Hearty Kongnamul-bap (Bean Sprout Rice) with Seasoned Ground Beef
Hearty Kongnamul-bap (Bean Sprout Rice) with Seasoned Ground Beef
A Heartfelt Breakfast Prepared with Parental Care on Exam Day: Kongnamul-bap
On exam day, prepare a nutritious and comforting breakfast of Kongnamul-bap, made with love and care. This dish features fresh bean sprouts and fluffy rice, enhanced with savory seasoned ground beef and a flavorful dipping sauce. It’s a perfect meal to provide energy and comfort.
Nutritious Kongnamul-bap Ingredients- 1 bag fresh bean sprouts (approx. 300-400g)
- 2 servings soaked rice (approx. 1.5 cups)
Flavorful Kongnamul-bap Seasoning Sauce- 1/4 finely minced onion
- 2 finely chopped Cheongyang peppers (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 finely chopped red chili pepper (for color)
- 1 stalk finely chopped green onion
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Hearty Ground Beef Stir-fry Ingredients & Seasoning- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- Pinch of black pepper
- Small amount of chopped green onion
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 finely minced onion
- 2 finely chopped Cheongyang peppers (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 finely chopped red chili pepper (for color)
- 1 stalk finely chopped green onion
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Hearty Ground Beef Stir-fry Ingredients & Seasoning- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- Pinch of black pepper
- Small amount of chopped green onion
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The first step to delicious Kongnamul-bap is preparing the rice. Rinse the rice and soak it in cold water for at least 3 hours. Soaking longer will result in fluffier, more distinct grains. If you’re short on time, soak for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2
First, let’s make the ‘Kongnamul-bap Seasoning Sauce’. In a bowl, combine the minced onion, chopped Cheongyang peppers, chopped red chili pepper, and chopped green onion. Add soy sauce (2 Tbsp), gochugaru (1 Tbsp), minced garlic (1/2 Tbsp), sugar (1 Tbsp), sesame oil (1 Tbsp), and toasted sesame seeds (1/2 Tbsp). Mix everything thoroughly. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Step 3
Next, prepare the ingredients and seasoning for the ‘Ground Beef Stir-fry’ to add heartiness. In a separate bowl, combine minced garlic (1/2 Tbsp), sugar (1/2 Tbsp), soy sauce (2 Tbsp), sesame oil (1 Tbsp), a pinch of black pepper, a small amount of chopped green onion, and toasted sesame seeds (1/2 Tbsp). Mix well to marinate.
Step 4
Heat a pan over medium heat and stir-fry the marinated ground beef. Cook it until it sizzles invitingly, releasing a delicious aroma.
Step 5
While bean sprouts are great for keeping the mind clear, including beef, which is rich in protein and essential amino acids, is crucial for growth and energy replenishment. It’s a fantastic combination of brain-boosting bean sprouts and energy-providing beef!
Step 6
Now, it’s time to prepare the bean sprouts. Rinse them thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. To ensure they are fresh and don’t develop an unpleasant smell, soak them in cold water for about 20 minutes.
Step 7
Fill a pot with plenty of water for cooking the rice and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once the water is vigorously boiling…
Step 8
Drain the bean sprouts from the cold water and add them to the boiling water to blanch them briefly. Be careful not to overcook them until they become too soft.
Step 9
Once the water returns to a boil after adding the bean sprouts, stir them once to ensure even cooking, cook for a short while longer, and then stir again. (Blanch for about 1-2 minutes).
Step 10
Remove the blanched bean sprouts and immediately rinse them under cold running water to cool them down. This helps maintain their crisp texture and keeps them fresh. Drain them thoroughly.
Step 11
Don’t discard the water used to blanch the bean sprouts! This flavorful water will serve as the base for your rice, infusing it with a subtle bean sprout aroma and delicious umami.
Step 12
Place the soaked and drained rice into your rice cooker. Pour in the reserved bean sprout water to cook the rice. The water level should be about one finger joint’s height above the rice. (You might want to use slightly less water than usual).
Step 13
Now, press the cook button on your rice cooker and start cooking the rice over medium-low heat. (If using a gas stove: start with medium heat, then reduce to low once the water boils).
Step 14
When the water has mostly evaporated and the rice is in the steaming phase, evenly spread the blanched bean sprouts on top of the rice. Arrange them nicely to cover the rice.
Step 15
Reduce the heat to very low and cover the pot to let the rice steam. When steam starts to gently escape from the lid’s vent, the rice is perfectly cooked. (Steam for about 10-15 minutes).
Step 16
The bean sprouts, blanched and then rinsed in cold water before being placed on top, retain their crisp texture, making each bite a delightful experience. The freshness of the bean sprouts perfectly complements the rice grains!
Step 17
Your steaming, fragrant Kongnamul-bap is ready! Since it’s made with such care, let’s serve it beautifully in a nice bowl.
Step 18
Especially on exam day, it’s good to serve a slightly generous portion of rice, which helps relax the mind and improve concentration. Serve it warmly, keeping the student’s feelings in mind.
Step 19
Arrange the blanched bean sprouts attractively over the rice. For side dishes, it’s best to keep it simple with 2-3 options, considering nutritional balance rather than overwhelming the meal.
Step 20
Serve the seasoned ground beef stir-fry generously on the side. This provides a hearty dose of protein to boost energy levels.
Step 21
Also, serve the prepared Kongnamul-bap seasoning sauce on the side. It’s made with a mild flavor, perfect for mixing with the rice and bean sprouts.
Step 22
Take a portion of the Kongnamul-bap and ground beef, add some seasoning sauce, and mix it all together. It’s best to mix small portions as you eat rather than mixing the entire bowl at once.
Step 23
A satisfying bowl like this will provide enough energy to last until lunchtime without feeling hungry. Enjoy this delicious mix, made with love in every grain of rice.
Step 24
On exam day, it’s crucial to stay calm and eat slowly, chewing each mouthful thoroughly. Eating without rushing will help you perform at your best.
Step 25
Although there are no students taking exams at our home today, we prepared this Kongnamul-bap with the same heartfelt care as any parent would. We sincerely hope our children do their best, as they have studied so hard, and finish the exams without regrets. We hope they can relax and rest well afterwards, focusing on the process rather than just the outcome. Daughters and sons, we believe in you!
