Kimbap (also spelled Gimbap) is a popular Korean dish made of rice, vegetables, and protein rolled in seaweed. It is perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, or a light meal. Here’s how you can make delicious kimbap at home.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked short-grain rice
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 5 sheets dried seaweed (gim)
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 cucumber, cut into thin strips
- 5 strips of yellow pickled radish (danmuji)
- 5 eggs, beaten and cooked into a thin omelet, sliced into strips
- 5 strips of cooked ham or imitation crab (optional)
- 1 cup spinach, blanched and seasoned with salt and sesame oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
- Cook the short-grain rice and let it cool slightly.
- Mix with sesame oil and salt for flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Fillings
- Julienne the carrot and sauté in a pan until slightly soft.
- Cut the cucumber into thin strips.
- Blanch the spinach and season with sesame oil and salt.
- Cook the eggs into a thin omelet and slice into long strips.
- Prepare the protein (ham, crab, or other choice) by cooking or slicing accordingly.
Step 3: Assemble the Kimbap
- Place a sheet of dried seaweed (gim) on a bamboo sushi mat.
- Spread a thin layer of rice evenly over the seaweed, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top.
- Arrange the prepared fillings in a horizontal line on the rice.
- Carefully roll the kimbap using the bamboo mat, applying gentle pressure to keep it tight.
- Seal the end with a little water or rice to keep the roll intact.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
- Lightly brush the kimbap roll with sesame oil for shine and flavor.
- Cut the roll into bite-sized pieces using a sharp knife.
- Serve with soy sauce, kimchi, or a side of pickled radish.
Tips for the Best Kimbap
- Use slightly warm rice to prevent the seaweed from getting too soggy.
- Wipe the knife with a damp cloth before slicing to prevent sticking.
- Experiment with different fillings like tuna, bulgogi, or avocado for variety.
For one serving of kimbap, here are the basic ingredients:
- Nori (Seaweed) – 1 sheet
- Rice – About 1/2 cup (seasoned with sesame oil and salt)
- Egg – 1 (make a thin omelet and cut into strips)
- Cucumber – 1/4 (cut into long strips)
- Carrot – About 1/4 (julienned and either sautéed or raw)
- Spinach – A handful (blanched, squeezed dry, and seasoned)
- Pickled Radish (Danmuji) – 2-3 strips (cut into long pieces)
- Fish Cake (Eomuk) – 1 slice (cut into thin strips)
- Beef – 30-50g (stir-fried with soy sauce, sugar, and garlic)
- Tuna – 1 tablespoon (mixed with mayonnaise, optional)
This should be enough to make one roll of kimbap. You can adjust the ingredients according to your preference!
Enjoy your homemade kimbap as a delicious snack or meal!
