[Al: egg or roe , Bap: cooked rice]

Albap (알밥) is a Korean hot bowl rice dish that consists of various vegetables and fish roe and/or caviar. It is a rather luxurious yet simple and delightful one pot meal. You may add/or omit any vegetables or garnishes depending on availability or taste. I happened to have had edible flowers that I bought at the farmers market for some pretty garnishing. The finished product will be a delicious, healthy dish especially with the crispy toasted rice at the bottom of the bowl waiting at the end.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 1/2 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 2 tbsp white fish caviar*
• 2 tbsp salmon roe*
• 1 tbsp finely diced red onion
• 1 tbsp finely diced carrot
• 1 tbsp finely diced cucumber (seeded)
• 1 tbsp finely diced kimchi
• 1 tbsp finely diced takuwan (pickled Japanese daikon, 단무지)
• Handful of radish sprouts or micro greens*
• 1 1/2 tbsp finely cut Gim (roasted seaweed, 김)
• toasted sesame seeds for garnish
• edible flowers for garnish* (optional)

*Note: I bought the caviar and salmon roe at Whole Foods Market. I was able to find the micro greens and edible flowers at the farmer’s market.

1. Coat the inside of a Korean stone or ceramic bowl with sesame oil by placing 1 tbsp of sesame oil then spreading it evenly with a paper towel.
2.  Place the bowl on medium high heat and place a 1 1/2 cup of cooked rice (white or brown).
3. While the rice is sizzling, carefully place whitefish caviar, salmon roe, vegetables, takuwan, kimchi, radish sprouts and Gim on top of the rice.
4. Drizzle the remaining 1 tbsp of sesame oil. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and place the edible flowers for garnish.