Gimbap or kimbap? Korean version of sushi

Gimbap is the most famous Korean traditional food. It is convenient to eat, and it is a good for health with various vegetables. However, do you know the difference between kimbap and sushi, a traditional Japanese food? While it may look similar to sushi at first glance, there are distinct differences that set it apart. Let’s explore the characteristics of gimbap, the difference between gimbap and sushi, and how to make gimbap!

What is Gimbap?

Kimbap is a beloved Korean dish consisting of cooked rice, seasoned vegetables, and optional meat, all neatly rolled within dried seaweed sheets called gim. Often enjoyed as a snack or light meal, kimbap is a versatile food perfect for picnics or on-the-go bites. To make kimbap, simply spread rice onto a gim sheet, arrange your desired fillings, and roll tightly using a bamboo mat. Cut the roll into bite-sized pieces and savour the delightful flavours and textures of this Korean culinary gem. Kimbap offers a delightful balance of carbohydrates, protein, and fiber, making it an energizing and nutritious meal choice.

Is it gimbap or kimbap?

While “kimbap” is the common spelling in English, the actual Korean pronunciation is closer to “gimbap.” This difference arises from the unique characteristics of Korean phonology. The Korean letter “ㄱ” (g) can be pronounced as either an unaspirated “g” or an aspirated “k,” depending on its position in the word. In the case of “김밥,” the “ㄱ” is unaspirated, resulting in a softer “g” sound.

To accurately capture this pronunciation in English, some people use the spelling “gimbap” to reflect the unaspirated “g” sound. However, the spelling “kimbap” has become more widely recognised in English-speaking countries, even though it doesn’t fully represent the original Korean pronunciation.

So, while both “kimbap” and “gimbap” are acceptable spellings, “gimbap” is a more accurate representation of the Korean pronunciation.

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History of Gimbap

The exact origins of kimbap remain shrouded in mystery, with various theories vying to explain its genesis. Let’s delve into some of the most compelling narratives surrounding this culinary gem.

1. The Evolution from Joseon’s Boksam:

Some trace kimbap’s roots back to the Joseon Dynasty, where a dish called ‘boksam’ was prevalent. Boksam involved wrapping rice, seaweed, and side dishes together, laying the foundation for kimbap’s development.

2. Adaptation of Japanese Norimaki during the Japanese Occupation:

Another theory suggests that kimbap emerged during the Japanese occupation when ‘norimaki,’ a Japanese seaweed roll, was introduced to Korea. Koreans adapted norimaki to their palate, giving rise to kimbap.

3. Existence of Unique Korean Kimbap Forms:

Scholars posit that food items resembling kimbap existed as early as the Goryeo Dynasty. These early forms, known as ‘kimmalyi’ or ‘kimbapmalyi,’ hint at kimbap’s deep-rooted Korean origins.

4. Kimbap’s Transformation:

Early kimbap was a simple affair, consisting merely of rice and seaweed. Over time, diverse ingredients were incorporated, shaping kimbap into its modern form. Today, kimbap boasts a myriad of variations, gracing even high-end restaurants.

The Difference between Gimbap and Sushi

Basically, the ingredients for kimbap and sushi are different

Kimbap: Kimbap offers a hearty meal packed with a variety of ingredients. It features a base of rice, seaweed (gim), vegetables, eggs, fish cakes, and meat. To enhance the flavour, kimchi, anchovy paste, and tuna mayonnaise are often added. Recently, the introduction of diverse ingredients like cheese, ham, and fried foods has expanded the range of kimbap variations.

Sushi: Sushi places a strong emphasis on fresh, high-quality raw seafood. It utilizes a wide assortment of fish and seafood, including tuna, salmon, trout, mackerel, and shrimp, often with regional specialties. Additionally, a few vegetables, such as cucumber, avocado, and shiitake mushrooms, are commonly used. The key to sushi lies in the use of fresh, top-notch ingredients and cooking methods that preserve the inherent flavours of each component.

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The Difference Between Making Gimbap and Sushi

    Making Kimbap:

    Ingredients: rice, laver, sesame oil, salt (slightly)

    Selected ingredients: cucumber, carrot, egg, crab meat, rectangular fish paste, burdock radish, kimbap ham, tuna mayonnaise kimchi anchovy sauce

    How to make it: Cook it with sesame oil, season it with sesame oil, season it with sesame oil, season it with sesame oil, season it with sesame oil, season it with sesame oil, season it with sesame oil, season it with sesame oil, season it with sesame oil, season it with sesame oil, and season it with sesame oil. Lay out the kimbap.

    Last of the kimbap: Spread the laver and spread the rice evenly. Make an empty space about 1cm from the bottom edge. Put the prepared ingredients in a row. Turn the laver slowly while sticking to it. Spread sesame oil on the knife and cut the kimbap.

    Tip: It is good to put a little bit of rice (sushi vinegar). You can change the ingredients of kimbap according to your taste. If you put sesame oil on your hand before rolling kimbap, kimbap sticks well. You can make more beautiful kimbap by cutting with a sharp knife.

    Making sushi:

    Ingredients: rice, vinegar, sugar, salt (slightly), fish: tuna, salmon, flatfish

    Optional ingredients: wasabi ginger sushi soy sauce

    How to make sushi: Make sushi: Cook rice, cool, add vinegar, sugar, and salt, and mix.

    Prepare fish: Prepare fish in a good size. (Example: Cut the tuna horizontally and cut the salmon diagonally.) Making Nigirizushi: Put water on your hands and make rice into an elliptical shape. Put a little wasabi on the rice. Put the prepared fish on the rice and press it lightly.

    Tip: Mix the vinegar, sugar, and salt to loosen the rice. Fish should be fresh and high quality. Wasabi, ginger, sushi and soy sauce are used according to your preference.

    Join a summer social and try Kimbap yourself

    Come join Dear Asia London’s summer social park picnic with kimbap, try this delicious Korean dish yourself! Gimbap is one of the staples in Korean picnics. It’s a portable and customisable dish made by rolling seasoned rice, vegetables, and often some type of protein in sheets of seaweed.  Let’s celebrate the summer season together in the great outdoors with one of the Korean national dishes!

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