Kimbap Korean Rolls
These tasty treats make for a nice introduction to Korean cuisine. They are regularly served in the Gwangjang Market in Seoul because they are cute, delicious, and easy to eat when you are in a hurry.
INGREDIENTS
- 1-1/2 cups uncooked short grain rice
- 2 Tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 medium cucumber, julienned (or danmuji strips if you prefer)
- 4 nori sheets
- 1/3 teaspoon, plus additional to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish
DIPPING SAUCE
- 1 Tablespoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Prepare a fresh batch of short grain rice using slightly less water than normal. While the rice is cooking, julienne carrots and cucumber. Heat 1 teaspoon of sesame oil in a small frying pan over medium-high heat. Quickly stir-fry the carrots until they just begin to soften. Season with a pinch of salt.
When rice is finished and still hot, evenly mix in 1 Tablespoon of sesame oil and 1/3 teaspoon of salt. Cut the Nori sheets into quarters, lay shiny side face-down on a cutting board. Spread 1 Tablespoon of rice over each of the sheets leaving 1/2 inch from edge on one side. Lay a narrow strip of julienned carrots and cucumbers from side to side on the opposite end of the sheet. Roll tightly, rolling toward the bare edge. Rub or brush rolls with remaining sesame oil. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Hanbok Traditional Clothing
Hanbok is the traditional attire of the Korean people. It fell out of contemporary fashion about 100 years ago, but it is still worn for festive occasions or special anniversaries. The Korean Ministry of Culture made a proclamation in 1996 establishing Hanbok Day, officially recognizing the style and encouraging Koreans to wear it more often.
