Gimbap, also known as Korean-style sushi, has taken the world by storm with its versatility and delicious flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just looking for a quick and easy meal, gimbap is the perfect solution. With a wide variety of fillings to choose from, you can create a different flavor profile every time. From classic beef and tuna to creative combinations like kimchi fried rice and avocado, there’s something for everyone.
In this article, we’ll explore 20 delicious gimbap recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a special occasion dish, these recipes will provide you with endless inspiration. So go ahead, get creative, and roll up some deliciousness!
Classic Beef Gimbap
Gimbap, also known as Korean-style sushi rolls, are a staple of Korean cuisine. This classic beef gimbap recipe combines tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and creamy egg for a satisfying snack or meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked beef (bulgogi), sliced
– 1/2 cup cooked white rice
– 1 sheet of dried seaweed (nori)
– 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
– 1/4 cup shredded carrot
– 1/4 cup pickled ginger, thinly sliced
– 2 eggs, beaten
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Lay a sheet of nori flat on a cutting board.
2. Spread a thin layer of cooked rice onto the seaweed, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
3. Arrange the beef, cucumber, carrot, and pickled ginger horizontally across the middle of the rice.
4. Roll the gimbap by applying gentle pressure with your fingers, starting from the bottom edge of the seaweed.
5. Slice the roll into 8 equal pieces using a sharp knife.
6. Serve with a fried egg on top, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Spicy Tuna Gimbap
A flavorful twist on traditional Korean gimbap, this recipe combines the spicy kick of tuna with crunchy vegetables and savory rice.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup cooked Japanese short-grain rice
– 1 can of tuna (drained and flaked)
– 1 tablespoon Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– 1/4 cup diced carrots
– 1/4 cup diced cucumber
– 2 sheets of gimbap rice paper
Instructions:
1. Cook the Japanese short-grain rice according to package instructions.
2. In a small bowl, mix together tuna, Gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
3. Lay a sheet of gimbap rice paper flat and spread a thin layer of cooked rice onto it.
4. Arrange chopped green onions, diced carrots, and diced cucumber on top of the rice.
5. Place 1/4 cup of the tuna mixture in the center of the rice.
6. Fold the bottom half of the rice paper up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll into a neat cylinder.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Vegetable Gimbap with Sesame Dressing
A classic Korean dish that combines the flavors of crunchy vegetables and savory sesame dressing, wrapped in a delicate rice sheet.
Ingredients:
– 1 package gimbap sheets (rice paper)
– 1/2 cup vegetable filling ingredients:
+ 1/2 cucumber, sliced
+ 1/4 carrot, peeled and grated
+ 1/4 avocado, diced
+ 1/4 bell pepper, sliced
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the vegetable filling by mixing all ingredients together.
2. Lay a gimbap sheet flat and place about 1 tablespoon of the vegetable filling in the center.
3. Fold the bottom half of the sheet up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll into a neat package.
4. Repeat with remaining sheets and filling.
5. To make the sesame dressing, whisk together sesame oil, garlic, soy sauce, and salt.
6. Serve the gimbap with a drizzle of the sesame dressing.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (including preparation)
Kimchi Fried Rice Gimbap
Transform leftover kimchi and rice into a flavorful Korean-inspired snack with this simple recipe.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (preferably day-old)
– 1/4 cup kimchi, chopped
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 sheet of gimbap (rice paper) or a large flour tortilla
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic; cook until translucent, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
4. Stir in the soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
5. Add the chopped kimchi to the rice mixture; cook until heated through, about 1 minute.
6. Lay the gimbap sheet or tortilla flat. Spread a thin layer of the kimchi fried rice along the center of the sheet, leaving a 1-inch border on either side.
7. Fold the bottom half of the sheet up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up tightly to form a neat package. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cheese and Egg Gimbap
A delicious Korean-inspired dish that combines the flavors of melted cheese, scrambled eggs, and savory vegetables wrapped in a crispy rice paper.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked rice (preferably day-old)
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup diced vegetables (e.g., carrots, cucumber, spinach)
– 1 sheet of gim (rice paper)
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the filling by cooking the rice according to package instructions. Let it cool.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and a pinch of salt. Scramble the eggs in a pan with sesame oil until they’re cooked through.
