Korean Gimbap (κΉ€λ°₯) – The Ultimate Seaweed Rice Roll 🌿🍚

Korean Gimbap (κΉ€λ°₯) – The Ultimate Seaweed Rice Roll

Recipe by eva@becomingsolo.com
Course: Snack, Dessert
Servings

4

rolls
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

320

kcal
Total time

50

minutes

“A Bite of Korea: Homemade Gimbap Packed with Flavor!”
✨ Delicious, vibrant, and packed with umami goodnessβ€”this Korean Gimbap recipe is perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, or a quick grab-and-go snack! Made with seasoned rice, crispy seaweed, and a colorful mix of fillings, each bite is a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

  • For the Rice:
  • 2 cups short-grain white rice (or sushi rice)

  • 2 1/2 cups Β½ cups water

  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar

  • 1 tsp sugar

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp sesame oil

  • For the Fillings (Customize to Your Preference!):
  • 4 sheets dried seaweed (gim/nori)

  • 1 medium carrot, julienned

  • 1 cup spinach (or other greens), blanched and squeezed

  • 2 large eggs, beaten and cooked into a thin omelet, sliced into strips

  • 1/2 cucumber, julienned (remove seeds if watery)

  • 2 pickled radish (danmuji), cut into long strips

  • 1 cup imitation crab sticks or cooked tuna (optional)

  • 4 strips bulgogi beef or ham (optional)

  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tsp sesame oil

  • 1 tsp vegetable oil

  • For Garnishing:
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

  • 1 tsp sesame oil (for brushing)

Directions

  • Step 1: Prepare the Rice 🍚
  • Rinse the rice in cold water 2–3 times until the water runs clear. Drain well.
  • Cook the rice in a rice cooker or a pot with 2 Β½ cups of water. Let it rest for 10 minutes after cooking.
  • In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Gently fold this mixture into the cooked rice along with sesame oil. Let cool to room temperature.
  • Step 2: Cook the Fillings πŸ₯•πŸ₯’πŸ³
  • Carrots: Heat a pan with 1 tsp vegetable oil and stir-fry the julienned carrots for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
  • Egg omelet: Cook beaten eggs into a thin omelet in a lightly greased pan. Slice into strips.
  • Spinach: Blanch in boiling water for 30 seconds, rinse under cold water, squeeze out excess moisture, and season with 1 tsp sesame oil and a pinch of salt.
  • Meat (if using): Stir-fry bulgogi beef or ham in a pan with soy sauce and a bit of sesame oil for added flavor.
  • Step 3: Assemble the Gimbap πŸ™
  • Lay a sheet of seaweed (gim/nori) shiny side down on the bamboo mat.
  • Spread a thin layer of seasoned rice (about ΒΎ cup) evenly over the seaweed, leaving about 1 inch at the top edge.
  • Arrange the fillings horizontally in the center of the rice, layering them neatly.
  • Using the bamboo mat, roll the gimbap tightly, pressing gently to secure the shape. Seal the edge by brushing with a little water.
  • Repeat for the remaining rolls.
  • Step 4: Slice and Serve πŸ”ͺ
  • Lightly brush the rolls with sesame oil for extra shine and flavor.
  • Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
  • Use a sharp knife to slice each roll into 10 bite-sized pieces, cleaning the knife with a damp towel between cuts.
  • Serve with a side of kimchi, soy sauce, or spicy dipping sauce!

Notes

  • πŸ’‘ Tips & Variations
    βœ… Customize Your Fillings: Try avocado, tofu, spicy tuna, or kimchi for unique flavors!
    βœ… Make It Spicy: Add a drizzle of sriracha or gochujang (Korean chili paste) inside your roll.
    βœ… Crispy Gimbap (Kim Mari Style): Lightly pan-fry the sliced gimbap in sesame oil for a crunchy texture.
    βœ… Storage: Keep leftovers wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 24 hours (best enjoyed fresh).
  • The Calories are calculated per roll (approximately).

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