Flavorful Beef and Bean Sprout Kimbap: A Delicious Twist on a Korean Classic
Easy Homemade Beef Kimbap with Bean Sprouts: Perfect for Lunchboxes!
Introducing a special beef kimbap that adds a touch of elegance to any meal, whether it’s an ordinary day or a special occasion. The harmony of crunchy bean sprouts and sweet, savory beef bulgogi is truly exceptional. Rolling the bean sprouts separately before making the kimbap not only makes for a prettier presentation but also preserves their crisp texture, making it even more enjoyable. This nutritious kimbap is perfect for the whole family to enjoy together. Let’s get started!
Kimbap Ingredients (Measurements: 1 Tbsp = 15ml, 1 tsp = 5ml)
- Beef (for bulgogi) 100g
- Bean sprouts 1 bag (approx. 300g)
- Fish sauce 1 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 1 Tbsp
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Seaweed sheets (for kimbap) 5 sheets
- Carrot 20g
- Salt 1 tsp
- Eggs 4
- Cooking oil, a little
- Salt, a little (for eggs)
- Pepper, a little (for eggs)
- Sesame oil (for rice seasoning) generous amount
- Sesame seeds, a little
Beef Bulgogi Marinade
- Soy sauce 1 Tbsp
- Cooking wine (Mirin, etc.) 1 Tbsp
- Pepper, a little
- Sesame oil, a little
- Soy sauce 1 Tbsp
- Cooking wine (Mirin, etc.) 1 Tbsp
- Pepper, a little
- Sesame oil, a little
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the bean sprouts. Boil water and add the bean sprouts along with 1 Tbsp of fish sauce. Cover and cook for 3-5 minutes. It’s important not to overcook them to maintain their crisp texture. Drain the cooked bean sprouts in a colander and set aside.
Step 2
Julienne the carrots thinly. In a bowl, combine the shredded carrots and 1 tsp of salt. Gently mix and let them sit for 30 minutes to pickle. After pickling, lightly rinse the carrots under running water and squeeze out as much moisture as possible to prevent the kimbap from becoming soggy. (This step can be used to make something similar to ‘carrot la-vie’).
Step 3
Now, let’s make the beef bulgogi marinade. In a bowl, add the beef and mix with 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp cooking wine, a little pepper, and a little sesame oil. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes for the flavors to meld.
Step 4
Whisk the 4 eggs in a bowl and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over low heat. Pour the egg mixture thinly to make an omelet, cooking until lightly browned on both sides. Let the omelet cool slightly, then slice it into long, thin strips for the kimbap.
Step 5
Cut the kimbap seaweed sheets in half. On one half of a seaweed sheet, spread a thin layer of the squeezed carrots and roll it up tightly. Rolling the carrots separately like this not only makes for a prettier kimbap but also helps preserve their crunchy texture. (This step is optional.)
Step 6
Now, thinly spread the marinated beef and the cooked bean sprouts on separate halves of seaweed sheets and roll them up. Rolling each ingredient separately helps prevent the kimbap from breaking or getting mushy, while preserving the distinct flavors and textures of each component.
Step 7
Season 2 bowls of cooked rice with a generous drizzle of sesame oil and a pinch of salt. Gently mix the rice to avoid mashing the grains. Place a kimbap seaweed sheet on a bamboo mat, and spread the seasoned rice thinly and evenly over it. Leave about a 1cm border of rice-free seaweed at the top edge.
Step 8
Arrange the separately rolled carrot, beef bulgogi, bean sprouts, and egg omelet strips attractively over the rice. Ensure the ingredients are distributed evenly to maintain balance within the kimbap.
Step 9
Using the bamboo mat, roll the kimbap tightly. Press down firmly with the mat as you roll to shape the kimbap. Lightly moisten the top edge of the seaweed with water; this will help seal the roll securely, preventing it from coming undone.
Step 10
Once rolled, brush the outside of the kimbap with a thin layer of sesame oil using a brush, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Slice into bite-sized pieces and enjoy. This unique kimbap, with its combination of crunchy bean sprouts and flavorful beef bulgogi, is sure to be a hit! Enjoy your delicious meal!
