Egg Gimbap

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Egg Gimbap is a delicious, easy-to-make Korean dish that features a filling of scrambled eggs, fresh vegetables, and seasoned rice, all wrapped up in a sheet of nori (seaweed). This simple but flavorful roll offers a perfect balance of textures—from the soft, creamy egg to the crunch of the veggies, and the umami of the rice and seaweed. It’s a portable, satisfying meal, ideal for lunch, picnics, or as part of a larger Korean meal spread.

I first made Egg Gimbap when I was craving a light and healthy dish that was still filling, and it quickly became a favorite. The scrambled eggs added a comforting richness, while the fresh vegetables and seasoned rice provided a delicious contrast of flavors and textures. What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is—you can easily add or swap in other ingredients like kimchi, pickled radish, or even protein like chicken or tofu.

What’s great about Egg Gimbap is how easy it is to prepare. It’s perfect for meal prepping since you can make several rolls at once and store them in the fridge for a few days. Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick snack, a light lunch, or as part of a larger spread, this Egg Gimbap is a tasty, healthy option that’s sure to satisfy!

Perfect for:

  • Quick lunches
  • Picnics
  • Light dinners
  • Meal prep
  • Korean food enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Egg Gimbap will become your go-to recipe:

  • Flavorful Layers: The combination of seasoned rice, eggs, and fresh vegetables offers a balanced and satisfying meal.
  • Healthy Option: Packed with vegetables, protein, and healthy fats, this dish is nutritious and filling.
  • Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
  • Portable Meal: Ideal for taking on the go—whether for lunch at work or a picnic in the park.
  • Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the veggies and fillings to your liking.
  • Kid-Friendly: With its mild flavor and fun presentation, this is a great dish for little ones to enjoy.
  • Fresh and Crunchy: The crispy seaweed wrap adds a delightful crunch that complements the soft egg and rice.
  • Vegetarian Delight: This recipe is perfect for vegetarians or those looking to reduce meat consumption.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch in advance, and you’ve got a week’s worth of healthy meals ready to go.
  • Fun to Make: Rolling the gimbap together can be a fun activity to do with family or friends.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 10g, Carbs: 50g, Fat: 10g

Ingredients

For the Gimbap:

  • 2 cups cooked short-grain rice, cooled
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • 4 sheets of nori (seaweed)
  • 1 cucumber, julienned
  • 1 small carrot, julienned
  • 1/2 cup spinach, blanched and squeezed dry
  • 1 tablespoon pickled radish, sliced thin (optional)

The Seasoning:

  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Ingredient Highlights

  • Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, fragrant flavor to both the rice and the eggs.
  • Nori: Crispy seaweed that holds the gimbap together while adding a touch of umami.
  • Pickled Radish: Brings a sweet-tangy crunch, balancing the savory filling.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Rice:

  1. Season Rice: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, sesame oil, salt, and sugar. Mix well and set aside.

The Eggs:

  1. Cook Eggs: In a bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add vegetable oil, and pour in the eggs. Cook gently, stirring occasionally, until scrambled and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Vegetables:

  1. Julienne Vegetables: Julienne the cucumber and carrot into thin strips. Blanch the spinach briefly in boiling water, then rinse with cold water, squeeze out excess moisture, and set aside.

Assemble the Gimbap:

  1. Place Nori on Bamboo Mat: Lay a sheet of nori, shiny side down, on a bamboo sushi rolling mat.
  2. Spread Rice: With wet hands, spread a thin layer of seasoned rice over the nori, leaving about an inch at the top to seal the roll.
  3. Layer the Fillings: Add a few strips of cucumber, carrot, spinach, pickled radish (if using), and a portion of scrambled egg in a line across the rice.
  4. Roll the Gimbap: Carefully lift the mat and nori, rolling tightly while pressing gently. Seal the edge with a little water.
  5. Slice the Gimbap: Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into bite-sized pieces, wiping the knife between cuts to keep the slices clean.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Egg Gimbap:

