A Gut-Friendly Bibimbap Bowl That Reminds me of South Korea

Nearly 12 years ago, I spent a life-changing year living and t4eaching English in South Korea. That season of my life marked the beginning of my journey with IBS- something I didn’t have a name for at the time but I definitely felt. I was falling in love with Korean food while simultaneously feeling like my gut was turning against me.

As much as I adored the bold flavors and beautiful meals, my stomach had a hard time adjusting- especially to the diabolical quantities of rice I was eating. Korean cuisine is full of vibrant, gut-friendly staples like fresh meats, seafood, veggies, and fermented foods like kimchi…but everything seemed to come served on rice, with rice noodles, a rice cake dessert, and rice wine to wash it down. My body simply didn’t h ave the enzymes to keep up with all that rice!

Eventually, I had to stop eating rice altogether during my time there- and I avoided it for almost year afterward. But the food news is that I learned a lot about how my digestive system works, what triggers it, and how to support it better. Despite the struggles, my love fo4r Korean food never faced. I still crave it and savor every bite- but now with more awareness and balance.

My Favorite Korean Dish: Bibimbap

Of all the delicious food I had Korea, bibimbap- a savory rice bowl topped with bulgogi beef, veggies, kimchi, and spicy gochujang sauce- was my favorite. Even after I stopped eating red meat around 2018, I’d still order bibimbap whenever I could find a high-quality version. It’s such. nostalgic comfort food for me now that I can’t imagine not enjoying it when the opportunity arises.

Lately, I’ve slowly been experimenting with red meat again- though I still don’t cook it myself. If I’m out and something looks good, I might indulge. That’s how I discovered something kind of ironic: Trader Joe’s sells pre-marinated Beef Bulgogi, and I found myself not only buying it…but actually cooking it. From a box. At home.

And I’m going to be honest with you- it slaps. It’s tender, flavorful, and it really is perfect for recreating a satisfying Korean-inspired bowl in under 30 minutes.

Kimchi is a spicy, probiotic-rich side dish that supports digestion, boosts your gut microbiome, and brings a bold flavor to any meal.

Trader Joe’s Bibimbap-Inspired Bowl (with Kimchi!)

This meal has definitely earned itself a spot in my weeknight dinner rotation. EVERY last ingredient included can be found at Trader Joe’s, it’s quick to make, comforting, and hits all the notes of my favorite Korean flavors. Plus, it packs a gut-friendly punch thanks to the fermented Napa cabbage (kimchi).

Ingredients (Makes 4 servings)

• 1 package Beef Bulgogi

• 1 cup dry Jasmine Rice

• 2 cups uncooked Baby Spinach

• 1/3 cup Shredded carrots

• 5 small Radishes

• Fermented Napa Cabbage (Kimchi)

• 1 tbsp Olive oil

For the cucumbers

• 1 English cucumbers

• 1/2 cup rice wine vinegar

• 3 large garlic cloves

• 1 inch knob fresh grated ginger

• 1 tsp red pepper flakes

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 1 tsp sesame seeds

• 1 tsp sesame seeds

How to Make this Easy Weeknight Bibimbap Bowl

1. Cook the rice: Follow the instructions on the package of your rice. This will serve as the base for your bowl.

2. Prep your veggies: While the rice cooks, slice the cucumber and place it in a mason har with the garlic, ginger, vinegar, red pepper flakes, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. Seal and gently shake to combine. Set aside. Add sliced radishes to a small bowl and pour a bit of the spicy cucumber mix over them to lightly marinate.

3. Cook the beef bulgogi: Open the Beef Bulgogi and cook according to package instructions.

4. Sautee the spinach: In a small skillet with olive oil on on medium heat. Add pressed garlic and add in spinach and cook for 1 minute, or until just wilted. Set aside.

5. Assemble your bowl: Start with a base of jasmine rice. Then add bulgogi, sautéed spinach, shredded carrots, marinated radishes, spicy cumbers, and a generous spoonful of kimchi. Top with gochujang sauce for that signature spicy finish. Enjoy!

A Gut Friendly Comfort Bowl

I never thought I’d be eating beef again- let alone from a trader Joe’s box- but here we are. This bibimbap-inspired bowl satisfies my craving for Korean flavors while supporting my digestion with an abundance of colorful veggies and fermented foods. It’s proof that food can be nostalgic, nourishing, and convenient all at once.

Whether you are looking for gut friendly meals or just a flavorful, easy, meal prep, this bowl needs to be on your list. The added bonus is it makes amazing leftovers for lunch the next day too!