Delicious Inari Sushi Rice Rolls (Yubu Gimbap)
Savory Inari and Crisp Pickled Radish Meet for Perfect Yubu Gimbap
A delightful taste sensation awaits! This Yubu Gimbap combines the savory, seasoned fried tofu pouches with the refreshing crunch of pickled radish, creating a truly delicious experience. Once you master seasoning the inari, your Yubu Gimbap is practically ready! It’s an incredibly simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Main Ingredients- 1 bowl of warm rice
- 2 sheets of seaweed (gim)
- 10 pieces of fried tofu pouches (square yubu)
- 10 slices of pickled radish (danmuji)
Seasoning for Inari- 2 Tbsp tuna extract
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp cooking wine (mirin, etc.)
- Generous amount of sesame oil
- 2 pinches of salt
- 2 Tbsp tuna extract
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp cooking wine (mirin, etc.)
- Generous amount of sesame oil
- 2 pinches of salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by making the delicious seasoning that will define the flavor of your Yubu Gimbap. In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of tuna extract, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cooking wine. Mix well. For an even better flavor, microwave this mixture for about 30 seconds – this helps the sugar dissolve completely and enhances the umami.
Step 2
Prepare the pickled radish and fried tofu pouches that will go into the gimbap, along with the seasoning you just made. Having all your ingredients prepped and ready will make the cooking process much smoother.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the star ingredient: the fried tofu pouches. Since fried tofu can sometimes have an oily taste, place the pouches in a colander and rinse them lightly with hot water. This step removes excess oil and results in a cleaner flavor.
Step 4
After rinsing with hot water, gently squeeze the fried tofu pouches by hand to remove as much moisture as possible. Thoroughly draining the tofu is crucial; it allows the seasoning to penetrate well and prevents the gimbap from becoming watery when assembled.
Step 5
Once the oil has been removed and the tofu is squeezed dry, thinly julienne the fried tofu pouches. Cutting them into thin strips will add a pleasant texture when you bite into the gimbap.
Step 6
Add the prepared seasoning (from step 1) to the julienned tofu and gently massage it in with your hands. It’s important to mix gently so that the seasoning evenly coats the tofu, allowing it to absorb the delicious flavors and develop a deep taste.
Step 7
Julienne the pickled radish slices as well. This will add a delightful crunch to your gimbap. Try to cut them to a similar thickness as the tofu for a balanced texture in every bite.
Step 8
It’s time to season the rice for your gimbap. In a bowl with 1 bowl of warm rice, add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and 2 pinches of salt. Gently mix with a spatula or spoon, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed without mashing the rice grains.
Step 9
Traditionally, gimbap seaweed sheets are laid out horizontally. However, for Yubu Gimbap, it’s often easier to cut the seaweed sheet in half horizontally and use it vertically. This makes it simpler to arrange the fillings and shape the roll nicely. Spread the seasoned rice thinly over the half-sheet of seaweed. Avoid using too much rice, as this can cause the roll to break.
Step 10
Generously pile the seasoned julienned inari tofu and the julienned pickled radish on top of the rice. Filling the roll generously will make your gimbap look appetizing and satisfying when sliced.
Step 11
Now, let’s roll the gimbap tightly. Gently pull the edge of the seaweed and roll it forward, ensuring the fillings stay securely inside. To seal the end, you can moisten the edge slightly with water or use a few grains of mashed rice to help it stick.
Step 12
Once rolled, brush the outside of the gimbap with sesame oil for a beautiful sheen. Sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty aroma and visual appeal. The sesame seeds will further enhance the overall flavor of the gimbap.
Step 13
Slice the gimbap into bite-sized pieces and arrange them attractively on a serving plate. Your delicious Yubu Gimbap is now ready to be enjoyed! This special roll is truly a treat.
