Simple & Delicious Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe
Transform Your Leftover Kimchi! Delicious Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe
Have a bit of kimchi left in the fridge? Or craving a quick and satisfying meal? Kimchi fried rice is the perfect solution! This recipe requires minimal ingredients and is incredibly easy to make, delivering a delicious, flavorful dish. The perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors from the kimchi coats each grain of rice beautifully, making it ideal for any meal. Let’s add some pro tips to make it even more irresistible!
Main Ingredients- Well-fermented Kimchi: 1/4 head (or desired amount), chopped
- Warm Cooked Rice: 1 bowl (approx. 200-250g)
Seasoning & Extras- Black Pepper: a pinch (to taste)
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste): 1/2 Tbsp (adjust based on kimchi’s saltiness and spice)
- Sesame Oil: 1-2 Tbsp (for nutty aroma)
- Cooking Oil: 1-2 Tbsp (for sautéing)
- Optional: Spam or Ham: a small amount, finely diced (adds extra deliciousness!)
- Black Pepper: a pinch (to taste)
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste): 1/2 Tbsp (adjust based on kimchi’s saltiness and spice)
- Sesame Oil: 1-2 Tbsp (for nutty aroma)
- Cooking Oil: 1-2 Tbsp (for sautéing)
- Optional: Spam or Ham: a small amount, finely diced (adds extra deliciousness!)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The star of kimchi fried rice is the kimchi itself! Prepare your well-fermented kimchi. Chop it into bite-sized pieces or mince it finely. If you prefer a chewier texture, chop it larger; for a softer bite, mince it finely. (If using optional Spam or ham, dice it finely as well. Sautéing it with the kimchi adds a wonderful depth of flavor!)
Step 2
Let’s make the flavor-packed sauce! In a bowl, combine Gochujang (1/2 Tbsp), a pinch of black pepper, and 1-2 Tbsp of sesame oil. Mix them well. Adjust the Gochujang amount if your kimchi is too sour or not spicy enough. While some sesame oil is added during cooking, mixing it into the sauce beforehand enhances the overall flavor profile.
Step 3
Time to stir-fry! Heat 1-2 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped kimchi (and optional Spam/ham). Sauté until the kimchi becomes soft and slightly translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Thoroughly cooking the kimchi mellows out its sourness and brings out its natural sweetness, making it much tastier.
Step 4
Add the prepared seasoning mixture to the sautéed kimchi. Continue to stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring the kimchi and sauce are evenly combined. This step deepens the kimchi’s flavor and gives it a glossy sheen. Be mindful of the heat to prevent the sauce from burning.
Step 5
Finally, add the warm cooked rice (1 bowl). Gently break apart any clumps of rice with your spatula and stir-fry, mixing it thoroughly with the kimchi and sauce. The warmth of the rice helps it absorb the flavors better. Stir-frying over medium-high heat will result in individual, fluffy grains of rice.
Step 6
Once everything is well combined and the rice is lightly fried, turn off the heat. Serve it hot in a bowl. For an extra treat, top with a fried egg, some shredded seaweed (gim), or toasted sesame seeds! This simple yet satisfying meal, delicious kimchi fried rice, is ready to be enjoyed!
