Spicy & Sweet! Super Easy Chungmu Gimbap Recipe
Spicy & Sweet! Super Easy Chungmu Gimbap Recipe
Make Baek Jong-won Style Chungmu Gimbap at Home: Conquer Spicy Stir-fried Squid and Crunchy Radish Kimchi All at Once!
Got leftover rice? Turn it into a delightful meal with this Chungmu Gimbap recipe! Instead of fresh squid, we’re using chewy octopus, paired with crisp radish kimchi and soft fish cakes, inspired by Baek Jong-won’s famous dish. This recipe is simple yet satisfying, perfect for busy days when you crave something special.
Main Ingredients- Dried radish strips (Mool-maengi) 1 handful (approx. 50g)
- Gimbap seaweed sheets 2 sheets
- Cooked rice 1 bowl (approx. 200g)
- Fish cake 1 sheet
- Octopus or Squid 50g (tentacles recommended)
- Sesame oil 1.5 Tbsp
- Salt a pinch
- Toasted sesame seeds a pinch
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the dried radish strips. Rinse the dried radish strips (Mool-maengi) once or twice under running water, then soak them in lukewarm water for about 20 minutes until they become soft and rehydrated. Once rehydrated, squeeze out any excess water thoroughly.
Step 2
Next, let’s prepare the seafood and fish cake. If you don’t have squid, chewy octopus makes a great substitute. Chop the octopus or squid into bite-sized pieces (about 1cm long). Slice the fish cake similarly. Briefly blanch the prepared octopus (or squid) and fish cake in boiling water separately. Be careful not to overcook, as they can become tough.
Step 3
In a large bowl, combine the blanched octopus (or squid), the squeezed rehydrated radish strips, and the sliced fish cake. Now it’s time to mix in the delicious seasoning.
Step 4
Add the seasoning ingredients to the bowl with the octopus, radish, and fish cake. Gently mix everything together. First, add 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide, 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic, 0.5 Tbsp soy sauce, and 3 Tbsp anchovy extract. Mix well until the ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce. Once the sauce is well combined, add 3 Tbsp gochugaru for a spicy kick. (You can adjust the amount of gochugaru to your preference.)
Step 5
Continue to mix the ingredients gently until everything is well combined with the seasoning. Taste and adjust if needed. Finally, drizzle in 0.5 Tbsp sesame oil for added aroma and give it a final light toss. Now, let’s make the gimbap rolls. In a separate bowl, season the warm cooked rice with a little sesame oil and salt. Take the gimbap seaweed sheets and cut each one into four equal pieces. Place a portion of the seasoned rice onto one quarter of a seaweed sheet and roll it up tightly. This completes the ‘rice roll’ gimbap, which is essential for Chungmu Gimbap.
Step 6
Lightly brush the outside of the completed rice rolls with sesame oil for a glossy finish, and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for an appetizing look. (Traditionally, Chungmu Gimbap is served with the rice and toppings separate from the rolls, but this simplified version is perfect for enjoying at home.)
Step 7
It’s time to enjoy your delicious homemade Chungmu Gimbap! The combination of soft fish cake, crisp radish strips, and chewy octopus (or squid) is absolutely delightful. The spicy and sweet seasoning perfectly complements the rice, creating a flavor that’s addictive and not at all greasy. Even though we used octopus instead of squid, it offered a unique and enjoyable texture.
Step 8
How about trying this simple yet special Chungmu Gimbap at home? It makes a hearty and satisfying meal when enjoyed with the sides. This spicy and savory flavor is sure to please everyone. Give it a try today!
