Unique Cherry Blossom Salt-Pickled Sandwich
Unique Cherry Blossom Salt-Pickled Sandwich
Cherry Blossom Salt-Pickled Rice Ball Sandwich Inspired by the Naver Webtoon ‘Shall We Eat?’
Inspired by the popular Naver webtoon ‘Shall We Eat?’, which featured a delicious rice ball sandwich, I’ve created my own version using a special cherry blossom pickle. This unique sandwich offers a delightful twist on traditional rice balls with the distinctive flavor of salt-pickled cherry blossoms complementing the rice.
**Note:** The photos used in this recipe were not taken by me due to personal circumstances. I apologize for any inconvenience and may have limited photos during the cooking process.
For the Cherry Blossom Salt Pickle- Edible cherry blossoms, as needed
- Salt (1/5 of the cherry blossom’s weight)
- Water (for storage, brine)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the cherry blossom salt pickle. Gently wash the cherry blossoms under running water to remove any debris. Then, carefully pat them dry with paper towels or a clean cloth. Ensuring they are thoroughly dry is crucial for the pickling process.
Step 2
Once the cherry blossoms are dry, sprinkle salt evenly over them. The amount of salt should be approximately 20% (or one-fifth) of the cherry blossoms’ weight. After adding the salt, place something heavy on top to press down the cherry blossoms, helping them release their moisture.
Step 3
Leave the cherry blossoms to pickle in a cool place for about 2 days. During this time, check and discard the moisture that the cherry blossoms release periodically.
Step 4
After 2 days, gently squeeze out some of the accumulated moisture from the pickled cherry blossoms. Be careful not to squeeze too hard, as removing all the moisture might dilute the salty flavor. It’s best to retain some of the saltiness. Store the finished cherry blossom salt pickle submerged in its brine (saltwater) in an airtight container to keep it fresh for longer.
Step 5
Now, let’s prepare to make the rice ball sandwiches. Take a sheet of kimbap gim and place it on a flat surface in a diamond shape. Typically, the shiny side of the gim should face upwards.
Step 6
Spoon a moderate amount of warm cooked rice onto the center of the gim, spreading it out into a square shape. On top of the rice, arrange your prepared cherry blossom salt pickle and any other fillings you desire (e.g., finely chopped vegetables, ham, tuna, etc.).
Step 7
Finally, fold the gim with the rice and fillings as if you were folding origami or a cushion fold, neatly tucking in the sides. Seal the edges securely. Wrap the assembled sandwich tightly with plastic wrap to help it hold its shape. Once the shape is set and firm, remove the plastic wrap and cut the sandwich in half to serve. Your delicious cherry blossom salt-pickled rice ball sandwich is now complete!
