Chungmu Gimbap with a Twist

Ingredients

• 4 sheets of roasted seaweed 4 sheets of roasted seaweed
• 2 cups (400g) cooked short-grain rice 2 cups (400g) cooked short-grain rice
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 200g bulgogi beef, thinly sliced and marinated 200g bulgogi beef, thinly sliced and marinated
• 1/2 cup pickled radish, julienned 1/2 cup pickled radish, julienned
• 1 carrot, julienned 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cucumber, julienned 1 cucumber, julienned
• 1 cup spinach, blanched and squeezed 1 cup spinach, blanched and squeezed
• Soy sauce and sesame seeds for dipping Soy sauce and sesame seeds for dipping

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 5g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the cooked rice, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Mix well to evenly coat the rice with the flavors.
2. 2.
   Lay a sheet of roasted seaweed on a bamboo sushi mat or a clean surface.
3. 3.
   Spread a thin layer of the seasoned rice evenly over the seaweed, leaving a small border at the top.
4. 4.
   Arrange a few slices of marinated bulgogi beef, pickled radish, carrot, cucumber, and spinach in a line across the center of the rice.
5. 5.
   Carefully roll the seaweed and rice, using the bamboo mat to help create a tight and compact roll.
6. 6.
   Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients.
7. 7.
   Slice the rolls into bite-sized pieces using a sharp knife.
8. 8.
   Serve the Chungmu gimbap with soy sauce for dipping, and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added flavor.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Marinated bulgogi beef — Ensure that the beef is thinly sliced for quick and even cooking. Marinate the beef for at least 1 hour or overnight to enhance the flavor.
• Pickled radish — If you can't find pickled radish, you can substitute it with thinly sliced cucumber pickles for a similar tangy crunch.
• Roasted seaweed — Look for high-quality roasted seaweed sheets that are crisp and have a fresh oceanic aroma.

Tips & Tricks

• To prevent the seaweed from becoming soggy, assemble the rolls just before serving.
• Wet your hands with water or lightly coat them with sesame oil to prevent the rice from sticking to your fingers while rolling.
• Experiment with different fillings such as kimchi, avocado, or grilled vegetables to customize the flavors to your liking.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the bulgogi beef with marinated tofu or tempeh.
• Serve the Chungmu gimbap with a side of kimchi and a bowl of miso soup for a complete Korean meal experience.

Serving advice

Serve the Chungmu gimbap as an appetizer, snack, or light lunch. Arrange the sliced rolls on a platter and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for an attractive presentation.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sliced Chungmu gimbap rolls in a circular pattern on a plate, with the dipping sauce in the center. Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and a few fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color.