Fragrant Chamnamul Bibimbap Recipe
Savor the Taste of Spring with Fragrant Chamnamul Bibimbap
This special bibimbap recipe allows you to fully enjoy the natural fragrance and crisp texture of fresh chamnamul (Korean potherb). It’s characterized by simply seasoning the chamnamul with perilla oil, Korean soy sauce, and a pinch of salt to bring out its rich aroma. While delicious wrapped as ssam, this recipe shows how to transform leftover chamnamul salad into a wonderful bibimbap.
Main Ingredients- 1 bunch Chamnamul (Korean potherb)
- 1 Egg
Seasoning for Salad- 1/2 Tbsp Korean traditional soy sauce (or soup soy sauce)
- Pinch of salt
- 2 Tbsp Perilla oil
- 1 Tbsp Toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp Korean traditional soy sauce (or soup soy sauce)
- Pinch of salt
- 2 Tbsp Perilla oil
- 1 Tbsp Toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the fresh chamnamul thoroughly under running water. The stems are tender, so you can blanch them as they are. Bring a pot of water to a boil with a pinch of salt, then add the prepared chamnamul and blanch for just 10-20 seconds. Be careful not to overcook, as it will become mushy. Rinse the blanched chamnamul in cold water and gently squeeze out excess water. In a bowl, combine the chamnamul with the Korean traditional soy sauce (or soup soy sauce), a pinch of salt, and a generous amount of perilla oil. Add toasted sesame seeds and gently toss to combine. I omitted garlic to fully appreciate the chamnamul’s natural flavor, but if you enjoy garlic, you can add about 1/4 tsp of minced garlic. The crisp texture and subtle aroma of the chamnamul will whet your appetite.
Step 2
Transform this delicious chamnamul salad into a simple yet healthy bibimbap by topping it over rice. The fragrant chamnamul and warm rice will come together to create a wonderful meal.
Step 3
Prepare a fried egg to enhance the bibimbap’s flavor. Fry it to your preference, either sunny-side up or fully cooked, until golden brown.
Step 4
Place the prepared chamnamul salad and fried egg on top of a bowl of warm rice. Adding crisp and refreshing kohlrabi kimchi or other kimchi will create a more abundant flavor experience. A spoonful of kimchi juice adds an extra layer of savory deliciousness for mixing. Mix everything together thoroughly with chopsticks or a spoon until well combined, and enjoy your delicious bibimbap.
Step 5
Chamnamul is rich in beta-carotene, which is beneficial for eye health, particularly known for alleviating dry eye syndrome and protecting vision. It’s also packed with Vitamin C and minerals, which help boost the immune system. Its unique, subtle aroma is more captivating than that of typical edible greens, making it an excellent ingredient on its own. We highly recommend enjoying this fragrant chamnamul as a salad or in bibimbap.
