Vegetarian Korean Bibimbap Recipe with Bold Black Garlic Sauce

Vegetarian Korean Bibimbap Recipe with Black Garlic

FEATURED IMAGE CONCEPT: Close-up of a colorful vegetarian bibimbap bowl with rice, sautéed vegetables, crispy tofu, and a glossy black garlic gochujang drizzle. Warm natural lighting, rustic ceramic bowl.

This vegetarian Korean bibimbap recipe is vibrant, nourishing, and deeply satisfying. Inspired by classic bibimbap, this version layers warm rice with seasoned vegetables, crispy tofu, and a bold black garlic gochujang sauce that brings savory depth and subtle sweetness to every bite.

What Is Black Garlic?

Black garlic is aged garlic that becomes soft, dark, and naturally sweet with rich umami flavor. It is prized for both taste and wellness benefits, including antioxidant support and gentle digestion. In this bibimbap, black garlic deepens the gochujang sauce without overpowering the vegetables.

Ingredients

For the Bibimbap Bowls

• 2 cups cooked short-grain rice
• 8 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 1 tablespoon neutral oil
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 1 cup zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt to taste

Black Garlic Gochujang Sauce

• 2 tablespoons I Love Black Garlic Organic Purée or mashed Organic Peeled Cloves
• 2 tablespoons gochujang
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

Instructions

1. Cook rice and keep warm.
2. Pan-fry tofu in oil until golden. Season lightly and set aside.
3. Sauté carrots, zucchini, and mushrooms separately until tender but vibrant.
4. Quickly wilt spinach with sesame oil and a pinch of salt.
5. Whisk together all black garlic sauce ingredients until smooth.
6. Assemble bowls with rice, vegetables, and tofu arranged neatly.
7. Drizzle with black garlic sauce, garnish, and mix before eating.

Tips & Variations

• Vegan: Use maple syrup and skip the egg.
• Extra Crunch: Add pickled radish or kimchi.
• High Protein: Double the tofu or add edamame.
• Spicier: Add extra gochujang or chili oil.

Product Highlight

This bibimbap gets its depth from I Love Black Garlic, made in small batches using organic garlic for rich umami and antioxidant benefits. Our black garlic purée blends seamlessly into sauces like this one, making bold flavor easy at home. Shop I Love Black Garlic here.

Recipe Overview

• Total Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approx. 480
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Author: I Love Black Garlic
• Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
• Dietary Classification: Vegetarian, vegan adaptable

Related Black Garlic Recipes

• Garlic Sauce Recipe for Pizza with Black Garlic
• Rosemary Garlic Bread with Black Garlic
• Honey Garlic Wings with Black Garlic

Try This Bibimbap

If you make this vegetarian bibimbap, tag @iloveblackgarlic so we can share your bowl.