Mix the marinade. In a bowl, stir together shoyu, sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, and garlic.
Marinate protein. Add the beef with the marinade and allow to soak while you prepare the rice.
Rinse & load rice. Rinse rice until the water runs mostly clear. Add to the cooker with water. Level the rice.
Layer the toppings. Spread the marinated beef over the uncooked rice in a thin, even layer.
Add the carrots, zucchini, and sprouts. Do not stir into the rice.
Cook. Close the lid and start the normal Cook cycle. When it switches to Warm, add the spinach, close the lid and allow to sit for 5-10 minutes or until the spinach has wilted.
Mix & sauce. Gently fluff and fold everything together right in the pot (scrape the bottom a little, those toasty bits are gold). Top with the egg. Optionally add green onions, sesame seeds, and gochujang.
Notes
Tips for Success
Use thinly sliced beef for the best texture.
Do not stir the ingredients before cooking.
Rinse the rice thoroughly for fluffy results.
Add the spinach at the end to preserve its color and texture.
Let the rice rest for a few minutes before mixing.
Don't skip the fried egg—the yolk ties everything together.
Add gochujang for a more traditional bibimbap flavor.