Korean Folded Kimbap

Korean rice roll, or known as Kimbap, with a modern twist, and thanks to the latest social media frenzy, this Korean Folded Kimbap is created. First, it was started from the TikTok tortilla wrap, and from there, the tortilla hack got an Asian twist. That’s how the Korean Folded Kimbap emerged. You wonder, what actually Kimbap is, right? Kimbap is similar to sushi rice roll, but the Korean version usually has many vegetables incorporated in it, such as shredded carrots, boiled spinach, kimchi, pickled yellow daikon radish, and so on. As it is quite easy to make Kimbap and it can be quite filling, I usually can eat it as a snack, lunch, dinner, and better yet, on-the-go meals.

The main ingredients for making this Korean Folded Kimbap are rice, seaweed sheet, and any toppings you like. How to make it – First, you cut a slit in the middle of the seaweed sheet, then add your favorite toppings into the “four squares”, and comes the fun part, you just need to fold up, side, down.

RICE

You can use either seasoned or unseasoned regular rice (but don’t use jasmine or long grain rice)– it doesn’t need to be the specific seasoned sushi rice. It is better to use the pre-cooked rice and you can just microwave it, or you can use the freshly cooked rice – just ensure that you cook a bit drier than normal. You don’t want the rice to have too much moisture.

SEAWEED SHEET

You will find the seaweed sheets in any Asian grocery stores. Sometimes, it is labelled as “nori sheet”. I usually like the roasted and thicker kind, as it is usually lightly salted and on a thicker side, so it won’t rip easily when you fold your Kimbap.

TOPPINGS

Whatever that you desire. Spam, egg, tuna mayo, pork katsu, or even beef bulgogi, fish cake can be added into your Kimbap. In my opinion, it is best when you have some sort of proteins, vegetables, and sauce.

Today, I’m sharing with you the spam-egg-cheese toppings combination of folded Kimbap that I usually make. So, let’s get cooking, shall we?

Tool I used:

• Nonstick Skillet – Easy to clean, heat-up evenly, and, the best part, it is non-stick. Great tool to have for stir-frying, making omelet, and much more.
• Bamboo cutting board – Slick looking, easy to clean, very durable and it comes with three different sizes, so you can just choose which one to use according to your needs.

Tip: For Korean Kimbap or any rice roll in general, choose the toppings that are usually on the “dry” side. If you use kimchi or any pickled vegetables, squeeze out most of the liquid out so that the seaweed sheet won’t get “soggy” fast. Also, do not put too many toppings because it will be hard to fold/roll and to eat as well.

Ingredient:

• 4 seaweed sheets
• 4 slices smoked cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 slices of spam
• 6 eggs – beaten
• 1 medium-sized cucumber – thinly sliced and pat dried the excess liquid
• Olive oil to pan fry

Direction:

• In a bowl, mix the warm cooked rice with sesame oil and salt to taste. Add a dash of roasted sesame seed if you like. Set aside.
• Pre-heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet. Once heated, pan fry the sliced Spam for about 2 minutes on each side. Transfer the cooked Spam into a plate.
• Add a little bit of olive oil, pour in the beaten egg and sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste. Let it cook until it’s done and there’s no more runny part. Once it is done, set aside. You can either separate into 4 different batches and cook 4 times, or you can cook all and cut it into 4 pieces.
• Let’s assemble: Place a seaweed sheet onto a plate or cutting board.
• Divide the seaweed sheet into 4 squares. Cut a slit from the bottom middle part to the center (see picture).
• On a bottom left square, spread the rice evenly. It should cover the entire square.
• Place the cooked egg onto the upper left square.
• Next, put a slice of smoked cheddar cheese and one cooked Spam onto the upper right square.
• Then, place sliced cucumbers to the last square.  At this point, you can add your favorite sauce – ketchup, sriracha, mayonnaise, tartar sauce, you name it.
• Now, let’s fold it up. First, lift the bottom left and fold to the top. Second, lift the entire upper left and fold it to the right side. Finally, fold the entire upper right to the bottom right. Your folded Kimbap is ready to be devoured, enjoy!