Savor the Best Korean-Style Sushi Spots in Orange County

KARAI HAND ROLL BAR X RAMEN

At Rodeo 39, this spot is set apart from the food hall’s other destinations by glass. Karai prides itself on presenting “the essence of Japan’s culinary finesse,” and an anime-style samurai warrior provides the counter’s cool backdrop. Yet amid the hand rolls and ramen is a quartet of Korean yubus. Prettily plated and many dubbed “king,” as in crab king or bulgogi king, those offerings along with tuna and salmon versions satisfy on their own. Hot tip: you can get two yubus and the spicy red volcano ramen weekdays at lunch for $20. 12885 Beach Blvd., Stanton, 714-758-5037, karaihrb.com

YUBUYA

Yubucheobap may be a mouthful, but it’s a delicious one. Yubu is fried bean curd and cheobap is sushi rice. Together, they refer to sweet and savory fried bean curd pockets stuffed with seasoned rice, the Korean equivalent of Japanese inari. New family-owned Yubuya offers more than 20 varieties; order three and you also get miso soup. Consider snow crab with green onions and yuzu ponzu, or crunchy seaweed salad. Soy-marinated salmon, with jalapeno and serrano peppers, is the most popular—“by a longshot,” says manager Sharon Rhee. 1500 Adams Ave., Costa Mesa, 714-512-5211, yubuyasushi.com

ATOYUBU

There are reasons lines are out the door, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, for yubus at new Atoyubu— reasons such as the fluffy egg with creamy pollock roe, explosively flavorful lemon pepper salmon, savory grilled bulgogi, and super-spicy tuna. They’re picture-perfect; the refined tofu pockets themselves are a plus. The cadre in the kitchen turns out a dozen varieties that also include garlic butter crab and buldak, aka fiery spicy chicken. Orders come with a Dum-Dums lollipop. Limited parking and seating dissuade no one; takeout is popular. 7041 Western Ave., Buena Park, 714-735-8430

KATSU BAR

Katsu plates and sandos— featuring breaded, deepfried, sliced chicken, pork, or vegetables—star, but under specialty items you’ll also find fried yubu pockets with rice and choice of toppings. A composed fourpiece assortment includes the Cali roll, seaweed salad, spicy tuna, and egg salad. Other versions include spicy Cali and spicy chicken. Portions are generous; the tofu pockets skew sweet. Frequent catering orders can impact some styles’ availability in Tustin; also find locations in Brea and Irvine. 13771 Newport Ave., Tustin, 714-852-3266, ilovekatsubar.com