BTS’s Jungkook is not only famous for his incredible vocals and dance moves but also for his love of Korean comfort food. One of his favorite dishes is Tuna Kimbap (참치 김밥), a delicious and easy-to-make Korean seaweed rice roll filled with a creamy and savory tuna-mayo mixture. If you’ve ever wanted to eat like a K-pop star, now is your chance!
Kimbap is a staple Korean dish enjoyed by many for its portability, balanced flavors, and satisfying taste. Unlike sushi, which uses raw fish and vinegar-seasoned rice, Kimbap is made with various cooked ingredients and seasoned with sesame oil, giving it a distinct Korean flavor. Tuna Kimbap, in particular, is one of the most popular variations due to its rich, creamy texture combined with fresh vegetables and fluffy rice.
If you’re ready to make this BTS-approved dish, follow this detailed guide for a perfectly rolled Tuna Kimbap that will transport you to Korea’s vibrant street food scene!
What Makes Tuna Kimbap So Special?
Kimbap is a beloved dish in Korea, often packed for picnics, school lunches, road trips, or a quick meal on the go. While there are many variations of Kimbap, Tuna Kimbap stands out for its creamy and flavorful filling, which pairs perfectly with crunchy vegetables and soft, sesame-seasoned rice.
Jungkook has mentioned in multiple interviews and BTS live streams that he enjoys simple and homey Korean meals, and Tuna Kimbap is a perfect representation of that. It’s easy to eat, packed with flavor, and reminds many Koreans of childhood meals.
Ingredients (Serves 2-3 People, Makes 3 Rolls)
Main Ingredients:
- 3 sheets dried seaweed (gim)
- 2 cups cooked short-grain rice
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
Tuna Filling:
- 1 can (150g) tuna, drained well
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Additional Fillings:
- 3 strips danmuji (yellow pickled radish)
- 1/2 cucumber, cut into thin strips
- 1/2 carrot, julienned & lightly stir-fried
- 3 strips egg omelet (thinly sliced)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Cook and Season the Rice
Start by cooking short-grain white rice, which is ideal for Kimbap because of its slightly sticky texture. Once cooked, let it cool slightly before mixing with sesame oil, salt, and sesame seeds. This gives the rice a fragrant, nutty aroma that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
2️⃣ Prepare the Tuna Filling
Drain a can of tuna thoroughly to remove excess moisture. In a bowl, mix the tuna with mayonnaise, soy sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Stir well until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This flavorful filling adds a rich contrast to the crunchy vegetables in the roll.
3️⃣ Prepare the Vegetables and Egg Omelet
- Egg Omelet: Beat 2 eggs, cook them into a thin omelet, and slice into long strips.
- Carrots: Stir-fry julienned carrots lightly with a bit of oil until slightly softened.
- Cucumber & Danmuji: Cut into long, thin strips.
Having all the ingredients prepped and ready before assembling the rolls makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
4️⃣ Assemble the Kimbap
- Lay one sheet of dried seaweed (gim) on a bamboo rolling mat. The shiny side should face down, and the rough side should face up.
- Spread a thin layer of seasoned rice over 2/3 of the seaweed, leaving a small space at the top.
- Arrange the fillings in the center: tuna mixture, egg omelet, carrot, cucumber, and danmuji.
- Carefully lift the bottom of the bamboo mat and start rolling the kimbap tightly and firmly, applying gentle pressure to keep the roll intact.
Rolling Kimbap can be tricky at first, but with practice, you’ll get a smooth, even roll every time!
5️⃣ Slice and Serve
- Brush the roll with a little sesame oil to enhance the flavor and keep the seaweed from drying out.
- Use a sharp knife (lightly oiled for a cleaner cut) and slice the roll into bite-sized pieces.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve with soy sauce or kimchi on the side.
Pro Tips for the Best Tuna Kimbap!
✔ Use slightly cooled rice – Hot rice can make the seaweed soggy.
✔ Drain the tuna well – Excess moisture will make the roll fall apart.
✔ Roll tightly – A loose roll won’t hold together when sliced.
✔ Use a sharp knife – A dull knife will crush the roll instead of slicing cleanly.
Why You Should Try This Recipe!
Tuna Kimbap is more than just a snack—it’s a tasty, satisfying, and well-balanced meal. With the creamy tuna filling, crunchy vegetables, and perfectly seasoned rice, it’s no wonder that Jungkook loves this dish!
This recipe is:
✅ Easy to make, even for beginners
✅ Perfect for lunch, snacks, or picnics
✅ A must-try for any BTS fan or Korean food lover
Would You Try Jungkook’s Favorite Tuna Kimbap?
If you’re looking for a delicious, homemade Korean dish, this Tuna Kimbap recipe is a fantastic choice! Let me know in the comments if you tried it and how it turned out. 💜🇰🇷✨
Enjoy and "Bon Appétit, Jungkook Style!" 🎶🍙
