Vegan Fried Tofu & Carrot Kimbap Recipe (Trader Joe's Inspired)

Updated at: 26/05/2025

Craving a delicious and healthy vegetarian meal that's both satisfying and visually appealing? Look no further than this vibrant Vegan Fried Tofu & Carrot Kimbap recipe! Inspired by the popular Trader Joe's version, this recipe offers a fun and flavorful twist on the classic Korean seaweed rice roll. We'll guide you through creating perfectly crispy fried tofu, a sweet and savory carrot filling, and the satisfying process of rolling your own kimbap. This recipe is surprisingly easy to master, even for beginner cooks, and offers a customizable approach to suit your taste preferences.

Forget complicated takeout orders and expensive restaurant meals; this homemade kimbap is a budget-friendly option that's packed with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Prepare for a delightful culinary journey as you learn to create these delectable bite-sized rolls, perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a fun weekend snack. Ready to get started? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below!

Tools Needed

  • Frying pan
  • Vegetable peeler
  • Chopsticks
  • Bowl
  • Kimbap rolling mat

Ingredients

  • Fried Tofu
  • Carrots
  • Sugar
  • Soy Sauce
  • Vinegar
  • Water
  • Olive Oil
  • Salt
  • Kim (Seaweed Sheets)
  • Cooked Rice
  • Radish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients

  • Blanch the fried tofu in boiling water for about 30 seconds to remove excess oil.
  • Drain the tofu and set aside to cool.
  • Peel the carrots into thin strips using a vegetable peeler.
  • Mix sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and water until the sugar dissolves.
Blanch the fried tofu in boiling water for about 30 seconds to remove excess oil.Drain the tofu and set aside to cool.Prepare the tofu seasoning: Mix sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, and water until the sugar dissolves.
Prepare the Ingredients
  • Heat a separate pan with olive oil and stir-fry the carrots with salt until tender and slightly caramelized.
  • Drain excess oil from both the carrots and tofu.
Heat a separate pan with olive oil and stir-fry the carrots with salt until tender and slightly caramelized.
Prepare the Ingredients

Step 2. Cook the Tofu and Carrots

  • Heat the frying pan and add olive oil. Check if the pan is hot enough by sprinkling water; it should sizzle immediately.
  • Stir-fry the tofu until golden brown. Add the prepared sauce and cook until it thickens slightly.
Heat the frying pan and add olive oil. Check if the pan is hot enough by sprinkling water; it should sizzle immediately.
Cook the Tofu and Carrots

Step 3. Assemble the Kimbap

  • Lay a sheet of kim on the rolling mat, add rice, carrots, and seasoned tofu.
  • Tightly roll the kimbap using the mat. You can add radish for extra flavor.
  • Cut the kimbap into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the kimbap: Lay a sheet of kim on the rolling mat, add rice, carrots, and seasoned tofu.Tightly roll the kimbap using the mat. You can add radish for extra flavor.Cut the kimbap into bite-sized pieces.
Assemble the Kimbap

Read more: Gochujang Korean BBQ Rice Bowl: 15-Minute Recipe

Tips

  • Don't be afraid to experiment with the amount of carrots - more carrots can make it tastier.
  • If you fry the carrots for a long time, they'll taste like sweet potatoes.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use different vegetables besides carrots in the kimbap?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, cucumber, or pickled radish for variety and added flavor.

2. How do I keep the kimbap from falling apart?

Make sure your rice is slightly sticky and use a damp knife to cut the rolls. Gentle handling is key!


This Vegan Fried Tofu & Carrot Kimbap recipe is a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy a healthy, plant-based meal. The combination of crispy tofu and sweet carrots creates a flavor profile that’s both unique and incredibly appealing. So grab your ingredients and get ready to impress yourself and others with this easy-to-make, incredibly tasty kimbap!