Kimbap (Korean Seaweed Rice Rolls)
Super Easy Kimbap Recipe Without a Bamboo Mat
When you’re feeling peckish, there’s nothing quite like the savory and nutty aroma of sesame oil from kimbap. Try making it easily at home without the fuss!
Kimbap Ingredients- 2 sheets of gim (seaweed for kimbap)
- 1.5 bowls of cooked rice
- 1 fresh egg
- 1/2 carrot
- 1 sausage
- 1 imitation crab stick
- 1 slice of cheese
- 2 strips of pickled radish (danmuji)
Seasoning and Basic Ingredients- 1/2 Tbsp salt
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- Pinch of pepper (optional)
- 1/2 Tbsp salt
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- Pinch of pepper (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the Fillings: First, julienne the carrot and sauté it lightly with a pinch of salt. Cut the imitation crab stick in half lengthwise, and cut the sausage into quarters lengthwise. Lightly pan-fry them. Whisk the egg with a little salt, cook it like a thin omelet, and then julienne it. These prepared ingredients will enrich the flavor and texture of your kimbap.
Step 2
Season the Rice: Lay one sheet of gim flat. Spread the warm cooked rice evenly over the gim, leaving a small border at the top. Mix the salt and sesame oil into the rice while it’s still hot. This ensures the seasoning is evenly distributed and prevents the rice from clumping.
Step 3
Layer the Ingredients (1): Arrange the julienned carrots neatly over the rice. The vibrant orange color of the carrots adds visual appeal and a delightful crunch.
Step 4
Layer the Ingredients (2): Next, add the pickled radish strips. The sweet and tangy flavor of danmuji cuts through the richness, adding a refreshing contrast.
Step 5
Layer the Ingredients (3): Place the imitation crab sticks on top of the danmuji. Their soft texture complements the other ingredients.
Step 6
Layer the Ingredients (4): Lay the prepared sausage in a single line over the crab sticks. The savory sausage is a favorite among many, especially kids!
Step 7
Layer the Ingredients (5): Generously add the julienned egg omelet in a line on top of the sausage. The soft egg adds another layer of delicate flavor and texture.
Step 8
Layer the Ingredients (6) & Optional: Finally, add a strip of cheese. The cheese adds a creamy, savory element that elevates the kimbap. If you find cheese too rich or have dairy sensitivities, you can omit it.
Step 9
Rolling the Kimbap (1): Gently grasp the two edges of the gim and begin to roll, carefully tucking the filling inside. It’s important to roll it tightly so the ingredients stay in place and don’t fall out.
Step 10
Rolling the Kimbap (2): Continue rolling until you reach the end, ensuring it’s even and firm. Lightly press the seam to seal it. If you find rolling difficult, you can use a traditional bamboo sushi mat.
Step 11
Finishing Touches (1): Once rolled, generously brush the outside of the kimbap with sesame oil. This imparts a wonderful nutty aroma and flavor.
Step 12
Finishing Touches (2): Sprinkle sesame seeds over the sesame oil-coated surface for a beautiful finish and extra nutty flavor.
Step 13
Slicing: Cut the rolled kimbap into even-sized pieces. To prevent the kimbap from falling apart, you can lightly dampen your knife with water before slicing.
Step 14
Serve: Arrange the sliced kimbap on your serving plate. Congratulations, you’ve made delicious homemade kimbap easily! Enjoy your meal!