Traditional Korean Bap (Steamed Rice)

Discover the heart of Korean cuisine with Traditional Korean Bap (Steamed Rice)—a simple yet essential recipe that forms the foundation of countless beloved dishes. Made with just two ingredients—short-grain rice and water—this dish highlights the beauty of simplicity while delivering perfectly fluffy, tender rice with a slight stickiness that's ideal for pairing with savory stews, stir-fries, or BBQ meats. Key steps like rinsing the grains until clear, soaking for enhanced texture, and carefully steaming with precise timing ensure authentic results every time. Whether served as a wholesome side or the base for a Korean-inspired meal, this recipe is a must-know staple that will elevate your cooking repertoire. Perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, Traditional Korean Bap captures the essence of simplicity and tradition in every grain.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups short-grain rice
• 2 cups water

Directions

Step 1

Measure 2 cups of short-grain rice and place it in a large bowl.

Step 2

Rinse the rice under cold water by gently swishing it around with your hand. Drain the water. Repeat this rinsing process 2-3 times until the water runs clear.

Step 3

Allow the rice to soak in clean water for about 30 minutes. This helps to achieve a softer, more even texture.

Step 4

Drain the soaked rice thoroughly using a mesh strainer.

Step 5

In a medium, thick-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid, add the drained rice and 2 cups of water.

Step 6

Cover the pot with the lid and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 7

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the rice simmer for about 12-15 minutes. Do not remove the lid during this time.

Step 8

After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered for an additional 10 minutes. This resting period finishes the steaming process and allows the rice to become tender and fluffy.

Step 9

Fluff the cooked rice gently with a rice paddle or fork to separate the grains before serving.

Step 10

Serve the bap as a side dish or as a base for various Korean meals.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(880g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	520

Total Fat 1.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 0.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 18.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 114.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 1.6g	0%
Total Sugars 0.4g
Protein 9.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 68.8mg	0%
Iron 0.8mg	0%
Potassium 140mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 2.1%

Protein: 7.6%

Carbs: 90.3%