Banchan Bap

Banchan Bap is a delightful vegan Korean rice dish that incorporates a variety of colorful banchan (side dishes) to create a satisfying and nutritious meal. This dish brings together the flavors of seasoned vegetables, tofu, and aromatic sesame oil, making it a perfect representation of Korean comfort food.

Ingredients

• Jasmine rice - 1 cup
• Water - 2 cups
• Firm tofu - 200 grams
• Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Sesame oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Carrot - 1 medium, julienned
• Spinach - 100 grams, blanched
• Cucumber - 1 medium, thinly sliced
• Radish - 100 grams, thinly sliced
• Green onion - 2 stalks, chopped
• Sesame seeds - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - to taste
• Pepper - to taste

Steps

1. Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then combine it with 2 cups of water in a rice cooker or pot. Cook according to the rice cooker's instructions or bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the water is absorbed and the rice is fluffy.
2. While the rice is cooking, press the firm tofu to remove excess moisture, then cut it into bite-sized cubes. Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add the tofu cubes, and sauté until golden brown on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the julienned carrot and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. Add the blanched spinach and stir-fry for another 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. To assemble, fluff the cooked rice and divide it into two bowls. Top each bowl with the sautéed tofu, carrots, spinach, sliced cucumber, and radish. Garnish with chopped green onion and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
5. Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Banchan Bap!

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Water: 0.45 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in plant-based protein from tofu, supporting muscle health.
• High in fiber from vegetables, promoting digestive health.

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