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Classic Kimchi Kimbap Roll with Fresh Ingredients

Kimchi Kimbap

Chef Lily
Explore unique Kimchi Kimbap variations that add bold flavors and fresh twists to the classic dish. Try them now for a tasty, exciting meal!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine Korean, Fusion
Servings 4 4-6 rolls
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

Base Ingredients:

  • 2 cups sushi rice cooked
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 4 –5 sheets nori seaweed

Fillings:

  • ½ cup kimchi well-fermented and chopped into small pieces
  • 1 carrot julienned
  • 1 cucumber julienned
  • 2 eggs cooked into a thin omelet and sliced

🔥 Optional for Variations (Customize Your Roll)

Spicy Variation:

  • 1 –2 teaspoons gochujang Korean chili paste
  • ½ teaspoon gochugaru Korean chili flakes

Vegan Variation:

  • ½ cup spinach blanched
  • ½ block tofu marinated in soy sauce and sesame oil
  • ½ avocado sliced
  • Ensure vegan kimchi no fish sauce

Cheese Variation:

  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • OR 2 tablespoons cream cheese

Egg Variation (Alternative Styles):

  • 1 –2 scrambled eggs
  • OR 1–2 fried eggs
  • OR 1–2 soft-boiled eggs

Fusion Ideas:

  • 2 tablespoons teriyaki sauce
  • 2 tablespoons pesto
  • Sliced olives mango, salmon, or turkey (as desired)

Instructions
 

Cook the Rice

  • Rinse 2 cups of sushi rice thoroughly, then cook according to package instructions. Once cooked, season the rice with 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, and ½ tsp salt. Let the rice cool to room temperature.

Prepare the Kimchi

  • Chop ½ cup of well-fermented kimchi into small pieces. Drain excess liquid if needed to avoid soggy rolls.

Prepare the Vegetables

  • Julienne 1 carrot and 1 cucumber. Optionally, lightly sauté the carrot in a small amount of oil for 1–2 minutes for tenderness.

Prepare the Egg Omelet

  • Beat 2 eggs, cook them in a nonstick pan into a thin omelet, and slice into thin strips once cooled.

Set Up Your Rolling Station

  • Place a bamboo sushi mat on a clean surface and lay a sheet of nori (shiny side down) on top of it. Have a small bowl of water nearby to help seal the rolls.

Assemble the Roll

  • Spread a thin, even layer of seasoned rice over the nori, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) at the top free of rice.
  • Line up the fillings horizontally across the center of the rice: chopped kimchi, carrots, cucumber, and egg strips.

Roll the Kimbap

  • Using the bamboo mat, lift the edge closest to you and start rolling tightly, pressing firmly as you go. Moisten the top edge of the nori with a bit of water to seal the roll.

Slice and Serve

  • Using a sharp knife, lightly moisten the blade to prevent sticking. Cut the roll into bite-sized slices, about ½ inch thick.
  • Serve immediately, or store in the fridge for up to 1 day (best eaten fresh).

Notes

Nutrition Information (per serving)
Nutrient Amount
Calories 250 kcal
Total Fat 6 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Cholesterol 35 mg
Sodium 600 mg
Carbohydrates 40 g
Fiber 3 g
Protein 10 g
Sugar 5 g
Keyword Kimchi Kimbap, Korean Rice Roll, Fusion Cuisine