Gourmet Pork Belly Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe
Quick & Delicious Lunch: Pork Belly Kimchi Fried Rice
Have leftover pork belly and wondering what to make? Worry not! You can whip up a fantastic and flavorful pork belly kimchi fried rice with minimal ingredients. The rich, savory pork belly combined with the tangy, sweet kimchi creates an irresistible dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. This hearty meal is perfect for the whole family. Let’s get cooking!
Main Ingredients- 1 head of Napa cabbage kimchi (well-fermented recommended)
- 5 strips of pork belly (approx. 200-250g)
- 4 eggs
- 4 servings of warm cooked rice (approx. 800g)
- 1 Tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- A pinch of shredded seaweed (gim)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the pork belly, which adds a wonderful depth of flavor to our fried rice. If you have leftover pork belly, chop it into small, bite-sized pieces (about 1-2 cm). The balance of fat and meat will contribute to the richness of the fried rice.
Step 2
Next, it’s time to prepare the kimchi. Finely chop the entire head of kimchi into small, manageable pieces so it integrates well into the fried rice. If the kimchi pieces are too large, they might feel separate from the rice, so chopping them finely is key. Using slightly sour, well-fermented kimchi will enhance the savory notes of your fried rice.
Step 3
Now, let’s start stir-frying! Heat a wide pan or wok over medium heat. Add the chopped pork belly first and cook until it’s golden brown and slightly crispy. Once the pork belly has rendered enough fat, add the finely chopped kimchi and stir-fry together until the kimchi softens and blends well with the pork belly. Be careful not to burn the kimchi.
Step 4
Once the pork belly and kimchi are nicely sautéed and fragrant, add the warm cooked rice. Use a spatula to break up the rice clumps and stir-fry everything together until well combined. Ensuring each grain of rice is coated with the rendered fat and seasonings is the secret to achieving a great texture in your fried rice.
Step 5
Let’s elevate the flavor with some seasonings. Add 1 tablespoon of gochujang and 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce. Stir-fry these into the rice mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed. The gochujang provides a pleasant spiciness, while the oyster sauce adds a savory umami boost, significantly enhancing the overall taste of the fried rice. Continue to stir-fry until the seasonings are fully incorporated.
Step 6
Just before turning off the heat, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for a nutty aroma and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds for an extra layer of flavor. Adding sesame oil at the end helps preserve its fragrant essence.
Step 7
Finally, generously sprinkle shredded seaweed (gim) over the fried rice according to your preference. The salty crunch of the seaweed creates a fantastic harmony with the fried rice. And just like that, your delicious Pork Belly Kimchi Fried Rice is ready!
Step 8
For an even more indulgent and delicious experience, fry an egg to your liking (sunny-side up with a runny yolk is highly recommended!) and place it on top of the fried rice. Break the yolk and mix it with the rice for an explosion of creamy, savory goodness in every bite! Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Pork Belly Kimchi Fried Rice!
