Savory Herb & Beanpaste Gimbap with Spicy Cucumber
#HealthyGimbap #VegetableGimbap #BeanpasteGimbap #LeftoverHerbs #HomemadeGimbap #SpicyCucumberGimbap
Discover a wholesome and unique Gimbap recipe featuring seasoned vegetables and savory soybean paste (Tojang) mixed with rice, generously filled with crisp spicy cucumbers. This recipe is perfect for using up leftover seasoned vegetables like spinach, bean sprouts, and Korean celery. Enjoy a satisfying and fresh meal that tastes like a hearty bibimbap in a convenient roll. It’s an ideal choice for a solo meal or when you want to add a touch of picnic fun to your day at home, bringing a sense of outdoor enjoyment to your dining experience.
Gimbap Ingredients- 1/3 cup Seasoned Bean Sprouts
- 1/3 cup Minari (Water Parsley) seasoned with Salted Fermented Pollock Roe
- 1/3 cup Spinach seasoned with Soybean Paste
- 1/3 cup Korean Corn Salad (Chamnamul) Seasoned
- 4 Korean Spicy Cucumbers (Oigochu)
- 1/3 cup Braised Minced Pork in Soy Sauce (minced pork stir-fried and braised with soy sauce and sugar)
- 1.5 Tbsp Tojang (Fermented Soybean Paste)
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- 4 sheets Gimbap Seaweed
- 3 bowls Cooked Rice (warm)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the seasoned vegetable fillings for your Gimbap. You’ll need 1/3 cup each of: Minari (water parsley) seasoned with salted fermented pollock roe for a zesty flavor, spinach seasoned with savory soybean paste, and Korean corn salad (Chamnamul) seasoned simply. You can lightly chop these if desired for easier rolling.
Step 2
Next, add 1/3 cup of seasoned bean sprouts, ensuring they retain a pleasant crispness. It’s best if the bean sprout seasoning isn’t too salty.
Step 3
Prepare the hearty minced pork filling. You’ll need 1/3 cup of minced pork that has been stir-fried and braised with soy sauce and sugar until it’s sweetly savory. (Note: We used only the pork, omitting any quail eggs if they were part of the original braising.)
Step 4
Now, let’s create the flavorful rice base for the Gimbap. In a bowl with 3 bowls of warm cooked rice, add 1.5 tablespoons of Tojang (fermented soybean paste) and the prepared braised minced pork. Mix these ingredients well. It’s often helpful to mix the Tojang with the rice first before adding the pork for more even distribution of flavor.
Step 5
Add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil and 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds to the rice mixture. Gently mix everything together with a spatula, being careful not to mash the rice grains. Your delicious seasoned rice for the Gimbap is now ready.
Step 6
Lay out 4 sheets of Gimbap seaweed on a bamboo rolling mat. Spread the seasoned rice evenly and thinly over the seaweed, leaving a small border at the top edge. Ensure the rice layer is not too thick, as this can cause the Gimbap to break when rolled.
Step 7
Prepare 4 Korean spicy cucumbers (Oigochu) for a refreshing crunch and a hint of spice. Remove the seeds and slice them lengthwise to fit the length of the Gimbap roll. If you enjoy more heat, feel free to substitute with Korean green chili peppers (Cheongyang peppers).
Step 8
It’s time to assemble the Gimbap! Arrange your prepared seasoned vegetables (bean sprouts, minari, spinach, chamnamul) neatly over the rice. Place the sliced spicy cucumbers on top of the vegetables. Using the bamboo mat, carefully and firmly roll the Gimbap from the bottom up, tucking in the filling as you go. Moisten the top edge of the seaweed with a little water to seal the roll.
Step 9
Slice the rolled Gimbap into bite-sized pieces, about 1.5 to 2 cm thick. Admire the vibrant cross-section with the crisp cucumbers and colorful vegetables. Each bite offers a delightful taste reminiscent of a well-mixed country-style soybean paste and vegetable bibimbap.
Step 10
Even when dining solo, I’ve packed this Gimbap into a cute lunchbox to create a special picnic atmosphere. Gazing at the blue sky while enjoying this delicious Gimbap can bring a moment of relaxation and happiness amidst a busy life. Enjoy this healthy and delightful Na-mul Tojang Gochu Gimbap, your homemade picnic treat!
