How healthy is bibimbap?
Is bibimbap healthy? Yes, for most people. Bibimbap scores 44/100 on the HowHealthyIs Score: 100 g provides 145 kcal, 124 µg vitamin A and 5.6 g protein. Bibimbap is a bowl of rice topped with seasoned vegetables, beef and a fried egg, mixed with chili paste: one of the more vegetable-rich rice dishes, with a good balance of protein and carbs. Source: standard recipe, USDA FoodData Central ingredients.
Score explained
The score compares nutrient density per 100 kcal across every food we cover (NRF9.3 method). Bibimbap ranks higher than 44% of them.
Counts in favor (% daily value per 100 kcal)
- Vitamin A9%
- Protein8%
- Vitamin C5%
- Iron4%
- Magnesium4%
- Vitamin E4%
- Potassium3%
- Fiber3%
- Calcium2%
Counts against
- Saturated fat5%
- Added sugars2%
- Sodium7%
Raw NRF9.3: 42 minus 14 = 29. The score is not a verdict on whether to eat a food; portion, the whole meal and your own health matter more. Full methodology
How many calories are in bibimbap?
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per portion | %DV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy and macronutrients | |||
| Calories | 145 kcal | 725 kcal | |
| Protein | 5.6 g | 28 g | 56% |
| Carbohydrates | 17 g | 87 g | 32% |
| Fiber | 1.1 g | 5.4 g | 19% |
| Sugars | 2.7 g | 13 g | |
| Added sugars | 1.4 g | 7 g | 14% |
| Fat | 6 g | 30 g | 38% |
| Saturated fat | 1.5 g | 7.3 g | 37% |
| Omega-3 fats | 0.2 g | 1 g | |
| Vitamins | |||
| Vitamin A | 124 µg | 618 µg | 69% |
| Vitamin C | 6.7 mg | 34 mg | 37% |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 µg | 1.3 µg | 6% |
| Vitamin E | 0.8 mg | 4.2 mg | 28% |
| Vitamin K | 59 µg | 296 µg | 246% |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.3 µg | 1.6 µg | 69% |
| Folate | 39 µg | 197 µg | 49% |
| Minerals | |||
| Calcium | 32 mg | 158 mg | 12% |
| Iron | 1.1 mg | 5.8 mg | 32% |
| Potassium | 209 mg | 1044 mg | 22% |
| Magnesium | 25 mg | 125 mg | 30% |
| Zinc | 1.1 mg | 5.3 mg | 49% |
| Sodium | 221 mg | 1103 mg | 48% |
Estimated from the standard recipe below, using USDA FoodData Central values for each ingredient. Values rounded.
What is in a standard bibimbap?
We estimate bibimbap from this standard recipe (serves 4, about 1850 g cooked), using USDA values for each ingredient. Home and restaurant versions vary. SR Legacy has no gochujang, so it is modeled from miso, sugar and chili.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Short-grain rice | 300 g |
| Water absorbed by the rice | 400 g |
| Ground beef | 200 g |
| Soy sauce for the beef and vegetables | 20 g |
| Sugar for the beef | 6 g |
| Garlic | 10 g |
| Spinach | 200 g |
| Bean sprouts | 200 g |
| Carrot | 100 g |
| Zucchini | 150 g |
| Shiitake mushrooms | 100 g |
| 4 fried eggs | 200 g |
| Oil for sauteing and frying | 30 g |
| Sesame oil | 10 g |
| Gochujang: fermented soybean part (modeled as miso) | 30 g |
| Gochujang: sweetness | 20 g |
| Gochujang: chili | 8 g |
| Sesame seeds | 8 g |
| Salt | 3 g |
Why is bibimbap good for you?
- 296 µg vitamin K in 1 bowl, 246% of the daily value. Vitamin K contributes to normal blood clotting.
- 1.6 µg vitamin B12 in 1 bowl, 69% of the daily value. Vitamin B12 contributes to the normal formation of red blood cells.
- 618 µg vitamin A in 1 bowl, 69% of the daily value. Vitamin A contributes to the maintenance of normal vision.
Good ways to use it
- A balanced one-bowl meal
- Using whatever vegetables are in the fridge
What should you watch out for?
- Gochujang adds sugar and salt; adding it to taste keeps both in check.
- Restaurant bowls often hold a large amount of rice.
Which dishes score higher?
Other dishes with more nutrition per calorie. Variety matters more than picking one winner.