Discover how to make authentic Gimbap (김밥), the popular Korean seaweed rice rolls. This easy-to-follow recipe features a variety of fresh ingredients including vegetables, meat, and eggs, all wrapped in seasoned rice and nori. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or a fun party dish!

Ingredients:

- 2 cups sushi rice

- 2 ½ cups water

- 2 tbsp rice vinegar

- 1 tbsp sugar

- 1 tsp salt

- 6 sheets nori (seaweed)

- 1 cup julienned carrots

- 1 cup julienned cucumber

- 1 cup spinach leaves (blanched)

- 4 eggs, beaten and cooked into a thin omelet, then sliced

- 1 cup cooked beef (or any meat of your choice), sliced thinly

- Soy sauce for dipping (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Rice:

  - Rinse the sushi rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Combine with 2 ½ cups of water in a rice cooker or pot. Cook according to the rice cooker’s instructions or bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes.

  - Once cooked, let the rice cool slightly. Mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved, then gently fold into the rice. Allow the rice to cool to room temperature.

Prepare the Fillings:

  - Blanch the spinach in boiling water for about 1 minute, then drain and squeeze out excess water. Season with a bit of salt and sesame oil if desired.

  - Cook the carrots and cucumber until slightly tender but still crisp. You can sauté or blanch them briefly.

Assemble the Gimbap:

  - Place a bamboo sushi mat on a clean surface and cover it with plastic wrap.

  - Lay a sheet of nori on the mat, shiny side down. Spread a thin layer of rice over the nori, leaving about 1 inch of nori at the top edge.

  - Arrange the fillings (carrots, cucumber, spinach, eggs, and meat) in a line across the center of the rice.

  - Using the bamboo mat, carefully roll the nori over the fillings, pressing gently to keep the roll tight. Seal the edge with a bit of water.

Cut and Serve:

  - Use a sharp knife coated with a little sesame oil to slice the roll into bite-sized pieces.

  - Serve with soy sauce for dipping if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Gimbap as a tasty snack or a delightful lunch!

Nutritional values

For the Main Ingredients:

Sushi Rice (2 cups)

  - Per cup (185g): Approximately

   - 242 calories

   - 4g protein

   - 53g carbohydrates

   - 0.4g fat

Benefits:

   - Provides a good source of energy through carbohydrates.

Water (2 ½ cups)

  - Per cup (240ml): 0 calories, 0g protein, 0g carbohydrates, 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Essential for cooking the rice and maintaining hydration.

Rice Vinegar (2 tablespoons)

  - Per tablespoon: Approximately

   - 14 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 1g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Adds acidity and flavor to the rice; can aid in digestion.

Sugar (1 tablespoon)

  - Per tablespoon: Approximately

   - 49 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 13g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Adds sweetness to balance the flavors of the rice.

Salt (1 teaspoon)

  - Per teaspoon: Approximately

   - 0 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 0g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Enhances flavor but should be used in moderation.

Nori (Seaweed) (6 sheets)

  - Per sheet (approx. 2g): Approximately

   - 10 calories

   - 1g protein

   - 1g carbohydrates

   - 0.5g fat

Benefits:

   - High in vitamins and minerals, including iodine, which supports thyroid function.

Julienned Carrots (1 cup)

  - Per cup (130g): Approximately

   - 50 calories

   - 1g protein

   - 12g carbohydrates

   - 0.2g fat

Benefits:

   - Rich in vitamins A and C; supports vision and immune health.

Julienned Cucumber (1 cup)

  - Per cup (104g): Approximately

   - 16 calories

   - 1g protein

   - 4g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Hydrating and low in calories; adds crunch and freshness.

Spinach Leaves (1 cup, blanched)

  - Per cup (180g): Approximately

   - 41 calories

   - 5g protein

   - 7g carbohydrates

   - 0.5g fat

Benefits:

   - High in vitamins A, C, and K; supports overall health and bone strength.

Beaten Eggs (4 large)

  - Per egg: Approximately

   - 72 calories

   - 6g protein

   - 1g carbohydrates

   - 5g fat

Benefits:

   - Provides high-quality protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Cooked Beef (1 cup, thinly sliced)

  - Per cup (100g): Approximately

   - 250 calories

   - 26g protein

   - 0g carbohydrates

   - 17g fat

Benefits:

   - High in protein and iron, supports muscle growth and overall health.

Soy Sauce (for dipping, optional)

  - Per tablespoon: Approximately

   - 10 calories

   - 1g protein

   - 1g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Adds umami flavor to dishes.