3. Add the grated cheese and diced vegetables to the scrambled eggs. Stir well.
4. Lay the gim sheet flat on a clean surface. Place about 1/2 cup of the rice filling along the center of the sheet, leaving a small border at each end.
5. Top the rice with the egg mixture, spreading it evenly.
6. Fold the bottom half of the gim up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up the gimbap to form a compact cylinder.
7. Slice into bite-sized pieces and serve.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Bulgogi Gimbap with Caramelized Onions
Experience the harmonious balance of sweet caramelized onions, savory beef, and crunchy gimbap (Korean-style rice rolls) in this simplified recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup Bulgogi marinade (available at Asian markets or online)
– 1 lb beef (thinly sliced), cut into strips
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 1 tsp sugar
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup sesame oil
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 1 package gimbap wrappers
Instructions:
1. Preheat a non-stick pan over medium-low heat.
2. In the pan, cook the beef strips according to Bulgogi marinade instructions (about 3-5 minutes per side).
3. Meanwhile, caramelize onions by cooking them in the same pan with sugar and sesame oil for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Prepare gimbap wrappers according to package instructions.
5. Assemble gimbap by spreading a thin layer of rice on each wrapper, followed by cooked beef, caramelized onions, and a sprinkle of soy sauce.
6. Roll up tightly and secure with toothpicks if needed.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes (including prep time)
Avocado and Crab Gimbap
This refreshing Korean-inspired gimbap combines the creaminess of avocado with the sweetness of crab, wrapped in a crispy rice paper.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe avocado, sliced
– 1/2 cup jumbo lump crab meat
– 1/4 cup cooked Japanese short-grain rice
– 1 sheet of rice paper (gimbap)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the Japanese short-grain rice according to package instructions.
2. Lay a sheet of rice paper on a flat surface.
3. Spread a thin layer of cooked rice onto the center of the rice paper, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Place sliced avocado and crab meat on top of the rice.
5. Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the filling.
6. Fold the bottom half of the rice paper up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll into a neat cylinder.
7. Slice into bite-sized pieces and garnish with green onions.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Teriyaki Chicken Gimbap
Get ready to delight your taste buds with this sweet and savory Korean-inspired dish! Teriyaki chicken gimbap is a fusion of flavors that combines juicy chicken, crunchy vegetables, and soft rice, all wrapped in a crispy seaweed sheet.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 2 tbsp teriyaki sauce
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
– 1/2 cup shredded carrot
– 1/4 cup sliced green onion
– 1 sheet of gim (dried seaweed)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together teriyaki sauce and 1 tbsp water. Add chicken breast and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Cook rice according to package instructions.
4. Prepare vegetables by slicing cucumber and carrot, and chopping green onion.
5. Grill or bake the marinated chicken until cooked through (about 20-25 minutes).
6. Assemble gimbap by spreading a thin layer of rice on the gim sheet, followed by sliced chicken, cucumber, carrot, and green onion.
7. Roll up tightly and slice into bite-sized pieces.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Tofu and Mushroom Gimbap
A Korean-inspired twist on the classic Japanese gimbap, this recipe combines crispy tofu and savory mushrooms with a sweet and spicy kick.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, drained and cut into small cubes
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 1/4 cup Gochujang sauce
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 8-10 sheets of gimbap seaweed (dried or roasted)
– Optional: chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together Gochujang sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and black pepper.
3. Add the tofu cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Set aside for at least 15 minutes or up to several hours in the refrigerator.
4. Cook the mushrooms in a pan with a little oil until tender. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Assemble the gimbap by placing a sheet of seaweed on a flat surface, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. Arrange tofu cubes, mushroom mixture, and any optional garnishes along the center of the seaweed.
7. Fold the bottom edge of the seaweed up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll into a tight cylinder. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (depending on assembly speed)
Seafood Medley Gimbap
A flavorful twist on traditional Korean-style gimbap, this seafood medley version combines succulent shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and savory seaweed for a delightful snack or light meal.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup cooked white rice
– 1/4 cup toasted sesame oil
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 1/2 cup mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, mussels)
– 1/2 cup diced carrots
– 1/4 cup diced zucchini
– 1 sheet of dried seaweed (gim or nori)
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the rice according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat the sesame oil over medium heat. Add the scallions and cook until fragrant.
