If you’re new to this dish, then you can start simply by including basic ingredients like carrots, spinach, English cucumber, and shiitake mushrooms. Kimchi, a traditional Korean food made from salted and fermented vegetables, can also be added to make the dish more adventurous.
You can substitute bell peppers for the carrots or cucumber. Or you can add some hot chiles such as jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or green chiles if you like spice in your food.
Some other common vegetables you can try in bibimbap are zucchini, butternut squash, pumpkin, and potatoes. It’s best to stick to one of these starchy vegetables at a time.
Garlic is always a great way to add flavor and depth to your food. Saute some garlic in olive oil to add to your bibimbap if you like strong flavors.
Fernbrake, a popular green in Korea, can be used in place of spinach. It has a mild garlicky and salty taste.
Doraji, or sauteed bellflower root, is found in traditional bibimbap, and it has a mild taste with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
Another popular option to add to your bibimbap is broccoli rabe (AKA rapini), which is a cruciferous veggie similar to broccoli but with larger green leaves. It has a somewhat bitter, earthy, and nutty flavor.
For some fresh crunch, add soy bean sprouts or green onions to the top of your bibimbap. Or if you’re more adventurous, try cooked bamboo shoots, which add a savory crunch. Finally, try adding daikon radishes to the top of your bibimbap; they have a sweet, crisp, and mild flavor.