Kid-Friendly Cheesy Kimchi Fried Rice
(Kids’ Meal) Spice-Free! Your Child’s First Kimchi Fried Rice, Packed with Cheese!
My eldest child absolutely loves kimchi fried rice, so I always have frozen versions stocked or make it in batches to freeze. However, my second child, though relatively good with spice for their age, is still too young to enjoy their sibling’s kimchi fried rice because it’s too spicy. Whenever the older one eats kimchi fried rice, the younger one desperately wants to join. So, I developed a special recipe just for my younger child! Today, I’m sharing a dish designed for children who can’t handle the spiciness of regular kimchi fried rice: ‘Cheesy Kimchi Rice’. It’s not too different from standard kimchi fried rice, but it’s mild enough for my preschooler to enjoy every bite. Shall we make it together?
Key Ingredients- 1 cup well-fermented kimchi (strained, reserve juice separately)
- 1 bowl of freshly cooked rice
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- A pinch of sesame seeds
- Generous amount of shredded cheese (pizza blend recommended)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, it’s important to mellow out the spiciness of the kimchi. Strain the kimchi juice and set it aside. Measure out 1 cup of kimchi and finely chop it into bite-sized pieces that are easy for children to eat. If the kimchi is heavily seasoned, you can gently shake off some of the excess seasoning for a milder flavor.
Step 2
Now, let’s season the finely chopped kimchi. Add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, and a pinch of sesame seeds. Gently mix everything together with your hands until the kimchi is well-coated, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 3
Add 1 bowl of warm, freshly cooked rice to the seasoned kimchi. Mix the rice and kimchi thoroughly, ensuring that the rice grains are separated and evenly coated with the kimchi mixture. The key is to gently toss them together so the rice doesn’t clump.
Step 4
Transfer the prepared cheesy kimchi rice mixture to a microwave-safe dish. Microwave for 1 minute to warm the rice through. This step helps to ensure the rice grains remain fluffy and separate, contributing to a better texture.
Step 5
After microwaving for 1 minute, take out the dish and generously top the rice mixture with shredded cheese. Return it to the microwave and cook for another 1 minute 30 seconds to 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Your Cheesy Kimchi Rice is ready! Isn’t it incredibly simple?
Step 6
This ‘Cheesy Kimchi Rice’ is a fantastic alternative to traditional pan-fried kimchi rice, as it’s made quickly and easily in the microwave! When you mix the melted cheese with the kimchi rice, you’ll experience a delightful combination of the kimchi’s refreshing tang and the cheese’s creamy richness. Instead of using kimchi juice or strong seasoning, we’ve balanced the flavor with soy sauce and sesame oil, making it mild enough for children who love kimchi fried rice but are sensitive to spice. It’s the perfect solution!
Step 7
Look at that! The appearance is indistinguishable from regular kimchi fried rice, isn’t it? And the taste is just as wonderful! In fact, the addition of cheese enhances the flavor, making it even richer and more savory. My eldest, who usually eats spicy food, even gave it two thumbs up, saying it was delicious with its reduced spiciness and amplified cheesiness! If you have a child who finds kimchi fried rice too spicy, be sure to remember this ‘Cheesy Kimchi Rice’ recipe!
