Gimbap (김밥 ) Korean Sushi

Gimbap (김밥)  💚 Sushi is a nutritious, well-balanced meal when made with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Seaweed is packed with iodine, antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins A, C, E, and K. Adding fatty fish, like salmon or mackerel brings heart-healthy omega-3s, while the rice provides energy. With a variety of vegetables and other fillings, sushi is a delicious way to get a wide range of nutrients. The possibilities are endless! Growing up, our family outings often included gimbap rolls with traditional Korean ingredients—but sometimes even sliced hot dogs snuck in, which felt like a special treat for us kids.

Gimbap (김밥) Korean Sushi

 

Ingredients for a Salmon & Veggie Roll: 

1 salmon filet cooked 

2 cups white sushi rice 

Roasted seaweed sheets (gim) 

Carrot ½, cut into thin matchsticks

Cucumber ½, cut into thin matchsticks 

Spinach – 1 handful 

Fried egg, cut into strips 

1 teaspoon sesame oil 

Salt and pepper to taste 

Optional: red cabbage, asparagus, Korean pickled radish (daikon)

 

Instructions: 

1.  Prepare the veggies: Lightly sauté carrots in a little oil with a pinch of salt until tender, blanch the spinach for 10 seconds, squeeze out water, mix with a few drops of sesame oil and salt. Peel cucumber, slice into thin strips. 

2.   Cook egg into a thin omelet, then slice into strips. 

3.   Season the warm rice with 1 teaspoon sesame oil and a dash of salt. 

4.   Assemble the gimbap:  place a seaweed sheet shiny side down on a sushi mat or cutting board. Spread a thin layer of rice over 2/3 of the sheet, leaving the top edge empty.  Lay fillings horizontally near the middle-bottom: salmon, carrot, spinach, cucumber, egg, and pickled radish or other veggies if using.  

5.   Use both hands to roll tightly from the bottom while keeping the fillings tucked in.  Press gently to form a cylinder.  

6.    Slice with a sharp knife, wiping the blade between cuts. 

7.    Enjoy with soy sauce, wasabi, pickled ginger, or just on its own!