Description
Bulgogi Beef Triangle Kimbap
This popular Korean dish is a fun twist on traditional kimbap. Originating from Korean street food culture, this tasty treat features sweet and savory bulgogi beef wrapped in sticky rice and dry roasted seaweed. It’s commonly found at Korean convenience stores, perfect for those on-the-go meals. With simple ingredients like rice, ground beef, soy sauce, and seaweed, you can easily recreate this delicious and satisfying snack at home!
4 cups cooked short grain rice (hot)
1 tsp salt
½ lb ground beef (extra-lean)
2 tsp soy sauce
1 tbsp brown sugar
2 garlic cloves (minced)
½ tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp vegetable oil
2 sheets nori
Directions:
1. Season hot rice with salt.
2. Cook beef in oil, add garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Let cool.
3. Shape rice with beef into triangles and wrap with nori.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Kcal: 421
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Rice: While your cooked short-grain rice is still hot, transfer it to a large bowl. Add the 1 teaspoon of salt and mix thoroughly. Let it cool slightly until it’s manageable to handle, but still warm and sticky.
2. Cook the Bulgogi Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Cook for 2-3 more minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
3. Shape the Triangles: Take a portion of the seasoned rice (about ½ cup) and flatten it in your palm. Place a spoonful of the cooled bulgogi beef in the center. Carefully fold and press the rice around the filling to form a compact, triangular shape. Ensure the rice fully encases the filling.
4. Wrap with Nori: Cut your nori sheets into strips or shapes that will neatly wrap around the rice triangle. Lightly moisten the edge of the nori to help it seal. Wrap each rice triangle firmly, ensuring the nori adheres to the rice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Bulgogi Beef Triangle Kimbap immediately for the best texture. They are perfect as a handheld snack for picnics, lunchboxes, or parties. For a more complete meal, pair them with a side of kimchi, pickled radish (danmuji), or a simple Korean spinach side dish (sigeumchi namul). A small dish of soy sauce or spicy gochujang sauce for dipping adds an extra flavor boost.
How-to Summary
Season hot rice with salt. Cook ground beef with garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil, then cool. Form rice around the beef filling into triangles. Wrap each triangle securely with strips of nori seaweed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-cooked or leftover rice? Yes, but the rice must be warm when seasoning. Reheat leftover rice until hot and steamy to restore its stickiness before adding salt.
What can I substitute for ground beef? Thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin (traditional for bulgogi) works well. For a vegetarian option, use crumbled firm tofu or textured vegetable protein (TVP) marinated in the same sauce.
How do I store leftover kimbap triangles? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The nori will soften. For longer storage, freeze them individually on a tray before transferring to a bag.
My rice isn’t sticky enough. What went wrong? Using the correct short-grain (or sushi) rice is crucial. Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking. The rice must also be hot when shaping.
Can I make these ahead of time? You can prepare the beef filling and season the rice ahead. However, assemble the triangles close to serving time to prevent the nori from becoming soggy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold rice, which won’t stick together properly.
- Overfilling the triangles, causing them to break apart.
- Not letting the beef filling cool completely, which makes the rice messy and hard to shape.
- Using the wrong type of rice (like long-grain). Short-grain is essential for stickiness.
- Wrapping with nori while your hands are too wet, which makes the seaweed tear easily.
Conclusion
Making Bulgogi Beef Triangle Kimbap at home is a simple and rewarding process. By following this guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can recreate this beloved Korean convenience store snack. The combination of savory-sweet beef and seasoned rice wrapped in crispy nori is irresistibly delicious. Perfect for a quick meal or an impressive homemade treat, these kimbap triangles are sure to become a favorite.