Bibimbap Fried Rice Omelette

At Jawgogi’s in Vegas Test Kitchen

BY Jason Harris

The thing I like most about Stephen Lee’s omelet at Jawgogi’s is that it feels both like a completed dish and a base on which to build. Lee, who was Esther’s Kitchen’s chef de cuisine for more than four years, is now experimenting with his own creations at Vegas Test Kitchen. He emphasizes that his cuisine is “American Asian” not Asian American.

This dish already stands on its own, but as Lee continues to build his menu,

Sesame seeds, sesame oil, and nori contribute to the flavor profile’s complexity.

The rice is seared on one side to mimic traditional bibimbap, which gets a crunchy bottom from cooking in a hot stone pot.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see this om elet accompanied by namul, the sautéed vegetables often served with traditional bibimbap. And between the rice and the eggs, a protein such as shrimp would be another natural addition.

Lee is onto something here, and it will be exciting to see how his menu evolves with more of his American Asian flavors. ✦

Jawgogi’s, Vegas Test Kitchen, 1020 E. Fremont St #120, vegastestkitchen.com

“Imaginative, playful, and wonderfully optimistic!