How to Make Korean Temple Bibimbap: Your Best Guide in 2025
Korean temple food is simple, healthy, and full of natural flavors. You can enjoy this traditional dish at home. Learning how to make Korean temple bibimbap is fun and easy. In this guide, you will learn step-by-step how to make Korean temple bibimbap. You do not need special skills. You only need simple ingredients. By the end, you will know how to make Korean temple bibimbap just like the monks do.

Ingredients You Need
To make Korean temple bibimbap, you need fresh and natural ingredients. Here is what you need:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1/2 cup spinach
- 1/2 cup bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup mushrooms (shiitake or oyster)
- 1/2 cup zucchini, sliced
- 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
- 1/2 cup tofu, cubed
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon gochujang (optional, for mild spice)
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash all vegetables well. Cut the zucchini into thin slices. Julienne the carrots. Slice the mushrooms. Mince the garlic. Preparing fresh ingredients is an important part of how to make Korean temple bibimbap.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Heat a pan over medium heat. Add a little sesame oil. First, cook the mushrooms for 3 minutes. Then, cook the zucchini for 2 minutes. Next, cook the carrots for 2 minutes. Finally, cook the spinach for 1 minute. Add a little garlic and soy sauce to each vegetable for more flavor. Set them aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Bean Sprouts
Boil water in a small pot. Add the bean sprouts and cook for 2 minutes. Drain and mix with a little sesame oil and sesame seeds. This step adds a delicious crunch to the Korean temple bibimbap.

Step 4: Cook the Tofu
Cut tofu into small cubes. Heat a pan and add a little sesame oil. Cook the tofu for 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip each piece so all sides cook evenly.

Step 5: Assemble the Bibimbap
Place warm rice in a bowl. Arrange each cooked vegetable neatly on top of the rice. Add the tofu in the center. If you like, add a small amount of gochujang for a little spice. This step makes how to make Korean temple bibimbap fun and colorful.

Step 6: Mix and Enjoy
Before eating, mix everything well with chopsticks or a spoon. The flavors blend beautifully. Now, you know how to make Korean temple bibimbap at home!

FAQs
What is a Korean temple bibimbap?
Korean temple bibimbap is a simple rice bowl with fresh vegetables and tofu. It is a special dish eaten by monks in Korean temples.
It is known for its balance of flavors, using natural ingredients without any artificial seasonings.
This dish is part of Korean temple cuisine, which follows Buddhist cooking principles.
It does not contain garlic, onions, or animal products, making it a unique and peaceful meal.
Is Korean temple bibimbap healthy?
Yes! It is very healthy. It has fresh vegetables, no meat, and healthy oils. It is full of vitamins and minerals.
The dish provides a variety of nutrients, including fiber, protein, and essential vitamins.
Since it is plant-based, it is great for digestion and maintaining a healthy weight.
Eating Korean temple bibimbap can also help reduce inflammation and boost overall wellness.
Can I add eggs or meat?
Traditional Korean temple bibimbap does not use eggs or meat. But you can add them if you like.
If you want to stay true to temple-style cooking, consider using extra tofu or mushrooms for protein.
Adding a fried egg or lean meat can enhance the flavor, but it will change the dish’s traditional aspect.
For a vegan-friendly protein boost, you can try adding grilled tempeh or more sesame seeds.
What sauce can I use?
You can use soy sauce, sesame oil, or a little gochujang for spice.
If you prefer a milder flavor, use a mix of soy sauce and sesame oil without the spice.
For a tangy twist, try adding a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice.
Some people enjoy adding a small amount of miso paste for extra umami flavor.
Conclusion

Now you know how to make a Korean temple bibimbap. This dish is easy, delicious, and healthy. Try making it at home and enjoy a taste of Korean tradition. If you like healthy meals, you may also like 7 Low-Calorie Meal Prep Recipes and Easy Salad Recipes for Beginners.
For more Korean temple food recipes, visit Korean Temple Food or the Korean Food Foundation.