Korean Lentil Vegan Bulgogi Recipe
This Korean Lentils Vegan Bulgogi recipe offers a flavorful and wholesome plant-based dish inspired by traditional Korean bulgogi. Featuring tender shiitake mushrooms and protein-rich lentils simmered in a savory, slightly sweet, and spicy sauce, served over fragrant basmati rice with steamed broccoli, vegan kimchi, and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. Perfect for a nutritious vegan meal with bold Asian flavors.
- Author: Jeannette
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Vegan
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Toasted Sesame Oil (Substitute with avocado oil for a nut-free version)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger (Grated; use ground ginger as an alternative)
- 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar (Substitute with maple syrup or coconut sugar)
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce (Use gluten-free tamari as a GF option)
- 1 teaspoon Crushed Red Chili Pepper Flakes (Adjust for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces Shiitake Mushrooms (Sliced; can substitute with cremini or button mushrooms)
- 1 cup Green or Brown Lentils (Cooked)
- 2 cups Cooked Basmati Rice (Fluffy and fragrant)
- 2 cups Steamed Broccoli (For serving)
Garnishes and Extras
- 1/4 cup Sliced Green Onions (For garnish)
- 2 tablespoons Toasted Sesame Seeds (For topping)
- 1 cup Vegan Kimchi (For serving)
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, brown sugar, soy sauce, crushed red chili flakes, and ground black pepper until well combined and fragrant.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are beautifully browned and tender.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet, stirring in the drained green or brown lentils. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce has thickened and coats the lentils and mushrooms well.
- Serve: Spoon the delicious lentil and mushroom mixture over warm basmati rice. Accompany with steamed broccoli, a sprinkle of sliced green onions, a side of vegan kimchi, and finish with toasted sesame seeds for added crunch.
Notes
- To make the dish nut-free, substitute toasted sesame oil with avocado oil.
- Use gluten-free tamari sauce instead of regular soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- Adjust red chili pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Cook lentils in advance or use canned lentils for convenience, but drain well before adding.
- For alternate mushrooms, cremini or button mushrooms work well.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavors.
Keywords: Korean vegan bulgogi, lentils bulgogi, plant-based Korean recipe, vegetarian bulgogi, shiitake mushrooms bulgogi, vegan Korean recipes