K-Drama-Inspired Folded Tuna Kimbap Recipe for Bento Lunches

Folded tuna kimbap gained attention in the K-drama Extraordinary Attorney Woo, where it offered a quicker way to enjoy the Korean rice roll. Instead of rolling with a bamboo mat, the nori sheet folds into sections that hold the fillings together. It’s a practical option for meal preppers and bento lunches because it’s easy to assemble and pack.

35 min.
4 People
Easy
Average

Ingredients

For the rice mixture:

1 cup cooked rice
2 tablespoons sesame oil

For the tuna filling:

1 can tuna flakes in brine or oil (drained well)
1 tablespoon white onion (finely chopped)
1/4 cup Lady’s Choice Real Mayonnaise

For kimbap assembly:

2 tablespoons canola oil
4 pieces eggs
1/2 cup store-bought kimchi (roughly chopped)
1 tablespoon sugar
4 pieces nori sheets
4 pieces curly lettuce leaves

Cooking Method

Prepare the Rice Mixture Combine cooked rice and sesame oil in a bowl. Mix well until the rice is evenly coated, then set aside. Tip: Short-grain or sushi rice works best because its natural stickiness helps the rice hold together when folding the kimbap.
Make the Tuna Filling Combine drained tuna, chopped onion, and mayonnaise in a bowl. Mix until creamy and evenly combined, then set aside.
Cook the Eggs Heat canola oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the eggs sunny-side-up style, then set aside. Tip: Eggs can also be lightly scrambled if you prefer smaller pieces that are easier to fold into the kimbap.
Sauté the Kimchi In the same pan, sauté the chopped kimchi with sugar over medium heat until lightly toasted and aromatic. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Prepare the Nori Sheet Place one nori sheet on a clean surface. Using scissors or a knife, cut the sheet vertically from the bottom edge up to the center. Tip: Keep hands dry when handling nori so the sheet stays crisp and easy to fold.
Assemble the Kimbap Press a thin layer of rice onto the two lower quadrants of the nori sheet. Place lettuce and a portion of the tuna mixture on the upper left quadrant. On the upper right quadrant, place fried egg and sautéed kimchi.
Fold and Serve Fold the lower left quadrant over the tuna filling, then fold upward over the egg section, and finally down onto the last rice quadrant to seal. Pat gently to secure the shape, then slice in half. Repeat with the remaining ingredients and serve immediately.

What Is Folded Kimbap?

Folded kimbap is a viral food trend from 2021, often called the “Korean sushi sandwich hack.” Unlike the canned tuna, onion, and Lady’s Choice Real Mayonnaise–so it stays accessible without complex prep. Because the ingredients are layered flat, the fillings stay organized and compact, making it a shredded adobo, or chicken spread to create different flavor profiles. Add vegetables like cucumber, carrots, or blanched kangkong to bring extra crunch and freshness to each fold. For more variety, try spreading other sauces or salad dressings like garlic mayo, or sesame dressing.