The Best Bibimbap Bowls

These bibimbap bowls are probably my favorite category in the bowl meal trend. Translating literally to "mixed rice," this mouthwatering dish includes the best flavors of Korean cuisine. Plus, they are SO EASY to meal prep! I like to make each bowl a little different each day -- one a little spicier with jalapeños, one filled with proteins like egg and meat, and one veggie-packed. Meal prep doesn't need to be boring, after all.

Why You'll Love These Bibimbap Bowls

• It's endlessly versatile. Bibimbap is literally just a bowl of rice with your favorite ingredients mixed in -- plus the delicious Korean spices. Have a picky eater who doesn't like spinach? They can have a bowl without it and everyone else can enjoy it! Is not everyone vegetarian? Totally fine -- let the meat be an add-on option for a self-serve style dinner. The possibilities really are endless.

• It's super quick. Depending on how many ingredients and toppings you choose to add and prepare, making bibimbap bowls is actually pretty quick. And if you're making it for meal prep, lining up bowls of rice and just adding toppings is also a nice "assembly line" process. For a prep-heavy dish, I love using my Schmidt knife set. There is a knife for everything and they look so gorgeous in my kitchen.

• It's great leftovers. I know, I know, I keep talking about meal prep and leftovers, but it really is GREAT the day (or next day) after. Personally, I like to prep ingredients at the beginning of the week, then when I want a quick lunch, I make some minute-rice and add my pre-made toppings. Quick and delicious.

Tips & Tricks

• Prep veggies first. I always like to prep my veggies first, then arrange them in small bowls or containers. It makes constructing the actual bibimbap bowls super easy, and I tend to like the "self-customization" this setup offers to myself, family and guests.

• Make it vegetarian. This bibimbap bowl recipe tastes just as great (maybe even better) sans meat! Throw in some tofu or load up on sautéd veggies -- either way, this Korean rice bowl won't disappoint.

• Add some heat. When I want a little spice in my bibimbap bowls, I add just a tiny bit of chili powder when sautéing the veggies or meat. If you're really wanting more heat, you can always add in some jalapeños or a sautéd chili. Remember though, less is usually more!