Asian > Korean > Rice

Korean Rice Balls (Gimbap) Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of short-grain rice
- 2 1/2 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 5 sheets of roasted seaweed
- 1/2 pound of cooked ham, sliced into thin strips
- 1/2 pound of carrots, julienned
- 1/2 pound of spinach, blanched and squeezed dry
- 4 eggs, beaten and cooked into thin omelets
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- Soy sauce and wasabi, for serving

Special equipment needed:
- Bamboo sushi mat
- Plastic wrap

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and transfer to a pot with 2 1/2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Cook for 15 minutes, then remove from heat and let stand for 10 minutes.

2. In a small bowl, mix together the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt. Add to the cooked rice and mix well.

3. Place a sheet of plastic wrap on top of the bamboo sushi mat. Place a sheet of roasted seaweed on top of the plastic wrap.

4. Spread a thin layer of rice over the seaweed, leaving a 1-inch border at the top.

5. Arrange the ham, carrots, spinach, and omelet in a line across the center of the rice.

6. Using the bamboo mat, roll the seaweed tightly around the filling, pressing gently as you go.

7. Brush the outside of the roll with sesame oil and cut into 1-inch slices.

8. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.


Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
N/A
Serving size:
Makes 20-25 rice balls

Nutritional information:
Calories: 120
Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 250mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of ham, you can use cooked beef, chicken, or tofu.
- Instead of carrots, you can use cucumber, bell pepper, or avocado.
- Instead of spinach, you can use lettuce, kale, or arugula.

Variations:
- Add pickled radish or kimchi to the filling.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice.
- Make mini rice balls by using smaller pieces of seaweed and less filling.

Tips and tricks:
- Wet your hands with water before handling the rice to prevent it from sticking.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the rice balls.
- Serve with soy sauce and wasabi for dipping.

Storage instructions:
Store the rice balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat, wrap the rice balls in damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Presentation ideas:
Arrange the rice balls on a platter and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Garnishes:
Sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Pairings:
Serve with miso soup and a side of pickled vegetables.

Suggested side dishes:
Miso soup and pickled vegetables.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the rice is too dry, add a little more water when cooking.
- If the rice is too sticky, reduce the amount of water when cooking.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all utensils before handling food.
- Store the rice balls in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days.

Food history:
Gimbap is a popular Korean snack and lunch food that is similar to sushi.

Flavor profiles:
Savory, salty, and slightly sweet.

Serving suggestions:
Serve as a snack or as part of a Korean-style lunch.

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Region: Korean

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Spicy, Nutty, Umami