Easy Vegetable Bibimbap

Bibimbap with Raw Vegetables | cHowDivine.com

Bibimbap is one of the most popular Korean dishes. Traditionally, it is made with bulgogi, fried egg, and cooked vegetables atop steamed rice. I make the traditional bibimbap from time to time, but I make this “no-cook” version when I’m so busy that I want to clone myself (which is all too often). It’s super fast and easy to make. And everyone’s satisfied at the end of the meal. It will take less than 15 minutes to put together, but it’s as satisfying to the palate as a dish that will take hours. I posted a slightly different version of this dish when I first started this blog, but I thought I would revisit it considering how often this bibimbap shows up on our dinner table.

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Asian Salad with Carrot-Ginger Dressing

Carrot Ginger Dressing | cHowDivine.com

I hope mother nature has been kinder to you than New Yorkers this summer. The heat has been unrelenting. The heat and the humidity has been unbearable. And if you are a fellow New Yorker trudging through the subway system, I empathize. It can feel like you are simmering in stew. And if you are visiting NYC on vacation, don’t get too happy if you spot a relatively empty train car when the others are packed to the gills. The air conditioner is likely broken in that car. 😉

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Spicy Tomato Sauce with Poached Eggs

Gochujang Tomato Sauce w/ Poached Eggs | cHowDivine.com

I made some Spicy Tomato Sauce with Poached eggs last week. Twice, actually. That’s not unusual for me. When the weather outside is cold and I barely have enough time to eat, this is one of my go-to dishes. It’s one of those dishes that is so comforting, yet simple and quick. We either have it over brown rice or pasta. It’s delicious either way.

Of course, I had to add a little bit of Korean love to this dish. I absolutely love gochujang (Korean chili pepper paste) in tomato sauce. It tempers the acidity of the tomato sauce just perfectly, while imparting some sweetness and spiciness to the sauce. If you don’t have access to gochujang, of course, you can add tomato paste. I add both if I have both in my fridge. Just make sure they add up to about 2-3 teaspoons. The resulting sauce is SO GOOD. You have to give it a try.

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Bulgogi Japchae {Stir-Fried Noodles with Bulgogi}

Bulgogi Japchae | cHowDivine.com

cHow Divine is now on Facebook. I know. I know. I’ve been living in the dark ages. I swore I wouldn’t sign up for it. I remember uttering something about the value of privacy, all the while shaking my virtual cane at the kids these days. But resistance is futile with certain things in life. I’m learning that Facebook just might be one of them. Since cHow Divine is a small extension of who I am, I guess I am also on Facebook. So stay connected with us on Facebook. 🙂

I decided to celebrate this occasion with some Bulgogi Japchae (Stir-Fried Sweet Potato Noodles with Bulgogi). Japchae is usually served at birthday celebrations. It’s a birthday of sorts. So it was perfect for the occasion. This version of japchae is incredibly easy and quick compared to the traditional version. And it’s adaptable depending on the veggies you have in the fridge. I know how much I hate wasting food. It’s nice to have a dish you can cook, while cleaning out your fridge at the same time.

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Creamy and Spicy Korean-Style Slaw

I was really in the mood for a fat sandwich a few days ago. But even with sandwiches, I need a little bit of Asian or Korean flair to it. So I decided to make some Korean-flavored slaw to add to the sandwich in lieu of lettuce. I usually make it mayo-free, because I’m not crazy about mayonnaise. I rarely ever eat it. In fact, I only ever eat it mixed with gochujang (with a very few exceptions). But I wanted something creamy and spicy for my sandwich.

I usually make it with napa cabbage, but you can substitute it with regular green cabbage or even bok choy. And I add a lot of cucumber slices for their crunch. This slaw is perfect for a meaty sandwich or just as a side dish for those end of the summer barbecues.

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