Kimchi Jumeokbap (Kimchi and Beef Rice Balls)
Hand shaped sticky rice balls mixed with savoury beef and stir fried kimchi, rolled in toasted sesame and seaweed.
Made with Kimchi. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time45 min
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £1.35 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Rinse the rice in cold water until it runs almost clear. Cook following the packet, then spread on a tray so it cools slightly.
15 min - 2
Use your ready made kimchi (see the base recipe). Squeeze it dry and chop finely.
- 3
Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan over a medium high heat. Fry the beef for 5 minutes, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through.
5 min - 4
Add the kimchi and tamari and stir fry for 3 to 4 minutes until fairly dry and fragrant. Take off the heat.
3 min 30 s - 5
Tip the warm rice into a big bowl. Add the beef and kimchi mix and the sesame oil. Mix gently with a wet spoon.
- 6
With damp hands, shape into 12 golf ball sized balls, pressing firmly. Roll in the sesame seeds and crumbled seaweed. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips
- Keep a bowl of water nearby to dampen your hands, which stops the rice sticking.
- Squeeze the kimchi dry so the balls hold together.
- Press firmly. Loose balls fall apart, tightly packed ones hold well in a lunchbox.
Storing and freezing
Keep in the fridge for up to 1 day and eat cold or reheat until steaming hot. Cool rice within 1 hour of cooking, and never leave it at room temperature for long. Reheat rice only once.
Questions
Can I use tuna instead of beef?
Yes. Mix drained tinned tuna with the stir fried kimchi. It is the most popular version in Korea.
Which rice is best?
Short grain or sushi rice, because it is sticky enough to hold its shape. Long grain rice will not form balls.
Can I make these ahead?
Yes, up to 1 day ahead. Chill within 1 hour and keep in a sealed box.
Is it gluten free?
Yes, with gluten free tamari and gluten free kimchi from the base recipe. Check the seaweed label for added sauces.
More made with kimchi
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.