What is the Difference Between Kimbap and Sushi

The main difference between kimbap and sushi is that sushi is a Japanese rice roll seasoned with vinegar while kimbap is a Korean rice roll mixed with sesame oil. Furthermore, kimbap has a slightly sweeter taste to it when compared to sushi.

In brief, kimbap and sushi vary from each other in their fillings and the use of rice. However, if you are a sushi lover who has not still tried kimbap yet, you would find it really difficult to understand the difference between the two varieties of rice rolls.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Kimbap
– Definition, Features, Ingredients
2. What is Sushi
– Definition, Features, Ingredients
3. Similarities Between Kimbap and Sushi
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Kimbap and Sushi
– Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Kimbap, Sushi

What is Kimbap

Kimbap is a popular Korean sushi roll made with cooked rice and some other ingredients that are all rolled in dried seaweed sheets. Gimbap and Korean Sushi Roll are other names for kimbap. In brief, kimbap is actually another version of Japanese sushi.

Kimbap dish is usually taken as a light lunch along with danmuji (yellow pickled radish) and kimchi. Moreover, kimbap is a frequent take-out food as it is easy to pack and you can carry it without much difficulty.

When making kimbap, Koreans usually mix the rice in sesame oil, giving it an extra taste of sweetness. Furthermore, in making kimbap, cooked or preserved ingredients such as kimchi, cheese, ham, canned tuna, or grilled bulgogi are used as fillings. When it comes to rice, unlike the Japanese, Koreans prefer to use brown rice or black rice.

What is Sushi

Sushi is a Japanese rice roll usually stuffed with raw fish or seafood. But sometimes cooked seafood is also used as a filling. If you are a non-Japanese, when you hear the word sushi, you might automatically connect it with raw fish; however, rice actually plays the most vital role in making sushi. Most importantly, the word “sushi” itself refers to vinegared rice with a sour flavor. Some Sushi may include stuffing, and some may include toppings. However, they all always include rice.

When making sushi, the Japanese use medium-grained white rice and mix it with vinegar, salt and sugar. Japonica, in particular, is the variety of rice the Japanese use in sushi making. Japonica rice is comparatively starchier and is with higher levels of amylopectin in comparison to other rice varieties. This extra starch gives the cooked rice a fairly sticky texture. Therefore, it is easier to eat japonica rice with chopsticks and is ideal for molding it together into sushi rolls.

Similarities Between Kimbap and Sushi

Kimbap and sushi are two varieties of rice rolls popular among sushi lovers.
Both include rice and a filling or a topping.
Both kimbap and sushi are ideal for a light lunch and can be easily prepared.

Difference Between Kimbap and Sushi

Definition

Sushi is a Japanese rice roll seasoned with vinegar, while kimbap is a Korean rice roll mixed with sesame oil.

Ingredients

Sushi is a Japanese rice roll usually stuffed with raw or cooked fish or seafood. In making sushi, the Japanese use medium-grained white rice and mix it with vinegar, salt, and sugar. Making kimbap involves cooked or preserved ingredients such as kimchi, cheese, ham, canned tuna, and grilled bulgogi. When it comes to rice, unlike the Japanese, Koreans prefer to use brown rice or black rice.

Varieties

Samgak kimbap, Tuna kimbap, Classic kimbap, Kimchi kimbap, Chungmu kimbap and Mayak kimbap are some varieties of kimbap. Nigiri, Sashimi, Maki, Uramaki and Temaki are the five most popular varieties of sushi.

Conclusion

The main difference between kimbap and sushi is that kimbap is a Korean rice roll that has a slightly sweeter taste compared with the Japanese rice roll Sushi. This is mainly because sushi is seasoned with vinegar while kimbap is seasoned with sesame oil.