If you are a sushi fanatic and you have never tried kimbap, you are definitely missing out. Here are all the facts you need to know about kimbap and also why you need to try it.
Origin
Kimbap originated in Korea and it is a Korean type of sushi. The word kimbap means rice wrapped in seaweed. Kimbap is also pronounced Gimbap and some people refer to it as Korean sushi rolls.
Kimbap is the Korean version of Japanese sushi rolls
Almost everyone is familiar with sushi but kimbap is mainly popular in Korea and Korean restaurants. While sushi is made using raw fish, kimbap is made using cooked fish. Some of the ingredients that you will find in kimbap include tuna, kimchi, rice, ham and cheese.
Kimbap is seasoned with sesame oil
Although kimbap is similar to sushi, they differ in the sense that kimbap is seasoned with sesame oil while sushi is seasoned with vinegar. The sesame oil helps to give kimbap a sweeter taste as compared to sushi.
Kimbap is made using cooked ingredients
All the ingredients that are used to make kimbap are precooked before being wrapped into a roll. A lot of people who do not enjoy sushi because of the raw fish opt for kimbap because the fish is precooked together with the vegetables. Therefore, if you are not a fan of eating raw ingredients in your sushi then you can always opt for kimbap
Serving suggestion
It is recommended that you consume kimbap within 2 to 3 hours after preparation. This is because the seaweed tends to turn soggy and also the rice loses its texture when kept for too long. So if you don’t like being disappointed with food, try by all means to consume it within 2 to 3 hours.
Spicy kimbap can cure hangover
If you have a hangover from last night try taking a spicy kimbap. There are many stories about how it can help to cure a serious hangover.
Kimbap filling can be made using various ingredients
The other thing that you need to know about kimbap is that it can be made using different fillings. If you are a vegetarian you can omit adding the meat and only use vegetables to make your kimbap. Furthermore, kimbap can be made using a variety of ingredients depending on one’s preferences.
Never use the microwave to reheat kimbap
Although the microwave can heat up almost anything, it is advisable never to use the microwave to reheat kimbap. This is mainly because it sacrifices the texture of the kimbap. The rice will turn out mushy and the seaweed will become dismantled. So if you want to enjoy leftover kimbap it’s better to use the stove for reheating rather than the microwave.
Kimbap can be reheated when you have leftover
Although kimbap is usually consumed at room temperature, it is advisable to reheat it when you have leftovers. This helps to ensure that you get rid of any unwanted bacteria.
NB: reheating kimbap sacrifices its texture as well flavour but this method will help to retain some of its goodness.
How to reheat kimbap
Step 1
When reheating kimbap the first thing that you need to do is to take a bowl and crack one egg into the bowl. Lightly beat the egg and add salt to it. Once that is ready, take your kimbap and dip it into the egg mixture. The egg will help your rice to fluff up whilst also disguising its dryness.
Step 2
Once you have dipped the kimbap on both sides, take a medium sized pan and place it on a stove that is switched on to medium heat. Add about 2 tablespoons of oil to the pan. This will help to ensure that the kimbap does not stick to the bottom of the pan.
Step 3
Once the oil has heated up you can then place your kimbap inside. Allow it to reheat on both sides for 2 to 3 minutes or until the kimbap has a nice golden colour on the outside.
Step 4
Once the kimbap is ready you should remove it from the pan and serve it immediately.
How to store kimbap
Naturally kimbap was designed to be eaten on the same day as it was made. This is because the texture of the rice tends to dry out within 2 to 3 hours after preparation. However, if you have leftovers you can always store them using any of the methods below but, it is important to note that the texture will be sacrificed greatly.
Store leftover kimbap in the refrigerator
NB: leftover kimbap can last in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days.
When storing kimbap in the refrigerator the first thing that you need to do is to wrap the kimbap using saran wrap or you can just place the kimbap is an airtight container. Place the container in the refrigerator. The kimbap will last for 2 to 3 days in the refrigerator so make sure that you eat it within this time frame.
Store leftover kimbap in the freezer
NB: this method preserves kimbap for a longer period of time but also sacrifices its texture, so use this as your last option.
When storing kimbap in the freezer you need to start by wrapping the kimbap using saran wrap. This will help to ensure that moisture does not enter inside. The next step is to take a freezer bag and place the kimbap inside. Take out as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it. The last step is to store the kimbap in the freezer.
NB: When reheating kimbap that was previously stored in the freezer you need to ensure that you thaw it before reheating it.
Conclusion
Kimbap is a very interesting Korean dish which you definitely need to try out. It is served at room temperature but can be reheated when there are leftovers. So the next time you visit any Korean restaurant you should definitely try ordering kimbap.
