Spicy Gochujang Kimbap Delight
Make Spicy Gimbap: A ‘Fridge-Clearing’ Recipe with Abundant Veggies and Spicy Soy Sauce Seasoning
As I cook frequently, I always end up with leftover bits of vegetables in my fridge. ‘Fridge-clearing’ meals are perfect for using these up, and while fried rice is easy, I decided to make ‘Spicy Gimbap’ today, which is incredibly appetite-stimulating with its heat. Instead of stir-frying the rice, this recipe involves stir-frying only the vegetables in a spicy soy sauce-based dressing, then mixing them with rice and rolling them in seaweed. This method results in a cleaner, fresher taste.
Ingredients- 1/4 Zucchini
- 1/4 Onion
- 1 Shiitake Mushroom
- 1/4 Carrot
- 1/4 Green Bell Pepper
- 1 handful of Chives
- 2-3 Cheongyang Peppers (for adults)
- 2 Eggs
- 2 sheets of Gimbap seaweed
- 2 bowls of Cooked Rice
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare all the leftover vegetables from your refrigerator. Using a variety of vegetables like zucchini, onion, mushrooms, carrots, and bell peppers will create a beautiful colorful and flavorful filling! Since these are for gimbap, slice all the vegetables into very thin juliennes. For the adult version of gimbap, include finely chopped Cheongyang peppers for a spicy kick. If making for children, omit the peppers for a nutritious meal.
Step 2
Chives, in particular, tend to wilt quickly, so if you have a lot left, generously add them to your gimbap. It feels so satisfying and economical to use up leftover vegetables in ‘fridge-clearing’ dishes like this! (laughs)
Step 3
For the adult-friendly Spicy Gimbap, finely mince 2-3 Cheongyang peppers, which are the key to its spicy flavor. The subtle, tingly heat from the peppers will elevate the gimbap’s aroma and make it irresistible.
Step 4
Prepare a thick omelet for the gimbap, which adds a soft texture. Besides the omelet, you can also add other delicious fillings like Spam, braised burdock root, or seasoned dried shredded squid according to your preference. Even without extra fillings, just the seasoned vegetables and rice rolled up will be wonderfully tasty.
Step 5
The thick omelet can be used as a gimbap filling, and any leftover portions are great as a side dish or even a snack. They are versatile and can be enjoyed without additional cooking.
Step 6
Heat about 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a pan. First, add the finely chopped Cheongyang peppers and stir-fry until fragrant. It’s important to let the spicy aroma of the peppers infuse into the oil.
Step 7
Once the Cheongyang peppers are fragrant, add all the other prepared vegetables and stir-fry them together. Stir-frying over high heat helps retain the crisp texture of the vegetables.
Step 8
Now, let’s add the seasonings to enhance the stir-fried vegetables. Add 1.5 tablespoons of soy sauce. The savory umami from the soy sauce pairs wonderfully with the spicy flavor of the Spicy Gimbap. I’ve added 0.5 tablespoons of oligosaccharide for a subtle sweetness. You can omit it or adjust the amount based on your preference!
Step 9
Add a pinch of black pepper for extra aroma, and just before turning off the heat, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for a nutty fragrance. When you taste the stir-fried vegetables on their own, they should be slightly savory so that the seasoning is just right when mixed with the rice.
Step 10
Chives wilt very quickly, so turn off the heat and toss them gently with the residual heat. This helps preserve the fresh color and aroma of the chives.
Step 11
Prepare the rice for the gimbap. Since the stir-fried vegetables are already quite savory, season the rice very lightly or not at all. If you prefer a saltier taste, add a little salt to the rice, but I found the seasoning in the vegetables sufficient. Mix the rice with sesame seeds and sesame oil for a light seasoning.
Step 12
Add the colorful stir-fried vegetables to the seasoned rice and mix them thoroughly. Ensure the rice and vegetables are well combined.
Step 13
After mixing all the ingredients, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt or soy sauce if needed. This seasoned rice mixture is delicious on its own! (laughs) My nephew also loved this rice mixture (with peppers removed), which I made for him. It’s less greasy than fried rice but still very satisfying and tasty. Even just rolling it in plain seasoned seaweed makes a fantastic meal!
Step 14
Spread a generous amount of the seasoned rice on a sheet of gimbap seaweed, place the thick omelet on top, and roll the gimbap firmly. Using a bit more rice than you would for regular gimbap makes for a fuller, more delicious roll.
Step 15
Once rolled, lightly brush the outside of the seaweed with sesame oil for a glossy finish and a wonderful aroma. Enjoy your delicious and appetizing Spicy Gimbap!
