[Magazine Kave=Lee Tae-rim Reporter] Korean-style gimbap is not just a simple food, but a summary of 'Korean food culture' in a single line. Various ingredients such as rice, vegetables, eggs, and meat harmoniously come together in a sheet of seaweed, completed in a bite-sized form. It can be easily consumed without any special tools, making it a food that exists in the daily lives of Koreans, whether for picnics, travel, or late-night work.
The reason gimbap frequently appears in major K-content, including 'K-Pop Demon Hunters', is also here. Gimbap is an iconic medium that most effectively showcases the daily life of Koreans and is a practical food that supports the lives of busy modern individuals.
The Origin and Unique Evolution of Gimbap
There are various theories about the origin of gimbap, but the form of 'rice wrapped in seaweed' shows similarities to Japanese makizushi. However, Korean gimbap has undergone a unique development process. Unlike the Japanese version, which is seasoned with vinegar and sugar, Korean gimbap maximises its nutty flavour using sesame oil and salt. The filling ingredients mainly consist of stir-fried meat, vegetables, and pickled radish rather than fish.
With rapid urbanisation in the 1970s and 1980s, gimbap established itself as a meal with 'mobility'. Once synonymous with home-cooked lunch boxes, gimbap has evolved into a national food that can be enjoyed anywhere, thanks to specialised snack shops, convenience stores, and premium brands. Recently, scenes of protagonists in K-dramas and movies eating gimbap have been broadcast worldwide, emerging as a powerful cultural content that conveys Korean sentiment.
Delicate Cooking Methods Hidden in Simplicity
The process of making gimbap is faithful to the basics while requiring delicacy. The key is the state of the rice. The rice should be fluffy yet sticky, seasoned with salt and sesame oil. Care must be taken to spread the rice thinly and evenly on the seaweed without crushing the grains, which is a skill.
Traditional ingredients include egg strips, pickled radish, spinach, carrots, and ham. Each ingredient is prepared long and straight, and arranged considering the harmony of colour and texture. The process of rolling with a bamboo mat under appropriate pressure is a crucial step that determines the shape and texture of the gimbap.
The completed gimbap is brushed with sesame oil and sprinkled with sesame seeds to finish. The cross-section of the gimbap, cut into bite-sized pieces of about 1.5cm, showcases a harmony of five colours, stimulating visual appetite.
Infinite Expandability: Variations of Gimbap
The greatest competitiveness of gimbap lies in its infinite variation possibilities based on ingredients. While basic gimbap emphasises nutritional balance, tuna mayo gimbap highlights nuttiness and creaminess, making it popular among foreigners. The flavour of mayonnaise captures the Western palate.
Bulgogi gimbap incorporates Korea's representative meat dish, making it a hearty meal. The sweet and salty seasoning blends with the rice to create a deep flavour.
Recently, in line with health-conscious trends, vegan gimbap and keto gimbap have also gained attention. By reducing the amount of rice and increasing the proportion of vegetables, or using various toppings such as cheese, pork cutlet, and spicy fish cakes, they target the diverse tastes of consumers.
Layers of Taste: Harmony of Nutty Flavour and Texture
The taste of gimbap begins with the olfactory stimulation from the seaweed and sesame oil. The texture of the rice and the diverse flavours of the filling ingredients create layers. The crunchiness and acidity of the pickled radish are key elements that balance the overall flavour.
The taste of gimbap can also change depending on the temperature, and it pairs excellently with side dishes like ramen or tteokbokki. The harmony of the light gimbap and the stimulating broth is considered the essence of Korean snack culture.
K-Food Gimbap, Captivating the World
In the global market, gimbap is recognised as a unique 'Gimbap' rather than 'Korean sushi'. As the perception of it being a balanced healthy meal with carbohydrates, proteins, and vegetables spreads, it is gaining popularity as a wellness food. The use of familiar ingredients while taking on an exotic form has lowered the entry barriers for foreigners.
Thanks to the popularity of K-content such as 'K-Pop Demon Hunters', gimbap is now on the must-try list when visiting Korea. Gimbap, which contains ingredients from both land and sea in a single line, has now become a representative cultural icon that goes beyond being just food, showcasing the taste and style of Korea to the world.
