Description
Kimbap (Korean seaweed rice rolls) is a delicious and versatile dish filled with seasoned beef, vibrant vegetables, fluffy omelette strips, and pickled daikon. Perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, or a meal on the go, this classic Korean recipe is both flavorful and fun to make!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Rice:
- 2 1/4 cups Japanese short-grain white rice
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 2 tbsp sesame oil (toasted)
- 2 tsp sugar
- 3 pinches Diamond Crystal kosher salt
For the Beef:
- 3/4 lb beef (chuck or ribeye), thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (toasted)
For the Vegetables and Filling:
- 1 large carrot (5.6 oz/160 g), julienned
- 1 bunch spinach, blanched and squeezed dry
- 1 takuan (pickled daikon radish), cut into long strips
- 2 large eggs, beaten and cooked into thin omelette strips
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (for cooking)
For Assembly:
- 6 sheets nori (seaweed)
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds (toasted white)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
- Rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. Combine rice and water in a rice cooker or pot and cook according to the rice cooker instructions or on the stovetop.
- Once cooked, transfer the rice to a large bowl. While it’s still warm, mix in sesame oil, sugar, and salt. Let the rice cool to room temperature.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef
- In a bowl, combine beef, minced garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well and let it marinate for 15-20 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the marinated beef until fully cooked. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables and Egg
- In the same skillet, heat neutral oil over medium heat. Sauté the julienned carrots for 2-3 minutes until tender. Season lightly with salt and set aside.
- Blanch the spinach in boiling water for 1 minute, then drain and squeeze out excess water. Season with a pinch of salt and 1 tsp sesame oil.
- Beat the eggs and cook into a thin omelette. Let it cool and slice into strips.
Step 4: Assemble the Kimbap
- Lay a sheet of nori shiny side down on a bamboo sushi mat. Spread an even layer of rice (about ¾ cup) over the nori, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
- Arrange the fillings horizontally near the bottom third of the rice: beef, carrots, spinach, omelette strips, and pickled daikon.
- Use the bamboo mat to tightly roll the kimbap, starting from the bottom and rolling upward. Press firmly to secure the roll.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
- Lightly brush the roll with sesame oil and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into ¾-inch slices. Serve immediately or pack for later.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the beef with sautéed mushrooms or tofu.
- Wet the knife with water to prevent sticking while slicing the kimbap.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 day in the refrigerator.