How to Make the Perfect Gimbap
Korean · Easy · 40 min · 4 servings
Gimbap is a classic Korean rice roll that is one of the most popular kid friendly foods in Korean cuisine. Parents love making these colorful rolls for school lunchboxes because children enjoy eating the bite sized pieces filled with vegetables and egg.
Why this recipe works
This Gimbap recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 40 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 320 calories with 10g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 3 cups cooked short grain rice
- 5 sheets roasted seaweed nori
- 3 large eggs beaten and scrambled
- 2 medium carrots julienned and sauteed
- 150 g spinach blanched and seasoned
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Season the Rice
Season the warm cooked rice with sesame oil and salt then mix gently. Spread it out to cool slightly so it is easier to handle when rolling.
Step 2: Prepare the Fillings
Scramble eggs into thin strips, saute carrots until just tender, and squeeze excess water from blanched spinach. Season spinach with a pinch of salt and sesame oil.
Step 3: Roll the Gimbap
Place a seaweed sheet shiny side down on a bamboo mat. Spread a thin layer of rice leaving 3 cm at the top edge bare. Arrange fillings in a line across the center and roll tightly using the bamboo mat pressing firmly as you go.
Step 4: Slice and Serve
Brush the outside of the finished roll lightly with sesame oil for shine. Slice into 1.5 cm rounds using a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts. Arrange on a plate and serve immediately.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- spinach → cucumber strips or avocado for a milder flavor kids love
- carrots → pickled yellow radish for authentic flavor and crunch
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Putting too many fillings which makes the roll impossible to seal without bursting
- Not leaving a bare edge of seaweed at the top which prevents the roll from sticking closed
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 320 calories, 10g protein, 52g carbs, 8g fat, 3g fiber.
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