Choi Hwa-jung’s Cucumber Kimbap: A Light and Healthy Recipe
Choi Hwa-jung Cucumber Kimbap, Whole Cucumber Diet Kimbap, Perfect Sweet & Sour Vinegar Ratio, Tuna Ssamjang Sauce Recipe
The ‘Whole Cucumber Kimbap’ featured on Choi Hwa-jung’s YouTube channel gained significant attention as a unique diet recipe promising over 2kg of weight loss. I, Ye-kkum’s Mom, decided to recreate this appealing kimbap recipe, and the result was absolutely thumb-stoppingly delicious! For my children, I opted for a mild and savory Tuna Ssamjang sauce instead of the spicy fermented bean paste. This tuna sauce was a delightful twist! You only need kimbap seaweed, fresh cucumbers, and rice to make this simple yet incredibly flavorful dish. The secret ssamjang sauce elevates it beyond expectations. While Choi Hwa-jung used store-bought sushi vinegar, I made my own by perfectly balancing vinegar, sugar, and salt at home. This homemade sweet and sour vinegar mixture is not only perfect for this cucumber kimbap but also excellent for making sushi rice, so be sure to try it!
Kimbap Ingredients- 280g Rice
- 2 sheets Kimbap seaweed
- 2 whole Cucumbers
- Sesame oil (for brushing the kimbap)
Sweet & Sour Vinegar Mixture (for Rice)- 1/2 Tbsp 2x concentrated apple vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp Salt
Tuna Ssamjang Sauce- 1 can Tuna (130g, drained)
- 2 Tbsp Ssamjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1 Tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame oil
- Pinch of toasted sesame seeds
- 1/2 Tbsp 2x concentrated apple vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp Salt
Tuna Ssamjang Sauce- 1 can Tuna (130g, drained)
- 2 Tbsp Ssamjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1 Tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1/2 Tbsp Sesame oil
- Pinch of toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by making the perfect sweet and sour vinegar mixture for two rolls of kimbap. In a bowl, combine 1/2 Tbsp of 2x concentrated apple vinegar, 1 Tbsp of sugar, and 1/2 Tbsp of salt. Whisk thoroughly until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. (Note: If using regular vinegar, double the amount to 1 Tbsp.) Set the vinegar mixture aside and prepare the star ingredient of this diet kimbap: fresh cucumbers.
Step 2
Take two whole cucumbers and wash them thoroughly. Use a vegetable peeler to carefully peel the skin off. Trim off the ends of the cucumbers. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
Step 3
Next, we’ll create the delicious Tuna Ssamjang sauce that will add a wonderful depth of flavor to the cucumber kimbap. Open a 130g can of tuna and drain all the oil completely. This step is crucial for a cleaner taste.
Step 4
To the drained tuna, add 2 Tbsp of ssamjang, 1 Tbsp of mayonnaise for a creamy texture, 1/2 Tbsp of sesame oil for nutty aroma, and a pinch of toasted sesame seeds. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step 5
And there you have it – a delicious Tuna Ssamjang sauce! This sauce will make your cucumber kimbap truly special.
Step 6
Now, place 280g of cooked rice in a bowl. Pour the prepared sweet and sour vinegar mixture over the rice and gently mix to ensure each grain is coated. This seasoning will make the rice perfectly flavorful for the kimbap.
Step 7
Once the seasoned rice is ready, place a sheet of kimbap seaweed on a bamboo rolling mat, with the rough side facing up. Spread the seasoned rice thinly and evenly over the seaweed. To help secure the kimbap, gently press a little extra rice along the top edge of the seaweed before rolling.
Step 8
Lay the whole cucumber strips lengthwise over the seasoned rice.
Step 9
Using the bamboo mat, carefully and tightly roll the kimbap, ensuring the ingredients stay in place. Rolling firmly from start to finish is key to achieving a neat shape.
Step 10
After rolling, place the kimbap seam-side down and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the kimbap hold its shape. Once set, lightly brush the outside of the kimbap with sesame oil for a beautiful sheen and added aroma.
Step 11
Slice the sesame oil-brushed kimbap into bite-sized pieces. Arrange the cucumber kimbap on a plate and serve with the prepared Tuna Ssamjang sauce on the side. Enjoy your fresh and delightful Choi Hwa-jung Cucumber Kimbap!
