Discover how to make Kimbap (김밥), a beloved Korean dish similar to sushi, featuring seaweed-wrapped rice rolls packed with eggs, ham, cucumber, and pickled radish. This easy-to-follow recipe guides you through the steps to create these flavorful and visually appealing rolls perfect for lunch, snacks, or a fun meal with family and friends.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups short-grain rice

- 2 ½ cups water

- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

- 1 tablespoon sugar

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 6 sheets of seaweed (nori)

- 3 large eggs

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 4 ounces ham, cut into thin strips

- 1 cucumber, julienned

- 1 cup pickled radish (danmuji), cut into strips

- Soy sauce and sesame oil, for serving

Instructions:

Cook the Rice:

  - Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

  - Combine the rice and water in a rice cooker or pot. Cook according to the manufacturer's instructions. 

Season the Rice:

  - In a small bowl, mix rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until dissolved.

  - Once the rice is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and gently fold in the vinegar mixture. Let the rice cool to room temperature.

Prepare the Fillings:

  - Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Scramble the eggs and cook until set. Allow to cool, then cut into strips.

  - If using ham, lightly sauté it in the same pan for a minute or two, then let it cool.

Assemble the Kimbap:

  - Place a sheet of seaweed on a bamboo mat (covered with plastic wrap).

  - Wet your hands with water to prevent sticking and spread a thin layer of rice evenly over the seaweed, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.

  - Arrange a few strips of eggs, ham, cucumber, and pickled radish along the bottom edge of the rice.

Roll the Kimbap:

  - Using the bamboo mat, carefully roll the seaweed over the fillings, pressing gently to form a tight roll.

  - Seal the edge of the seaweed with a bit of water.

Slice and Serve:

  - Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into bite-sized pieces. For cleaner cuts, lightly wet the knife.

  - Serve the Kimbap with soy sauce and a drizzle of sesame oil.

Enjoy your homemade Kimbap as a delightful snack or meal!

Nutritional values

For the Main Ingredients:

Short-Grain Rice (2 cups)

  - Per cup (185g): Approximately

   - 242 calories

   - 4g protein

   - 53g carbohydrates

   - 0.4g fat

Benefits:

   - Provides energy through carbohydrates and is a staple grain used in many dishes.

Water (2 ½ cups)

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

Benefits:

   - Essential for cooking rice and maintaining hydration.

Rice Vinegar (2 tablespoons)

  - Per tablespoon: Approximately

   - 14 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 1g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

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

Sugar (1 tablespoon)

  - Per tablespoon: Approximately

   - 49 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 13g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Adds sweetness and balances the flavors.

Salt (1 teaspoon)

  - Per teaspoon: Approximately

   - 0 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 0g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Enhances flavor, but should be used in moderation.

Seaweed (Nori) (6 sheets)

  - Per sheet (approx. 2g): Approximately

   - 10 calories

   - 1g protein

   - 1g carbohydrates

   - 0.5g fat

Benefits:

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

Eggs (3 large)

  - Per egg: Approximately

   - 72 calories

   - 6g protein

   - 1g carbohydrates

   - 5g fat

Benefits:

   - High in protein and provides essential vitamins and minerals.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons)

  - Per tablespoon: Approximately

   - 120 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 0g carbohydrates

   - 14g fat

Benefits:

   - Adds fat for cooking and flavor.

Ham (4 ounces)

  - Per 1 ounce (28g): Approximately

   - 30 calories

   - 5g protein

   - 1g carbohydrates

   - 1.5g fat

Benefits:

   - Provides protein and adds flavor to the dish.

Cucumber (1, julienned)

  - Per medium cucumber: Approximately

   - 16 calories

   - 1g protein

   - 4g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Hydrating and low in calories: Adds freshness and crunch.

Pickled Radish (Danmuji) (1 cup)

  - Per cup: Approximately

   - 35 calories

   - 1g protein

   - 7g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Adds tangy flavor and is a good source of vitamins.

Soy Sauce (for serving)

  - Per tablespoon: Approximately

   - 10 calories

   - 1g protein

   - 1g carbohydrates

   - 0g fat

Benefits:

   - Adds umami flavor to the dish.

Sesame Oil (for serving)

  - Per tablespoon: Approximately

   - 120 calories

   - 0g protein

   - 0g carbohydrates

   - 14g fat

Benefits:

   - Adds nutty flavor and healthy fats.