  • For a Quick Lunch: Pack individual rolls for an easy lunchbox meal.
  • With Kimchi: Serve alongside kimchi for an authentic Korean meal experience.
  • For a Picnic: Perfect for taking on picnics—just wrap and go!
  • With Soy Sauce: Drizzle a little soy sauce or sesame oil over the rolls for extra flavor.
  • As a Snack: Enjoy as a light afternoon snack or appetizer.
  • With a Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
  • For a Party: Serve the gimbap as a fun and interactive appetizer at gatherings.
  • With Tea: Enjoy with a cup of green tea for a refreshing, balanced meal.
  • For Meal Prep: Make in bulk for easy, healthy meals throughout the week.
  • As a Breakfast Option: A perfect option for a light and nutritious breakfast.

Additional Tips

  • Keep Rice Moist: If the rice starts to dry out while working, lightly moisten your hands with water.
  • Use a Sharp Knife: To get clean, neat slices, ensure your knife is sharp, and clean it between cuts.
  • Customize the Fillings: Feel free to add or substitute other ingredients like avocado, tofu, or cooked chicken.
  • Seal the Roll Well: Make sure to press the roll tightly as you go to prevent it from unrolling.

Recipe Variations

  • Vegetarian Gimbap: Skip the eggs and fill with a variety of veggies, like avocado, mushroom, or bell pepper.
  • Spicy Gimbap: Add a dash of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the rice or vegetables for a spicy kick.
  • Chicken Gimbap: Add cooked chicken or even grilled beef for a non-vegetarian option.
  • Tuna Gimbap: Mix canned tuna with mayo and a bit of sriracha for a creamy, flavorful filling.
  • Sweet Potato Gimbap: Use cooked sweet potato as a filling for a sweet and savory twist.
  • Vegan Gimbap: Use tofu and additional veggies like kimchi or pickled vegetables for a vegan version.

Special Equipment

  • Bamboo Sushi Mat: Essential for rolling the gimbap evenly.
  • Sharp Knife: A sharp knife ensures smooth, clean slices.
  • Small Bowl of Water: To moisten your hands while handling the rice and sealing the nori.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
    Yes, brown rice works well as a healthier alternative.
  2. How long can gimbap be stored in the fridge?
    Gimbap can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best results, keep it wrapped in plastic wrap.
  3. Can I freeze gimbap?
    Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the nori and rice.
  4. What can I use instead of pickled radish?
    You can skip it or substitute with sweet bell peppers for a crunchy, sweet alternative.
  5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
    Yes, if you use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure the nori is not cross-contaminated.
  6. Can I add cooked meat to the gimbap?
    Absolutely! Try adding cooked chicken, beef, or even fish cakes for a non-vegetarian option.
  7. How can I prevent the gimbap from unrolling?
    Make sure to roll it tightly and press gently. Seal the edge with a bit of water.
  8. How do I slice gimbap neatly?
    Use a very sharp knife and clean it between cuts to avoid squishing the rolls.
  9. Can I make gimbap the night before?
    Yes, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If preparing in advance, store it tightly wrapped in the fridge.
  10. What can I serve with gimbap?
    Kimchi, pickled vegetables, or a light soup are perfect accompaniments.

Conclusion

Egg Gimbap is a delicious and easy-to-make variation of the traditional Korean gimbap, where eggs take center stage as the main filling. This dish features soft scrambled eggs wrapped in seasoned rice and seaweed, offering a satisfying combination of flavors and textures in every bite. It’s a light yet hearty meal that’s perfect for lunch, snacks, or picnics. The rice is typically seasoned with sesame oil and salt, and the gimbap can also include additional fillings like vegetables, pickled radish, or even a bit of protein, depending on your preferences.

This recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize the filling with your favorite ingredients, while keeping it simple and nutritious. The egg filling is soft and creamy, providing a perfect contrast to the chewy seaweed and savory rice. It’s a great option for meal prepping, as it can be easily packed into lunchboxes for a convenient, on-the-go meal.

I can’t wait to see how your Egg Gimbap turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations! And don’t forget to leave a comment letting me know what twist you added to your gimbap!