Kimbap Recipe: Korean Rice Rolls
Dive into the delightful world of Korean cuisine with this traditional Kimbap recipe. Kimbap, also known as Gimbap, is a popular Korean dish made from steamed rice and various fillings rolled in seaweed. Perfect for picnics, lunches, or a light dinner, these colorful rolls offer a balanced mix of flavors and textures, making them a favorite for all ages.
Ingredients for Kimbap
- 5 sheets of gim (seaweed paper), roasted slightly
- 4 cups cooked rice (made with 2 cups of short grain rice)
- ½ pound beef skirt steak (or tenderloin, or ground beef)
- 1 large carrot, cut into matchsticks (about 1½ cups)
- 5 strips of yellow pickled radish (danmuji)
- 8 to 10 ounces spinach (1 small bunch), blanched, rinsed, and strained
- 3 eggs
- 3 garlic cloves
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon brown (or white) sugar
- 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
- 2½ tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- Vegetable oil
Step-by-Step Directions for Making Kimbap
Prepare the Rice
- Place freshly made rice in a large, shallow bowl. Gently mix in ½ teaspoon kosher salt and 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil. Let it cool.
Prepare the Spinach
- Combine blanched spinach, 2 minced garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil in a bowl. Mix well.
Prepare the Carrots
- Combine carrot matchsticks with ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Let it sweat for 5-10 minutes. Squeeze out excess water, then sauté in a pan with a few drops of vegetable oil for about 1 minute.
Prepare the Beef
- Trim the fat from the skirt steak and slice into strips. Marinate with 2 teaspoons soy sauce, 1 minced garlic clove, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil. Cook in a pan until well done.
Prepare the Eggs
- Beat 3 eggs with ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Cook in a lightly oiled pan over low heat. Flip and cook slowly to keep the egg yellow. Cut into strips.
Roll the Kimbap
- Place a sheet of gim on a bamboo mat. Spread about ¾ cup of rice evenly, leaving 2 inches uncovered. Add beef, carrot, yellow pickled radish, egg strips, and spinach in the center. Roll tightly, pressing firmly. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Brush rolls with sesame oil and sprinkle sesame seeds. Slice into bite-sized pieces.
Serving Suggestions
Kimbap is best enjoyed fresh, but it also makes a great lunchbox item. Pair it with pickled vegetables or a simple soup for a complete meal.
The Story Behind Kimbap
Kimbap, translating to “seaweed rice,” is a versatile and delicious Korean dish inspired by Japanese sushi. Traditionally, it is enjoyed during picnics and special occasions. The combination of seasoned rice, vegetables, and meat wrapped in seaweed creates a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Kimbap showcases the essence of Korean cuisine, celebrating the balance and simplicity in its ingredients. Whether for a quick snack or a full meal, Kimbap is a delightful addition to any table.