Sep 04 2026
RestaurantsSOOM Korean Restaurant Covent GardenDubu Dolsot Bibimbap Recipe

Dubu Dolsot Bibimbap Recipe

Time1h
Serves3

Make Dubu Dolsot Bibimbap Recipe in just 1h . Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

For the tofu stone pot (dubu) and rice

Method

For the tofu stone pot (dubu) and rice

  1. 1

    Prep the rice

    Rinse 2 cups short-grain rice under cold water until the water runs clear (3–4 rinses). Drain and transfer to a rice cooker or heavy saucepan. Add 2 1/4 cups water, cover and cook according to your rice cooker instructions or bring to a boil then reduce to low and simmer 12–15 minutes until water is absorbed; let rest 10 minutes covered.

  2. 2

    Prepare the tofu

    While rice cooks, drain and press the 14 oz firm tofu for 10 minutes between paper towels or a clean kitchen towel with a weight on top to remove excess water. Slice the block into 1/2-inch slabs or 3/4-inch cubes depending on preference.

  3. 3

    Pan-fry tofu

    Heat 2 tbs neutral oil in a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season the tofu lightly with 1 tsp coarse kosher salt. Add tofu pieces in a single layer and fry 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

  4. 4

    Make the stone-pot crust (dolsot)

    If you have a dolsot (stone pot) or heavy oven-safe skillet, coat the bottom with 1 tbs sesame oil and 1 tbs neutral oil over medium heat. Add 1–1 1/2 cups of freshly cooked rice to each dolsot (this recipe yields 2–3 stone pots depending on size). Press rice gently to form an even layer. Place over medium heat for 3–4 minutes to begin creating a crunchy crust. If you don't have a dolsot, use a cast-iron skillet or serve in warmed bowls and skip the crust step.

Vegetable toppings (banchan-style)

  1. 5

    Spinach namul

    Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Blanche the 4 oz spinach for 20–30 seconds until wilted. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water. Squeeze out excess moisture and roughly chop. In a bowl, combine spinach with 1/2 minced garlic clove, 1/2 tsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp sesame oil, and a pinch of salt. Toss and set aside.

  2. 6

    Bean sprout namul

    In the same pot of boiling water, blanch 2 cups mung bean sprouts for 1 minute, then drain and rinse under cold water. Toss sprouts with 1/2 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp sesame oil, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.

  3. 7

    Julienned carrots

    Peel and julienne the carrot to make about 1 cup. Heat a small nonstick skillet over medium heat with 1 tsp neutral oil. Sauté the carrot 2–3 minutes until just softened but still slightly crisp. Season with a pinch of salt and a few drops of sesame oil. Remove and keep warm.

  4. 8

    Sautéed mushrooms

    Heat 1 tsp neutral oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced shiitake (1 cup) and 1 minced garlic clove. Sauté 3–4 minutes until browned. Add 1 tsp soy sauce and 1/2 tsp sesame oil, toss, then remove from heat.

  5. 9

    Sautéed zucchini

    Trim and slice zucchini into half-moons to make 1 cup. Heat 1 tsp neutral oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Sauté zucchini 2–3 minutes until tender-crisp. Season with 1/2 tsp soy sauce and a pinch of salt, finish with a few drops of sesame oil.

  6. 10

    Green onion garnish

    Thinly slice 2 green onion stalks on the bias. Reserve for finishing the bowls.

Gochujang sauce and garnish

  1. 11

    Make the sauce

    In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbs gochujang, 1 tsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sugar or honey, and 2 tsp water until smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness or vinegar to balance heat. Stir in 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds. If too thick, add more water 1 tsp at a time to reach desired drizzle consistency.

  2. 12

    Crisp nori (optional)

    If using 1 sheet of nori, crisp it over low flame for a few seconds or toast lightly in a dry pan, then cut into thin strips to sprinkle on top.

Assembly and serving

  1. 13

    Assemble the dolsot bibimbap

    If using the stone pot with the rice crust, reduce heat to low. Arrange warm vegetable toppings (spinach, bean sprouts, carrots, mushrooms, zucchini) in sections on top of the rice so colors are distinct. Nestle the fried tofu pieces in the center or off-center. Sprinkle with sliced green onion and additional toasted sesame seeds.

  2. 14

    Finish and serve

    Drizzle 1–2 tbs gochujang sauce over each bowl or serve the sauce on the side. Carefully crack an optional fried or raw egg on top if desired (traditional bibimbap often includes egg; omit to keep fully vegetarian). If using the dolsot, the rice at the bottom will continue to crisp—use a spoon to scrape up the crust into each serving. Serve immediately with kimchi and pickles on the side.

  3. 15

    Notes on heat and substitutions

    Adjust gochujang to taste or substitute with a mix of miso and chili paste if unavailable. For extra protein, add sautéed tempeh or thinly sliced marinated mushrooms. To make gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and check gochujang label.

More from SOOM Korean Restaurant Covent Garden