Crab Stick & Mayo Mini Gimbap: Easy & Delicious Bite-Sized Snack
Super Simple Crab Stick Mayo Mini Gimbap Recipe – Perfect for a Filling Lunch!
I absolutely love gimbap that’s easy to pick up and enjoy without needing side dishes. However, making traditional gimbap can be quite time-consuming, so I don’t make it as often as I’d like. That’s where simple mini gimbap comes in! While gimbap with many ingredients is delicious, a simple version with just one main filling can be just as satisfying. The combination of crab stick and mayonnaise is a universally loved flavor, so let’s make this simple yet delicious mini gimbap for a delightful meal!
Main Ingredients
- 2.5 sheets of Gimbap seaweed
- 5 perilla leaves
- 1 bowl of warm rice (approx. 200g)
- Cooking wine (optional)
- Sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Cut the gimbap seaweed sheets into 4 equal pieces each. You’ll end up with 10 smaller sheets, perfect for mini gimbap.
Step 2
Wash the perilla leaves thoroughly under running water and pat them completely dry with paper towels. Excess moisture can make the gimbap soggy. Once dry, cut each leaf in half to fit the size of your mini gimbap.
Step 3
Gently shred the 80g of crab sticks lengthwise with your fingers. Avoid shredding them too finely, as this will diminish the texture. Aim for pieces that still have some bite.
Step 4
In a small bowl, combine the shredded crab sticks with 1 Tbsp mayonnaise, 1/2 tsp wasabi, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well until evenly coated. You can adjust the amount of wasabi according to your preference; a little spiciness helps cut through the richness of the mayonnaise and crab stick, making it even more delicious.
Step 5
In a separate bowl, combine 1 bowl of warm cooked rice (about 200g) with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil, and 1/2 Tbsp sesame seeds. Mix gently until well combined. It’s best to cook the rice slightly firmer than usual for gimbap, as this will give it a better texture when rolled. When mixing the seasoning into the rice, use a spatula held vertically and cut through the rice rather than stirring vigorously. This prevents the rice grains from becoming mushy and preserves their texture.
Step 6
Place one of the cut seaweed sheets on your work surface. Make sure the rough side of the seaweed is facing up. This rough side will grip the rice better, and when you eat the finished gimbap, the smoother side will be against your palate, offering a more pleasant mouthfeel.
Step 7
To ensure even portioning, it’s helpful to divide the seasoned rice into 10 equal portions beforehand. Each mini gimbap should have about the amount of rice equivalent to a small egg. Avoid overfilling, as it can cause the gimbap to break or be difficult to roll.
Step 8
Spread the prepared rice evenly over the seaweed sheet, leaving a small margin of about 0.5 cm at the top edge. Spreading the rice thinly is crucial; too much rice will make the gimbap burst when rolled.
Step 9
Trim the cut edges of the halved perilla leaves so they roughly match the width of the seaweed sheet. Place the prepared perilla leaf on top of the rice. The fragrant aroma of the perilla leaves will enhance the overall flavor of the gimbap.
Step 10
Arrange the crab stick mayo filling on top of the perilla leaf. It’s also convenient to divide the crab stick mixture into 10 portions beforehand to help with portion control while rolling. If you’re confident in your rolling skills, you can add more filling, but be mindful that overfilling can lead to the gimbap breaking or not rolling properly. It’s best to start with a moderate amount and adjust as you get a feel for it.
Step 11
First, fold the two outer edges of the perilla leaf inwards to gently wrap the crab stick filling. This helps to keep the filling contained and makes it easier to roll the gimbap neatly.
Step 12
Now, roll the gimbap tightly. Lightly moisten the top edge of the seaweed with a little water; this acts as glue and helps the gimbap seal securely. Alternatively, if you don’t use water, simply place the rolled gimbap seam-side down. The residual heat and moisture from the rice will help the seaweed stick naturally, securing the roll.
Step 13
Enjoy your delicious creations! These bite-sized mini gimbaps are perfect as a snack for kids, for lunchboxes, or whenever you need a quick and satisfying bite.
