Korean Kimbap Recipe recipe photo - Korean Kimbap Recipe by Jan

Korean Kimbap Recipe

Published: September 13, 2025 Prep Time: About 45 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes Serves: 4 rolls Difficulty: Medium Category: Main Course Cuisine: Korean

Ingredients

  • 4 sheets nori seaweed
  • 2 cups cooked short-grain rice
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 eggs, beaten
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 1 cucumber, julienned
  • 1/2 cup spinach
  • 4 strips pickled radish
  • 4 strips imitation crab
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Season rice with sesame oil, rice vinegar, and salt, mix well.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a pan and cook beaten eggs into a thin sheet, cut into strips.
  3. Blanch spinach in boiling water for 30 seconds, drain and season with sesame oil and salt.
  4. Sauté carrot strips for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
  5. Place a nori sheet on a bamboo mat, shiny side down.
  6. Spread 1/2 cup rice evenly over nori, leaving 1 inch at the top.
  7. Arrange egg, carrot, cucumber, spinach, pickled radish, and crab in a line.
  8. Roll tightly using the bamboo mat, moistening the top edge to seal.
  9. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
  10. Slice into 1-inch pieces and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Special Notes

Kimbap is Korea's answer to sushi, but with cooked ingredients and different seasonings. The key is to roll tightly and use fresh, crisp vegetables. It's perfect for picnics, lunch boxes, or as a snack. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a satisfying and portable meal.