[Recipe] Spicy Tuna & Cabbage Kimbap

If you've ever had Shinjeon Cheese Kimbap, you know exactly what I’m talking about—the bright red rice, the spicy kick, and that stretchy cheese. Well, I decided to make a healthier version with lots of cabbage and less rice, but still packed with bold flavors.

The result? Spicy Tuna & Cabbage Kimbap—a guilt-free, high-protein alternative that’s just as addictive! Let’s get into it.

Ingredients

🔹 Cabbage – 1 large handful (100-120g), finely chopped
🔹 Minced garlic – 1 tbsp
🔹 Cooked rice – 3 heaping tbsp (approx. 80g)
🔹 Canned tuna – 1 can (100g), oil drained
🔹 Sweetener – 1 tbsp (allulose or oligosaccharide)
🔹 Sriracha sauce – 2 tbsp
🔹 Korean red pepper powder (gochugaru) – ½ tbsp (optional, for color)
🔹 Soy sauce (dark soy sauce or brewed soy sauce) – 1 tbsp
🔹 Sesame oil, black pepper, sesame seeds – to taste
🔹 Seaweed sheets (gimbap gim) – 2 sheets
🔹 Mozzarella cheese – 1 handful (40g)
🔹 Olive oil – 1 tbsp

(For exact measurements & product details, check the end of this post!)

30-Second Spicy Tuna Kimbap Recipe

1. Prep the cabbage

Finely chop 1 large handful (100-120g) of cabbage into small pieces.

2. Sauté the cabbage

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan. Add 1 tbsp minced garlic and the chopped cabbage, then sauté until softened.

3. Add rice & tuna

Once the cabbage is cooked down, add:
✅ 3 tbsp cooked rice (adjust amount to preference)
✅ 1 drained can of tuna (100g)

4. Season the mixture

Over medium heat, mix in:
🔹 1 tbsp allulose (or oligosaccharide)

🔹 2 tbsp Sriracha sauce

🔹 ½ tbsp gochugaru (optional, for color)

🔹 1 tbsp soy sauce (pour around the edges for a subtle smoky flavor)

5. Finish with sesame oil & black pepper

Once everything is well combined, turn off the heat. Let it cool slightly, then mix in 1 tbsp sesame oil and a pinch of black pepper.

6. Assemble the kimbap

Lay 2 seaweed sheets slightly overlapping (seal with a little water). Spread the spicy cabbage rice evenly and sprinkle a generous handful of mozzarella cheese (40g) on top.

7. Roll it up

Roll the kimbap tightly, applying firm pressure. Brush with sesame oil for extra shine and slice into bite-sized pieces.

(Tip: Use a sharp knife and cut in a gentle sawing motion to prevent squishing!)

8. Melt the cheese

Microwave for 1 minute until the cheese is beautifully melted. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and enjoy!

A Healthier Twist on Shinjeon Cheese Kimbap!

Nutrient	Amount per Recipe
	664.75 kcal
	42.78 g
	38.31 g
	38.37 g

After one bite, I couldn’t believe it—this was even better than the original! The combo of spicy, savory tuna and gooey cheese is absolute perfection. Plus, it’s so easy to make!

So next time you’re craving a salty, cheesy kimbap, give this high-protein, low-rice version a try. You won’t regret it!

✨ Products I used (purchased with my own money!) ✨
(Find all product details at the end of this post.)