Easy & Special Cucumber & Kimchi Inarizushi
[Quick Lunchbox Idea] How to Make Refreshing Cucumber Inarizushi & Spicy Kimchi Inarizushi
On busy mornings, simply adding one extra ingredient to store-bought inarizushi can transform it into something special. Elevate your inarizushi with fresh flavors!
Ingredients- 3 bowls cooked rice
- 1/2 cucumber
- 1 handful kimchi (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 pack inarizushi seasoning kit (for 4 servings, or 4 sheets fried tofu pouches)
- Pinch of salt (for cucumber)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (for kimchi)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise. Using a teaspoon, scoop out the seeds. This helps reduce excess moisture and improves the texture.
Step 2
Finely chop or dice the seeded cucumber. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the chopped cucumber and let it sit for about 10 minutes to draw out moisture. After salting, squeeze out any excess water thoroughly.
Step 3
Finely chop the kimchi, discarding any excess brine. Heat 1 teaspoon of sesame oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the chopped kimchi and stir-fry until softened and fragrant. Sautéing the kimchi enhances its flavor.
Step 4
In a bowl, combine the 3 bowls of warm rice with the inarizushi seasoning (or sushi vinegar), toasted sesame seeds, and the squeezed cucumber. Gently mix with a rice paddle, being careful not to mash the rice grains. Mix until everything is well combined, preserving the cucumber’s crunch.
Step 5
Open the prepared fried tofu pouches (aburaage). Fill each pouch with a generous amount of the cucumber sushi rice mixture from step 3. Pack it in well for a satisfying bite.
Step 6
In a separate bowl, combine the 3 bowls of warm rice with the inarizushi seasoning (or sushi vinegar), toasted sesame seeds, and the stir-fried kimchi from step 2. Gently mix using a rice paddle until the kimchi is evenly distributed throughout the rice.
Step 7
Open the fried tofu pouches. Fill each pouch with the kimchi rice mixture from step 5. Press the rice in firmly to create well-filled kimchi inarizushi, offering a delightful spicy and savory flavor.
