Adorable Snail Kimbap
Make Cute Snail Kimbap: Easy & Pretty Character Lunch Box Idea!
With the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, outdoor activities are becoming more popular. Are you looking for a simple yet special lunch menu for picnics or special occasions with your children? Introducing the ‘Snail Kimbap’ recipe, a popular choice for cute character lunch boxes. Its vibrant colors and fun shape will capture children’s attention, and it’s easy to eat, making it perfect for picnic lunches. The pretty shape stays intact, which is a big plus! Let’s get started right away!
Main Ingredients
- 2 slices Processed Ham
- 2 slices Cheddar Cheese
- 1.5 cups Cooked Rice
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- Pinch of Salt
- Pinch of Black Sesame Seeds
- 2 sheets Gim (Seaweed for Kimbap)
- 1 tsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, briefly dip the sliced ham in hot water and then pat it dry with a paper towel. This process removes excess oil, making the ham less greasy and helping it adhere well to the gim when rolling the kimbap, resulting in a neat shape. This step is crucial for removing unnecessary oil from the ham.
Step 2
Now, let’s roll the ham to create the snail’s body. To make thinner kimbap, cut the ham slices into 2 or 3 equal pieces. It’s best to cut them into bite-sized pieces for children.
Step 3
Overlap the thinly sliced ham pieces (2-3 layers) and roll them tightly. Dab a little water on the edge of the gim at the end to secure the roll firmly. If too much gim is used, the kimbap might feel stiff when eaten, so trim off the excess edge of the gim to adjust the thickness.
Step 4
Next, prepare the cheese that will form the snail’s shell. While traditionally 2-3 layers of cheese are used for a fuller appearance, to avoid making the kimbap too thick or greasy, cut each cheese slice into 2 or 3 pieces and roll it with the gim as a single layer. Rolling thinly helps maintain the overall balance of the kimbap.
Step 5
Using a small bottle cap or a round cutter, punch out small circles from the cheese. These cheese circles will serve as the snail’s face and eyes. This is also a great technique for making cute octopus sausages!
Step 6
In the warm rice, mix in toasted sesame seeds, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt to season it. Spread the rice thinly over the gim, covering about 70% of the surface. Place the rolled ham body and the cheese shell slightly below the center of the rice. Now, roll the gim tightly to form the kimbap shape.
Step 7
Slice the completed kimbap into bite-sized pieces. Using a bread knife will help you cut the kimbap cleanly without it falling apart – this is a great tip! Finally, use black sesame seeds to create the snail’s eyes, and your adorable Snail Kimbap is complete! Enjoy a delightful lunch with your children.
