Gimbap (Seaweed Rice Rolls)

Gimbap (Seaweed Rice Rolls)

Rice and assorted fillings rolled in seaweed and sliced — Korea's classic packed-lunch and picnic snack.

Ingredients

2servings
  • Gim (dried seaweed sheets)2 sheets
  • Warm cooked rice2 bowls
  • Danmuji (pickled radish)2 strips
  • Carrot0.5
  • Spinach1 handful
  • Eggs2
  • Ham (or imitation crab)2 strips
  • Cucumber · optional0.25
  • Rice seasoning
  • Sesame oil1 tbsp
  • Salt0.5 tsp
  • Toasted sesame1 tsp
  • To finish
  • Sesame oil · a little, for brushing

Steps

  1. Mix the warm rice with sesame oil, salt, and toasted sesame; let it cool slightly.

  2. Julienne the carrot and stir-fry with a little salt; blanch the spinach and dress with sesame oil and salt.

  3. Beat the eggs and fry into a thick omelette, then cut into long strips; lightly pan the ham. Cut the danmuji and cucumber into long strips.

  4. Spread the rice thinly over two-thirds of the rough side of the gim, and line the fillings up across the middle.

  5. Roll up tightly with a bamboo mat, shape it, and brush the outside with a little sesame oil.

  6. Slice into bite-size pieces, wetting the knife as you go. Sprinkle with sesame and serve.

Tips & Variations

Variations

  • Tuna gimbap: Add mayo-dressed tuna for a rich, savory roll.
  • Cheese gimbap: Lay in a slice of cheese for a softer bite.
  • Chungmu gimbap: Roll just rice, thin, served with spicy squid and radish kimchi.
  • Nude gimbap: Roll inside-out so the rice is on the outside, coated in sesame.

Tips

  • Season the rice while it is warm and fluffy so it holds together — wet rice tears.
  • Don’t use too much rice — a thin layer over two-thirds rolls best.
  • Pat the fillings dry so the roll doesn’t turn soggy.
  • Brush the outside with sesame oil and wet the knife for clean slices.

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