Spicy and Savory Tuna Kimbap
Easy Homemade Tuna Kimbap Recipe for Beginners
Wondering what to make for your next meal? Tuna Kimbap came to mind, so I decided to make it! Here’s a delicious homemade tuna kimbap recipe. Enjoy this delightful homemade creation!
Ingredients- 4 servings of white rice (approx. 4 bowls)
- 5 sheets of kimbap seaweed
- 5 strips of kimbap ham
- 5 strips of imitation crab sticks
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 carrot
- 5 strips of pickled radish (danmuji)
- 1 can (200g) of tuna
- 15 perilla leaves (깻잎)
- 2 Cheongyang chili peppers (optional, for spice)
- 3 Tbsp mayonnaise
- A little cooking oil
- A little sesame oil
- A little salt
- A little toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Whisk the 3 eggs in a bowl to make egg batter. Lightly grease a pan with cooking oil and pour the egg batter to create a thick, golden omelet. Once cooked, let it cool slightly and then slice it into strips suitable for kimbap.
Step 2
Cut the imitation crab sticks to be roughly the same length as the kimbap ham strips. Add a little cooking oil to the pan and lightly pan-fry the crab sticks until golden. This enhances their flavor.
Step 3
Cut the kimbap ham into strips similar in size to the crab sticks. Add a little cooking oil to the pan and sauté the ham until lightly browned. This process renders some of the fat and makes the ham more flavorful.
Step 4
Wash and peel the 1/2 carrot, then julienne it into thin strips. Cutting the vegetables thinly ensures a pleasant texture when you bite into the kimbap.
Step 5
Add a little oil to a pan and heat over low heat. Add the julienned carrots and stir-fry until they are slightly softened but not burnt. Stir-frying the carrots brings out their natural sweetness and makes them tender.
Step 6
Wash the perilla leaves thoroughly and pat them dry. If the leaves are large, you can cut them in half. If you prefer a spicy kick, finely chop 2 Cheongyang chili peppers. (Omit if you don’t like spicy food).
Step 7
Drain the oil from the 200g can of tuna and place it in a bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise and mix well. You can adjust the amount of mayonnaise to your preference. This mixture creates a creamy and savory tuna filling.
Step 8
Let the cooked rice cool slightly, then transfer it to a bowl. Season the rice with a pinch of salt, a drizzle of sesame oil, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Mix everything together evenly. Be careful not to use rice that is too hot, as it can make the seaweed soggy.
Step 9
All the ingredients for your kimbap are now prepared! Looking at the colorful array of ingredients, your mouth will surely water in anticipation.
Step 10
Place a sheet of kimbap seaweed shiny-side down on a rolling mat. Spread a thin, even layer of the seasoned rice over about 3/4 of the seaweed, leaving a 1-2 cm border at the top edge. This border will help seal the roll.
Step 11
Layer a perilla leaf on top of the rice. Then, add a generous amount of the tuna-mayo mixture. Arrange the imitation crab sticks, egg omelet strips, ham, carrots, and pickled radish neatly on top. For a spicy touch, sprinkle the chopped Cheongyang chili peppers over the tuna-mayo.
Step 12
Carefully and tightly roll the kimbap, tucking in the fillings as you go. Use the remaining rice border or a few grains of rice to seal the edge. Slice the kimbap into bite-sized pieces, being careful not to crush the roll.
Step 13
Cutting kimbap neatly can be a bit tricky! With a little practice, you’ll get the hang of it and be able to slice them beautifully with clean edges. You can dip your knife in water or lightly coat it with sesame oil for smoother cuts.
Step 14
The aroma of freshly rolled tuna kimbap, a blend of savory sesame oil and salty seaweed, is incredibly appetizing. Adding Cheongyang chili peppers provides a refreshing spiciness that perfectly balances any richness, making it a delight to eat.
Step 15
If you have leftover kimbap, try making kimbap jeon (kimbap pancakes)! Dip the rolls in egg batter and pan-fry them until golden brown for a completely different and delicious dish. Warm and crispy kimbap jeon makes a wonderful snack or side dish. This tuna kimbap recipe is perfect for meals, snacks, or lunchboxes, so be sure to give it a try!