3. Add the mixed seafood and cook until pink and fully cooked.
4. In a separate pan, sauté the carrots and zucchini until tender.
5. Lay a sheet of seaweed flat and spread a thin layer of rice on it, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
6. Arrange the cooked seafood mixture and vegetables horizontally in the center of the rice.
7. Fold the top and bottom edges over the filling, then roll up the gimbap tightly.
8. Slice into individual pieces and serve.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet Potato Gimbap with Honey Drizzle
Transform your gimbap game with the sweet and savory combination of roasted sweet potatoes, crunchy veggies, and a hint of honey sweetness.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 8-10 gimbap sheets (rice paper)
– Filling ingredients: cucumber, carrot, spinach, and bean sprouts
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast sweet potatoes for 45 minutes or until tender.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, sesame oil, soy sauce, and black pepper.
3. Lay a gimbap sheet flat on a work surface. Arrange roasted sweet potato cubes along the center of the sheet, leaving a 1-inch border at each end.
4. Add your preferred filling ingredients on top of the sweet potatoes.
5. Fold the bottom half of the gimbap sheet up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll into a compact cylinder.
6. Repeat with remaining sheets and filling.
7. Drizzle honey mixture over the top of each gimbap.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (folding and rolling)
Japchae Gimbap with Stir-Fried Glass Noodles
A delicious Korean-inspired snack that combines sweet potato glass noodles with savory stir-fry ingredients and crispy kimchi, all wrapped up in a fluffy seaweed rice blanket.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup sweet potato glass noodles
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (bean sprouts, carrots, zucchini)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup kimchi, chopped
– 1 sheet of gim (seaweed) rice paper
– Fillings: cooked chicken or beef, shredded carrot, diced bell peppers
Instructions:
1. Cook glass noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; stir-fry until softened.
3. Add mixed vegetables; cook until tender.
4. Add soy sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry for 1 minute.
5. Add cooked glass noodles; stir-fry until well combined.
6. Assemble gimbap by spreading a thin layer of rice on the seaweed paper, then adding kimchi, fillings, and noodle mixture.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Pork Gimbap
Discover the flavors of Korea with this spicy pork gimbap recipe! This classic snack is a perfect combination of crispy rice, savory pork, and spicy kick.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
– 1/2 cup diced pork belly or shoulder
– 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 sheet of gimbap seaweed (dried or roasted)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix together cooked rice, pork, gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and sesame oil.
2. Lay the seaweed sheet flat on a surface and spread half of the rice mixture onto it, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
3. Fold the bottom edge up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll into a tight cylinder.
4. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to make another gimbap.
5. Slice each gimbap into 6-8 pieces and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Egg Roll Gimbap with Carrots and Spinach
A Korean-inspired twist on the classic Japanese maki roll, this recipe combines crispy egg rolls with fresh carrots and spinach. Perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked rice
– 1/4 cup chopped carrots
– 1/4 cup chopped spinach
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 1 sheet of frozen gimbap (Korean-style seaweed)
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
2. In a pan, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Pour in the beaten eggs and scramble until cooked through. Set aside.
3. Lay out a sheet of gimbap on a flat surface. Spread a thin layer of cooked rice along the center of the seaweed, leaving a 1-inch border at each end.
4. Arrange the chopped carrots and spinach over the rice.
5. Place the scrambled eggs on top of the vegetables.
6. Fold the bottom edge of the gimbap up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up tightly.
7. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Salmon and Cream Cheese Gimbap
A fusion of Korean-style rice rolls and a creamy salmon filling, this recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup cooked Japanese short-grain rice (preferably Koshihikari)
– 1/4 cup canned salmon, drained and flaked
– 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon chopped green onions, for garnish
– 1 sheet of gimbap (Korean-style rice paper)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Japanese short-grain rice according to package instructions.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together flaked salmon, cream cheese, soy sauce, and sesame oil until well combined.
3. Lay the gimbap sheet flat on a cutting board. Spread a thin layer of cooked rice onto the center of the sheet, leaving a 1-inch border at both ends.
