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Lunch / Korean

Crispy Tofu Kimbap with Quick-Pickled Veg

Golden tofu batons, seasoned rice, and tangy quick-pickled vegetables rolled into Korean-style kimbap for a satisfying vegetarian meal.

By Vegetarian Recipes Kitchen · Updated

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Kimbap rolls filled with tofu and pickled vegetables
Illustrative food photography. See our editorial policy.
Prep
25 minutes
Cook
25 minutes
Total
50 minutes
Serves
4

Gather your ingredients

Everything you need.

Allergen notes

  • Contains soy.
  • Contains sesame.
  • Check all packaged ingredients and substitutions for allergens; vegetarian or vegan labels do not establish allergen safety.

Check product labels and any substitutions; packaged ingredients can introduce additional allergens.

Let's cook

Step by delicious step.

Tap a step number to mark it complete as you cook.

  1. Combine the rice, water, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce to low, and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and steam for 10 minutes.

  2. Stir the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt together until dissolved, then fold into the warm rice. Spread on a tray to cool.

    Crispy Tofu Kimbap with Quick-Pickled Veg: Stir the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt together until dissolved, then fold into the warm rice
  3. Whisk the pickling vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Add the carrots and daikon and let sit for at least 10 minutes.

    Crispy Tofu Kimbap with Quick-Pickled Veg: Whisk the pickling vinegar, water, sugar, and salt
  4. Toss the tofu with tamari and cornstarch. Sear in the neutral oil over medium-high heat until crisp, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Drizzle with 2 teaspoons sesame oil.

  5. Wilt the spinach with a splash of water in the skillet, then season with the remaining sesame oil and a pinch of salt.

  6. Lay a nori sheet on a rolling mat. Spread a thin layer of rice over it, leaving a 1-inch border. Add tofu, spinach, and drained pickles, then roll tightly. Use a thin, even rice layer and drain pickles before filling. Too much filling makes the roll difficult to seal.

  7. Brush the seam with a little water, slice the roll into pieces, and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

0 of 7 steps complete

A little kitchen know-how

  • Press the tofu well so it crisps quickly without splattering.
  • Keep a small bowl of water nearby to seal the nori seam.
  • Slice with a lightly oiled knife for clean edges.

Make it yours & keep it well

Replace daikon with cucumber strips for a fresh filling, keeping them narrow and dry.

Storage: Cool cooked rice promptly, ideally within 1 hour, and refrigerate. Eat within 24 hours, or freeze promptly for longer storage. Reheat only once until steaming hot throughout. Refrigerate promptly with the rice storage limit in mind. Nori softens during storage, so these rolls are best assembled near serving.

For cooling and reheating, follow the Food Standards Agency’s leftover guidance. Rice has a shorter refrigerated storage limit, as described in its recipe notes.

Estimated nutrition per serving

480 kcal · Protein 18 g · Carbohydrates 64 g · Fat 17 g

Approximate figures; brands, portions and substitutions change the result.

Good things to know

Can I make the rolls ahead?

Yes. Cool the rice promptly, ideally within 1 hour, before assembling. Wrap the rolls, refrigerate and eat within 24 hours of cooking the rice; slice just before serving.

What can I use instead of daikon?

Swap in cucumber sticks or thinly sliced radish for a similar crunch.

How do I get clean slices?

Use a sharp knife, lightly dampen the blade and wipe it between cuts. Support the roll without squeezing out its filling.

Keep the good food coming.