Spicy and Sweet Cheesy Kimchi Fried Rice
Super Easy Cheesy Kimchi Fried Rice: A Flavorful One-Bowl Meal
Whip up a delicious meal in no time with kimchi and rice from your fridge! This cheesy kimchi fried rice offers a perfect balance of spicy and sweet flavors, enhanced by the savory melted cheese. It’s an ideal dish for a solo meal or a satisfying filling lunch.
Main Ingredients
- Pork (ground or thinly sliced shoulder cut) 50g
- Well-fermented Kimchi 2 bunches (approx. 1 cup)
- Cheongyang Pepper 2 (adjust to taste)
- Scallion 1/2 stalk
- Warm Cooked Rice 1 bowl
- Mozzarella Cheese, desired amount
- Sliced Cheese 1 slice
Seasonings & Add-ins
- Sugar (Wondang) 2/3 Tbsp
- Soy Sauce (Jinganjang) 1 Tbsp
- Sesame Seeds 1 Tbsp
- Cooking Oil 2 Tbsp
- Sesame Oil, a drizzle (optional)
- Sugar (Wondang) 2/3 Tbsp
- Soy Sauce (Jinganjang) 1 Tbsp
- Sesame Seeds 1 Tbsp
- Cooking Oil 2 Tbsp
- Sesame Oil, a drizzle (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the pork. If using frozen pork shoulder, thaw it and then slice it thinly or use it as ground pork. Finely chop the kimchi into bite-sized pieces (about 1cm long).
Step 2
Finely slice the scallion and mince the Cheongyang peppers after removing the seeds. The Cheongyang peppers add spiciness, so use them as is if you enjoy heat, or adjust the quantity or remove more seeds for a milder taste.
Step 3
Heat cooking oil (2 Tbsp) in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the sliced scallions and stir-fry until fragrant. Once the scallion oil is released, add the prepared pork and cook until it’s no longer pink on the outside.
Step 4
When the pork is cooked through, add the chopped kimchi and minced Cheongyang peppers to the pan. Stir-fry everything together for 2-3 minutes until the kimchi softens and melds well with the pork. This step is crucial for developing flavor.
Step 5
Once the kimchi is softened, add the sugar (2/3 Tbsp) and soy sauce (1 Tbsp). Stir-fry evenly to ensure the seasonings are well distributed and absorbed by the ingredients. Achieving a good balance between sweet and savory is key.
Step 6
Now, add the warm cooked rice (1 bowl). Using a spatula, gently break up the rice and stir-fry it with the kimchi mixture until everything is evenly combined. The goal is to coat each grain of rice with the delicious seasoning.
Step 7
Once the rice is thoroughly mixed, push the fried rice to one side of the pan and spread it out. Reduce the heat to low. Spreading the rice allows the cheese to melt more effectively and creates a slightly crispy bottom layer, adding a delightful crunchy texture.
Step 8
Place the sliced cheese on top of the fried rice, followed by a generous amount of mozzarella cheese as desired. You can adjust the amount of cheese to your preference for an even richer taste.
Step 9
Cover the pan with a lid or foil and let it cook over low heat until the cheese is completely melted. The sight of the cheese stretching will be incredibly appetizing!
Step 10
Once the cheese has melted, fold the rice in half to cover the cheese, shaping it neatly. Transfer the cheesy kimchi fried rice to a plate. The aroma of spicy fried rice combined with the savory cheese is sure to make your mouth water.
Step 11
Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds (1 Tbsp) for added nuttiness. For an extra layer of flavor, you can drizzle a little sesame oil. Enjoy your delicious cheesy kimchi fried rice!
