Jumeokbap (Korean Rice Balls) Recipe
Jumeokbap, a delightful Korean rice ball snack, combines warm, seasoned rice with sautéed vegetables and your choice of flavorful bulgogi or creamy canned salmon mixture. These compact rice balls are perfect as a quick snack or a light meal, blending the comforting textures of rice with vibrant Korean flavors and a hint of toasted sesame oil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 rice balls 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
Rice mixture
- 2 cups cooked warm short or medium grain rice
- 1 cup finely chopped zucchini and carrots
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil (divided use)
- 1–2 teaspoons seasoned rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup crushed seaweed sheets (optional)
Vegetables
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 cup finely chopped zucchini and carrots (same as above)
Fillings (choose one)
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup cooked bulgogi
- or 4 ounces canned salmon mixed with 1 tablespoon Japanese or Korean mayonnaise
Instructions
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil and the finely chopped zucchini and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Combine rice and seasonings: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm cooked rice with the sautéed vegetables, 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil, seasoned rice vinegar, and crushed seaweed sheets if using. Mix well to evenly distribute flavors.
- Shape the rice balls: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the rice mixture and flatten it slightly in your palm. Add a small amount of your chosen filling (bulgogi or salmon mayo) in the center without overstuffing. Top with a little more rice mixture and shape into a compact ball. For ease and to prevent sticking, wear food-safe gloves lightly coated with sesame oil.
- Repeat: Continue the process until all the rice mixture is used, forming a batch of flavorful jumeokbap ready to serve.
Notes
- For finely chopped zucchini and carrots, use a grater or food processor to achieve small uniform pieces that cook evenly.
- Crushed seaweed sheets add a subtle crunch and extra umami flavor but can be omitted to suit dietary preferences.
- Adjust the amount of seasoned rice vinegar to taste for the desired tanginess.
- Using food-safe gloves makes shaping easier and keeps rice from sticking to your hands.
- Bulgogi can be replaced with any preferred cooked meat or left out for a vegetarian option.
Keywords: Jumeokbap, Korean rice balls, bulgogi rice balls, salmon rice balls, Korean snack, sesame oil rice balls
Find it online: https://tastybella.com/jumeokbap-korean-rice-balls-recipe/
