Korean-style serving of Fried-tofu sushi

유부초밥 · Fried-tofu sushi

Fried-tofu sushi

유부초밥

What exactly is it?

Sweet-savory fried tofu pouches are filled with vinegared rice. Larger versions may carry tuna, imitation crab or meat toppings. Even a plain-looking pouch can have different ingredients in its seasoning liquid.

Main ingredients

Fried tofu pouches, rice seasoned with vinegar, sugar and salt; vegetable garnish

Ordering and serving

Use a plate and divide a large pouch if it is too big for one bite. This is a savory rice meal despite the sweet tofu. For a vegetarian order, check both toppings and the pouch seasoning.

Origins and changes

Japanese inarizushi became familiar in Korea as yubu-chobap. Home cooks use packs of seasoned tofu pouches and rice seasoning for lunch boxes; specialist shops have developed larger, topped versions as individual meals.

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Dish to compare

Fried-tofu sushi

유부초밥

Main ingredients
Fried tofu pouches, rice seasoned with vinegar, sugar and salt; vegetable garnish
Flavor and character
Sweet-savory fried tofu pouches are filled with vinegared rice. Larger versions may carry tuna, imitation crab or meat toppings. Even a plain-looking pouch can have different ingredients in its seasoning liquid.
How to eat it
Use a plate and divide a large pouch if it is too big for one bite. This is a savory rice meal despite the sweet tofu. For a vegetarian order, check both toppings and the pouch seasoning.
Read about this dish →

Rice ball

주먹밥

Main ingredients
Rice, salt, sesame oil, laver; optional tuna, egg or other fillings
Flavor and character
Seasoned rice is compressed into hand-held portions. Some rice balls arrive ready-made with fillings such as tuna; others come as a bowl of rice and laver for diners to shape themselves.
How to eat it
A large bowl and disposable gloves usually mean you make the balls yourself. Tuna-mayo versions contain fish and may use an egg-based sauce; they are not equivalent to plain rice.
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