Crunchy Pickled Cucumber and Soft Eggplant Rolls: Simple Side Dish Kimbap
No-Cook Simple Rolls with Pickled Cucumber and Eggplant: A Side Dish Kimbap!
A simple kimbap made easily using leftover side dishes. This recipe is perfect for a quick meal or a delightful snack, transforming everyday banchan into a gourmet experience.
Kimbap Ingredients- 3 sheets of dried seaweed for kimbap (gim)
- 1.5 bowls of cooked rice
- 2/3 Tbsp plum extract (maesil-cheong)
- Pickled cucumber side dish (oi-muchim), finely chopped
- Grilled eggplant or eggplant side dish
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the pickled cucumber side dish (oi-muchim) which will add the key flavor to your kimbap. Finely chop the pickled cucumber as much as possible so it’s easy to incorporate into the kimbap filling. Chopping it finely ensures a more even texture when mixed with the rice and reduces the risk of the kimbap bursting when rolled.
Step 2
In 1.5 bowls of warm cooked rice, add the finely chopped pickled cucumber and 2/3 tablespoon of sweet plum extract. Gently mix with a spatula or spoon, being careful not to mash the rice grains. The salty flavor of the pickled cucumber and the sweet-sourness of the plum extract will evenly coat the rice, creating a flavorful rice base.
Step 3
Now, it’s time to roll the kimbap. Place a sheet of dried seaweed (gim) shiny side down (rough side up) on a bamboo rolling mat. Spread the seasoned rice evenly over about two-thirds of the seaweed sheet, leaving a small border at the top. Avoid spreading the rice too thick, as this can cause the kimbap to break or be difficult to roll.
Step 4
Lay the prepared grilled eggplant (or eggplant side dish) evenly over the rice. The soft texture of the eggplant combined with the seasoned rice is wonderful. Now, use the bamboo mat to tightly roll the kimbap. Press firmly as you roll to ensure it’s compact and won’t unravel. Continue rolling until you reach the end.
Step 5
Once the kimbap is rolled, slice it into bite-sized pieces. For this particular kimbap, slicing them slightly thicker than regular kimbap allows you to fully appreciate the generous filling of pickled cucumber and eggplant. Enjoy this special kimbap, where the satisfying crunch of the pickled cucumber meets the tender eggplant in every bite!
