Squid and Vegetable Bibimbap with Spicy Gochujang Sauce
A colorful Korean rice bowl featuring stir-fried squid and vegetables topped with a vibrant, spicy gochujang sauce and a fried egg. This korean-inspired rice & grains ready in about 35 minutes blends cooked short-grain rice, blanched and squeezed dry spinach, medium, julienned carrot into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked short-grain rice
- 1 lb, cleaned and sliced into 1/2-inch rings squid tubes
- 2 cups, blanched and squeezed dry spinach
- 1 medium, julienned carrot
- 1 cup, sliced shiitake mushrooms
- 1 cup, blanched bean sprouts
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp gochujang
- 1 tsp sugar
- 4 fried eggs
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb sliced squid and 3 minced garlic cloves, stir-fry for 2 minutes until the squid turns opaque and tender. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Sauté 1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add 1 medium julienned carrot and cook for 2 minutes. Season vegetables with 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp sesame oil.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp gochujang with 1 tsp sugar and 1 tbsp soy sauce to make the spicy sauce.
- Step 4: To assemble, evenly divide 4 cups cooked rice among bowls. Arrange 2 cups blanched spinach, 1 cup blanched bean sprouts, the sautéed mushrooms and carrots, and the cooked squid in sections on top of the rice.
- Step 5: Fry 4 eggs sunny-side up and place one on each bowl. Drizzle 1 tbsp sesame oil over all bowls, sprinkle with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and serve with the spicy gochujang sauce on the side to mix in as desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Squid and Vegetable Bibimbap with Spicy Gochujang Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Squid and Vegetable Bibimbap with Spicy Gochujang Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Squid and Vegetable Bibimbap with Spicy Gochujang Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Squid and Vegetable Bibimbap with Spicy Gochujang Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Squid and Vegetable Bibimbap with Spicy Gochujang Sauce?
Korean rice & grains like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.