Crispy Kimchi Tuna Rice Burger RESIZED

Crispy Kimchi Tuna Rice Burger

This Crispy Kimchi Tuna Rice Burger is a nostalgic Korean-inspired bap burger. The rice is seasoned, shaped, and air fried until crisp to form the “buns,” then layered with tuna mayo, sautéed kimchi, lettuce, cheese, and a fried egg. It is comforting, fun to assemble, and a delicious way to show how versatile USA Rice can be in everyday cooking.

This recipe stars U.S.-grown short-grain white rice and comes to us from our friend @hubbybap in partnership with FeedFeed and USA Rice

  • Servings
    2 burgers
  • Serving Size
    1 burger
  • Prep Time
    25 mins
  • Cook Time
    15 mins
  • Total Time
    45 mins

Ingredients

Rice Buns

  • 2 cups cooked U.S.-grown short-grain white rice
  • 1½ tsp kosher salt
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil, divided (plus extra for brushing)
  • 1 tbsp roasted sesame seeds ½ tsp baking soda

Kimchi Filling

  • 1 cup Chopped Kimchi
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar

Tuna Mayo

  • 2 (100 gram) cans tuna
  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise

Optional Add-ons

  • 2 fried eggs
  • 4–6 lettuce leaves
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • 4 sheets gim (seaweed)
  • 2 sheets rice paper
 

Directions

  • In a bowl, mix the warm cooked rice with salt, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and roasted sesame seeds until evenly seasoned. Set aside.
  • Heat 2 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped kimchi and sugar.
  • Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
  • Stir in the remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil and set aside.
  • In a small bowl, mix the tuna with mayonnaise until creamy.
  • Lightly brush two round containers (about 4 to 4½ inches wide) with sesame oil.
  • Press ½ cup seasoned rice firmly into each container to create compact rice buns. Repeat to make the top buns.
  • Leave one rice bun inside its container. Layer in order: fried egg, tuna mayo, and sautéed kimchi.
  • Take the second rice bun out of its container and place it rice-side down onto a sheet of gim. Add lettuce and cheese on top.
  • Carefully flip the rice-topped gim sheet onto the filled rice bun so the rice bun sits on top.
  • Place another sheet of gim on top and wrap it around the burger. Fold up the bottom sheet to overlap and seal the edges, using a small amount of water if needed.
  • Dip a sheet of rice paper in room temperature water until it softens slightly. Wrap the burger completely, then spray lightly with oil.
  • Air fry at 400°F for 5 minutes until the exterior is crisp and golden.
  • Slice and enjoy warm.