Rice & Noodles
Yubu Chobap (Stuffed Tofu Pouch Sushi)
Prep
20 min
Servings
4
Steps
- 1
Gently squeeze excess liquid from each tofu pouch.
- 2
Whisk together rice vinegar, sugar, and salt, then fold into the warm rice.
- 3
Fold in sesame seeds and chopped pickled vegetables if using.
- 4
Let the seasoned rice cool slightly.
- 5
Open each tofu pouch and spoon in the seasoned rice, filling about three-quarters full.
- 6
Fold the top edges of the pouch over to close, or leave open depending on the pouch style.
- 7
Arrange on a plate and serve at room temperature.
Did you know — Korean culture
The fried tofu pouches used in yubu chobap (called yuba or aburaage) started as a byproduct of tofu-making, not a purpose-built ingredient — thin sheets of tofu skin or fried tofu slices that got hollowed and sweetened once cooks realized they made a convenient, edible pocket for seasoned rice.
Squeezing the excess liquid from the tofu pouches before filling them isn't a step to skip — pouches straight from the package are often soaked in a sweet soy liquid, and skipping the squeeze leaves the filled rice soggy rather than distinct from the wrapper.
Filling the pouches only about three-quarters full matters more than it looks. Overstuffing makes them prone to splitting at the seams, especially once they're handled or packed for later — a slightly looser fill holds together far better.
The fried tofu pouches used here (called yuba or aburaage) started as a byproduct of tofu-making, not a purpose-built ingredient — thin fried tofu slices that got hollowed and sweetened once cooks realized they made a convenient, edible pocket for seasoned rice.
Troubleshooting
Pouches splitting when filled? They were probably overstuffed — leave a bit of room at the top rather than packing them completely full.
Rice tasting bland inside the pouch? Season the rice properly with the vinegar mixture before filling — the sweet pouch alone doesn't carry the whole dish.
Filling turning soggy? The pouches likely weren't squeezed of excess liquid first — give them a gentle press before filling.