Henan-style Stuffed Rice Rolls

Ingredients

In Henan-style Stuffed Rice Rolls, we incorporate Henan cuisine's unique flavors and ingredients. Instead of using traditional Korean fillings, we opt for Henan-style marinated meat, which adds a rich and savory taste. Additionally, we include Henan-style pickles and vegetables to enhance the flavors and provide a distinct Henan touch. The cooking techniques and presentation also differ, as we focus on creating a soft and sticky rice roll wrapped in crispy seaweed. We alse have the original recipe for Samgak gimbap, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (470ml) glutinous rice 2 cups (470ml) glutinous rice
• 300g marinated meat (such as pork or beef) 300g marinated meat (such as pork or beef)
• 1 cup (235ml) Henan-style pickles (such as radish or cucumber) 1 cup (235ml) Henan-style pickles (such as radish or cucumber)
• 1 cup (235ml) julienned vegetables (such as carrots and bell peppers) 1 cup (235ml) julienned vegetables (such as carrots and bell peppers)
• 10 sheets of roasted seaweed 10 sheets of roasted seaweed
• Soy sauce, for dipping Soy sauce, for dipping

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 55g, 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the glutinous rice thoroughly and cook it according to package instructions. Once cooked, let it cool slightly.
2. 2.
   Slice the marinated meat into thin strips and cook it in a pan until fully cooked and slightly caramelized.
3. 3.
   Prepare the Henan-style pickles by slicing them into thin strips.
4. 4.
   Julienne the vegetables into thin matchstick-sized pieces.
5. 5.
   Take a sheet of roasted seaweed and place it on a clean surface.
6. 6.
   Spread a thin layer of cooked glutinous rice on the seaweed, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. 7.
   Arrange a small amount of marinated meat, pickles, and vegetables in a line across the center of the rice.
8. 8.
   Carefully roll the seaweed and rice, enclosing the fillings tightly.
9. 9.
   Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients.
10. 10.
    Slice each rolled rice roll into bite-sized pieces.
11. 11.
    Serve the Henan-style Stuffed Rice Rolls with soy sauce for dipping.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Glutinous rice — Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve a sticky texture.
• Marinated meat — Adjust the marination time according to the thickness of the meat slices to ensure optimal flavor absorption.
• Henan-style pickles — If you can't find Henan-style pickles, you can substitute with any tangy pickles of your choice.
• Roasted seaweed — Use high-quality roasted seaweed sheets to ensure a crispy texture and enhance the overall taste.
• Soy sauce — Choose a low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option, or use tamari for a gluten-free alternative.

Tips & Tricks

• To prevent the rice from sticking to your hands while rolling, lightly wet your hands with water or oil.
• Experiment with different fillings such as shredded chicken, mushrooms, or tofu to customize the flavors.
• For added crunch, you can sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top of the rice rolls before slicing.
• If you prefer a spicier version, add a small amount of chili paste or chili flakes to the fillings.
• These rice rolls can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a quick and convenient snack or meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Henan-style Stuffed Rice Rolls as a main dish or as a part of a larger meal. They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Garnish with some fresh herbs, such as cilantro or green onions, for an extra burst of flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sliced rice rolls on a platter, showcasing their vibrant colors and neatly cut edges. You can also serve them in individual bento boxes or on a traditional Henan-style serving plate for an authentic touch.