently squeeze out excess water. Transfer to a small bowl and toss with 1 teaspoon sesame oil and ¼ teaspoon salt until combined. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon sesame seeds.

8. Step 8

   For the mushrooms, mince 2 cloves of garlic. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a (12-inch) cast-iron skillet over medium-high. Add shiitake mushrooms and ½ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until they have softened and started to brown, about 6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until slightly golden, about 30 seconds. Stir in 2 teaspoons of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil. Cook for 1 minute and transfer to a small bowl. Turn off the heat and reserve the skillet for assembly.

9. Step 9

   For the cucumber, in a medium bowl, combine the cucumber, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, crushed red pepper (to taste), ½ teaspoon sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt. Toss until well combined.

10. Step 10

    When ready to cook the bulgogi, heat 2 teaspoons of oil in the reserved skillet over medium-high. Once hot, remove the beef from the marinade and gently shake off any excess liquid. Add half of the beef to the skillet and cook until slightly charred and cooked through, about 1 minute per side. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining beef.

11. Step 11

    Assemble bibimbap: To the cast-iron skillet, drizzle in 2 teaspoons sesame oil and swirl the pan to fully coat the bottom. Add the cooked rice and spread out into an even layer. Try not to pack in the rice; it should stay fluffy. Turn the heat on to low.

12. Step 12

    In a small, nonstick skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of oil over medium-high heat. Crack the eggs into the skillet and fry until the whites are cooked through and the edges are slightly crispy, 4 to 5 minutes. The egg yolks should still be runny. Slide the eggs into the center of the skillet, on top of the rice.

13. Step 13

    While the eggs are frying, arrange the bulgogi, carrots, bean sprouts, spinach, shiitake mushrooms and cucumber on top; each component should be in its own sector until ready to mix. Scatter scallion and ½ teaspoon of sesame seeds on top. Drizzle with some of the gochujang sauce.

14. Step 14

    Turn off the heat under the skillet. Pierce the egg yolks, and toss with all the components. The heat from the pan will create a crust on the bottom and help cook the runny yolk. Divide among the bowls and serve immediately, topped with kimchi, toasted seaweed and additional gochujang sauce, if desired.