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Vibrant Tuna Kimbap platter with fresh ingredients, neatly sliced and arranged on a traditional plate.

Tuna Kimbap Recipe

Chef Lily
Learn how to make Tuna Kimbap, a flavorful fusion of Korean tradition and tuna. Discover ingredients, history, and a simple step-by-step guide!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Dish, Snack
Cuisine Korean, Fusion
Servings 4 rolls (approximately 2-3 servings)
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Seaweed Nori - 4 sheets
  • Sushi Rice or short-grain rice - 2 cups
  • Tuna fresh or canned - 1 can (or 1/2 cup fresh tuna)
  • Pickled Radish Danmuji - 1/2 cup (sliced into strips)
  • Carrots - 1 medium julienned
  • Spinach - 1 cup blanched
  • Egg optional - 1 large (sliced thinly)
  • Sesame Seeds optional - 1 tbsp (lightly toasted)
  • Sesame Oil - 1 tbsp for seasoning rice
  • Salt - 1/2 tsp for seasoning rice
  • Vinegar - 1 tbsp for seasoning rice
  • Mayonnaise optional - 2 tbsp (for mixing with tuna)

Instructions
 

Prepare the Rice:

  • Cook the sushi rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, transfer it to a bowl and let it cool slightly.
  • Mix in 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp vinegar to season the rice. Set aside to cool completely.

Prepare the Tuna:

  • If using canned tuna, drain the liquid and mix the tuna with 2 tbsp mayonnaise (optional) or a little sesame oil for added flavor.
  • If using fresh tuna, lightly sear it in a pan with a bit of sesame oil, then slice it into thin strips.

Prepare the Vegetables:

  • Blanch the spinach in hot water for 1-2 minutes, then drain and squeeze out excess water. Set aside.
  • Peel and julienne the carrots into thin strips. You can either sauté them lightly or use them raw for extra crunch.

Slice the pickled radish into long strips.

  • Assemble the Kimbap:
  • Lay a bamboo sushi mat on a flat surface. Place a sheet of nori (seaweed) on the mat, shiny side down.
  • Spread a thin layer of seasoned rice over the nori, leaving about 1 inch at the top edge of the nori for sealing.
  • Add a strip of tuna, some pickled radish, julienned carrots, spinach, and egg (optional) on top of the rice.

Roll the Kimbap:

  • Carefully roll the sushi mat and nori from the bottom up, pressing gently to form a tight roll.
  • Once rolled, seal the edge of the nori with a little water to keep it closed.

Slice the Kimbap:

  • Using a sharp knife, slice the roll into bite-sized pieces, wiping the knife with a damp cloth between cuts for clean slices.

Serve and Enjoy:

  • Arrange the slices on a platter and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds (optional).
  • Serve immediately or refrigerate for a few hours if preparing in advance. Enjoy with some kimchi for an added burst of flavor!

Notes

Nutrition Information (per serving):
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Fat: 12g
    • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
    • Fiber: 4g
    • Sugar: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Calcium: 10% of the Daily Value
  • Iron: 8% of the Daily Value
Keyword Fusion Kimbap, Korean Sushi, Tuna Kimbap