Spicy and Tangy Kkakdugi Fried Rice
A Simple One-Bowl Meal Using Leftover Kkakdugi (Cubed Radish Kimchi)
For a simple and satisfying meal when you want to avoid the hassle of preparing side dishes, try this Kkakdugi Fried Rice! Instead of my usual soy sauce and egg rice, I decided to use up some leftover kkakdugi. This dish is perfect for a quick and delicious meal, especially when you’re short on time.
Ingredients- Well-fermented Kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi)
- Kkakdugi brine (kimchi juice)
- Spam or other luncheon meat (e.g., Richem)
- Cooked rice (warm)
- Perilla oil (Korean sesame oil)
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Fried egg (sunny-side up, soft yolk)
- Cooking oil
- Scallions (optional, for garnish)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the kkakdugi. If the pieces are large, finely chop them on a cutting board. Heat 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a frying pan and sauté the chopped kkakdugi. Sautéing the kkakdugi mellows its tanginess and brings out its natural sweetness, making it even more delicious.
Step 2
Dice the Spam (or luncheon meat) into cubes, similar in size to or slightly smaller than the kkakdugi. Add the diced Spam to the pan with the sautéing kkakdugi and continue to stir-fry. Cook until the Spam is lightly browned and well combined with the kkakdugi.
Step 3
Have one bowl of warm cooked rice ready. Add the rice to the pan with the sautéed kkakdugi and Spam. Pour in about 2 tablespoons of kkakdugi brine; this brine is crucial for flavoring the fried rice. Gently break up any clumps of rice with a spatula as you stir-fry. The brine usually provides enough saltiness, but you can add a tiny pinch of salt or soy sauce if needed.
Step 4
Once the rice is well incorporated and heated through, reduce the heat to low. Drizzle in a swirl of perilla oil for its aromatic nutty flavor. Finish by sprinkling a generous amount of toasted sesame seeds over the top.
Step 5
Fry an egg sunny-side up, aiming for a runny yolk. This will add a wonderfully creamy texture when mixed into the rice.
Step 6
Transfer the finished Kkakdugi Fried Rice to a serving bowl. Top with the prepared sunny-side-up egg and garnish with finely chopped scallions. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful one-bowl meal! Personally, I find Kkakdugi Fried Rice even more delicious than regular Kimchi Fried Rice, but that’s just my preference. Enjoy!
