15 Unique Kimbap Recipes To Try (2024)

Get a taste of Korea with these delicious homemade Kimbap Recipes!

Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time roller, these unique kimbap variations will surely please. From spicy tuna to lobster, and beef bulgogi, we have something for everyone!

What is Kimbap?

Kimbap, also known as Gimbap, is a staple in Korean cuisine. It's made by wrapping ingredients like meats, vegetables, and pickles inside seaweed and seasoned rice.

It's frequently served with kimchi or pickled radish for lunch.

Kimbap is a traditional dish that dates back several centuries. It's prepared in various styles and with different fillings, especially in modern restaurants.

Traditional kimbap doesn't have raw fish; instead, it includes proteins like imitation crab, luncheon meat, beef, eggs, and fishcake. Common vegetables include pickled radish, spinach, cucumber, and carrot.

1. Spicy Tuna Kimbap

The first recipe on this list is my personal favorite: spicy canned tuna kimbap. It has a spicy mayo sauce, canned tuna, and crunchy vegetables.

It only takes 30 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for a quick lunch or a busy weeknight! If you've never made kimbap before, this is a great place to start!

You only need to cook the rice, chop the veggies, prepare the spicy tuna, and roll. Rolling kimbap can be tricky at first, but it becomes easier after a few tries!

2. Beef Bulgogi Kimbap

Beef bulgogi in kimbap? Yes, please! This kimbap is a filling, delicious option for lunch, dinner, a snack, or even breakfast.

It includes sweet and savory ground beef rolled in seaweed paper with rice, carrots, pickled burdock, daikon, sesame-flavored spinach, cucumber, and perilla leaves.

You can prepare it in just 30 minutes. The sweet bulgogi flavor pairs perfectly with the fresh veggies and pickled burdock root.

3. Egg Roll Kimbap

This egg roll kimbap is the newest trend in Korea!

It consists of a savory egg omelet wrapped in rice and seaweed, along with ham, green onions, and carrots. It's great for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a snack.

If you already have cooked rice, this becomes super quick! I love eating this for breakfast since it's basically ham and eggs!

4. Cheese Kimbap

For a cheesy craving, try my cheese kimbap recipe. It's made with dried seaweed paper, kimchi fried rice, and melty mozzarella cheese.

It's effortless and quick to prepare - less than 45 minutes!

You'll love the tangy, spicy, and cheesy flavors in this kimbap. The mozzarella cheese balances the kimchi fried rice perfectly, creating a well-rounded bite.

Make sure to serve it hot so that the mozzarella is gooey and stilled melted.

5. Spam Kimbap

In this list of Kimbap Recipes, Spam Kimbap is a must-try!

It's made with salty slices of Spam, cucumber, carrots, and sautéed spinach rolled up in nori. It's a great option for a quick and easy lunch.

You can experiment with different types of Spam for a unique taste, and searing the Spam can enhance the flavor. It caramelizes some of the sugars, adding a savory and sweet depth.

6. Lobster gimbap

This lobster gimbap recipe is luxurious and a true delicacy. Make this for a special occasion to impress all your friends and family!

It features lobster meat, rice, seaweed, carrots, cucumber, yellow pickled radish, and toasted sesame oil. The lobster's rich and sweet seafood flavor beautifully complements the other ingredients.

It's a quick and easy recipe, ready in under an hour, and you can use pre-cooked lobster tail meat if you prefer not to cook a whole lobster.

7. Folded Kimbap

This simple folded kimbap recipe is a quick and easy alternative to traditional Korean kimbap! Only a few ingredients are needed, and no bamboo rolling mat is required!

This style of kimbap was made famous in the Korean drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo. Instead of rolling a kimbap, it's made by folding it like a sandwich.

8. Flower Kimbap

If you're looking for a fun weekend project, this is the recipe! Flower kimbap is a highly aesthetic dish that takes time and effort but will wow all your guests!

You'll need cucumber, carrot, mushroom, pickled daikon, Spam, bell pepper, and eggs for this recipe. To create the "petals," slice each ingredient into thin pieces and wrap them in small seaweed sheets.

9. Pork Belly Kimbap

This kimbap with pork belly, perilla leaves, and ssamjang is flavorful and can be made in about an hour!

It contains colorful ingredients like carrots, spinach, radish, perilla leaves, and eggs!

One tip is to cook the pork belly until it's crispy and has had time to brown; this will enhance the flavor. You'll never buy pre-made kimbap again!

10. Chicken Gimbap

This Chicken Gimbap is perfect for summer picnics, family dinners, and school lunch boxes.

It's a quick recipe with just two filling ingredients: crispy pan-fried chicken and yellow pickled radish.

The chicken is salty and sweet, and the radish is sweet and sour, making for a delicous flavor profile! Give it a try; it might become your new favorite gimbap.

11. Triangle Kimbap

If you've wanted to learn how to make triangle kimbap, here's a simple guide. It's easy to make, and you can choose from various flavors.

Using a triangle mold is ideal for this recipe. Without one, it can take longer and be a bit trickier to make consistently.

You can find instructions on making tuna mayo and pork kimchi versions by clicking the links above. Both flavors are tasty!

12. Drug Kimbap

This is what I imagine all the Korean drug overlords in K-dramas eat when they're not on screen.

The Drug kimbap gets its name because it looks like a cigar and is super addictive.

It has only three filling ingredients and is vegan-friendly.

This style of gimbap is perfect as an appetizer for a party or potluck. They're fun to serve and also fun to eat!

13. Pickled Veggie Kimbap

This pickled vegetable kimbap is one of the most unique kimbap recipes I've tried. The bright and spicy flavors of the pickled daikon and jalapenos balance the richness of the avocado and charred pea shoots.

The pickles are ready in 30 minutes but taste best after a few days in the fridge. They make for a quick and convenient meal for lunch, dinner, or a snack.

14. Vegan Kimbap

If you enjoy Korean cuisine, you must try this vegan kimbap! It's flavorful, filling, and offers a variety of tastes and textures.

Additionally, they travel well and are excellent for packing for lunch.

The recipe features crispy fried tofu and a mix of seasoned and fresh vegetables. Frying the tofu adds flavor and crunch! You can even use smoked tofu for added smokiness and depth.

Enjoy them on their own or as a side with other Korean dishes!

15. Shrimp Kimbap

Shrimp Kimbap is a favorite at Korean Bunsik restaurants! This recipe, which takes about an hour to prepare, features fried shrimp, crisp carrots, refreshing cucumber, Korean pickled radish, and burdock root.

Serve these Shrimp Kimbap rolls as a delicious snack, lunch, or light dinner. Their flavors and textures will make you want to make it repeatedly!

Did you enjoy these Kimbap Recipes? Be sure to check out the other delicious recipes on this blog by checking out our Recipe Index.

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