4. Place the salmon-cream cheese mixture along the length of the rice.
5. Roll the gimbap tightly but gently, applying even pressure to form a compact roll.
6. Slice into desired portions and garnish with chopped green onions.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes ( preparation time: 5 minutes, cooking time: 0 minutes)
BBQ Pork Belly Gimbap
This Korean-inspired dish combines the rich flavors of BBQ pork belly with the classic Japanese concept of gimbap (Korean-style sushi rolls). The result is a unique and delicious twist on traditional sushi.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound pork belly, braised in BBQ sauce
– 1/2 cup cooked white rice
– 1/4 cup kimchi, chopped
– 1/4 cup cucumber slices
– 1/4 cup carrot strips
– 1 sheet of gim (dried seaweed)
– Sesame seeds and soy sauce for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Lay the gim flat on a surface.
2. Place a small amount of cooked rice at one end of the gim.
3. Add sliced BBQ pork belly, kimchi, cucumber, and carrot on top of the rice.
4. Roll the gimbap tightly but gently, applying even pressure to form a compact roll.
5. Slice into individual portions and serve with sesame seeds and soy sauce if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (braising time for pork belly) + assembly time
Thai-Inspired Peanut Sauce Gimbap
A twist on the classic Korean dish, this recipe combines the flavors of Thailand with the comfort of a peanut sauce. This unique gimbap filling is perfect for adventurous eaters looking to try something new.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 8 oz cooked chicken or tofu, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup chopped scallions and cilantro
– 1 sheet of gimbap rice paper (usually found in the Asian food section)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Blend until smooth.
2. Add cooked chicken or tofu and chopped scallions/cilantro to the peanut sauce. Mix well.
3. Lay a sheet of gimbap rice paper flat on a surface. Place about 1/4 cup of the peanut sauce mixture in the center of the paper.
4. Fold the bottom half of the paper up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up to form a neat cylinder.
5. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None (this is an assemble-only dish)
Tuna Mayo Gimbap with Cucumber
A refreshing twist on the classic Korean-inspired rice and seaweed roll, this recipe adds protein-packed tuna and a crunchy cucumber slice for added flavor and texture.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked Japanese short-grain rice
– 1/2 cup canned tuna in water, drained and flaked
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1 sheet gimbap (dried seaweed sheets)
– 1 cucumber slice
– Salt to taste
– Optional: chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare the rice according to package instructions.
2. In a small bowl, mix together tuna, mayonnaise, and sesame oil until well combined.
3. Lay a gimbap sheet flat on a surface. Spread a thin layer of cooked rice onto the seaweed, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.
4. Place the tuna mixture in the center of the rice.
5. Add a cucumber slice on top of the tuna.
6. Fold the bottom half of the gimbap up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll into a compact cylinder.
7. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Pickled Radish and Ham Gimbap
Gimbap is a popular Korean dish that typically consists of rice, vegetables, and sometimes meat. This recipe adds a tangy twist by incorporating pickled radish and ham.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked white rice
– 1/2 cup pickled radish (see note)
– 4 slices of cooked ham
– 1 sheet of gim (dried seaweed sheets)
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the pickled radish according to your preference.
2. Cut the ham into thin strips.
3. Lay a sheet of gim flat on a surface.
4. Place 1/4 cup of cooked rice at one end of the gim, leaving a small border around it.
5. Arrange 2-3 slices of ham and 1/4 cup of pickled radish on top of the rice.
6. Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with salt to taste.
7. Fold the gim into a neat roll shape.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Quinoa and Kale Gimbap for a Healthy Twist
Gimbap, a Korean-inspired rice and seaweed roll, gets a nutritious upgrade with quinoa and kale. This recipe combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the earthy taste of kale, all wrapped in a crispy nori sheet.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 cups chopped kale, stems removed
– 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 8 sheets nori seaweed
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, chopped kale, toasted sesame seeds, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well.
3. Lay a nori sheet flat on a cutting board. Place about 1/4 cup of the quinoa-kale mixture onto the center of the sheet, leaving a 1-inch border on either side.
4. Fold the bottom half of the sheet up over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll up tightly. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
5. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Summary
Discover a world of flavors with these 20 delicious gimbap recipes! From classic beef to spicy tuna, and from kimchi fried rice to sweet potato, there’s something for every occasion. Try your hand at bulgogi gimbap with caramelized onions or avocado and crab gimbap for a creamy treat. For a healthier option, go for quinoa and kale gimbap. Whether you’re in the mood for spicy pork, teriyaki chicken, or seafood medley, these recipes are sure to please. With ingredients ranging from sesame dressing to honey drizzle, get creative with your sushi rolls and elevate your meal game!