Tuna Kimchi Fried Rice: An Easy and Delicious One-Bowl Meal
The Ultimate Tuna Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe | Hearty Homemade Meal
Today, I’m sharing a recipe for ‘Tuna Kimchi Fried Rice’ that you can whip up in no time with just kimchi and a can of tuna from your fridge. This fried rice is a fantastic one-bowl meal that requires no side dishes. It elevates the classic kimchi fried rice by adding savory tuna for an enhanced flavor profile. You can enjoy a lighter version by using tuna instead of ham or sausage. The delightful combination of fragrant scallion oil, sweet and sour well-fermented kimchi, and savory tuna is truly exceptional. For a serving of two, we’ll use two bowls of rice and one 150g can of tuna. A splash of soy sauce adds depth of flavor before stir-frying it all together with the rice, resulting in a delicious kimchi fried rice that rivals any you’d buy. Top it with a sunny-side-up egg and a sprinkle of roasted seaweed flakes to your liking for an even more satisfying meal. Let’s get started with this easy-to-follow recipe for delicious tuna kimchi fried rice!
Ingredients
- Well-fermented kimchi: 1 bowlful (approx. 200g)
- Canned tuna: 1 can (150g)
- Cooked rice: 2 bowls (warm or leftover rice)
- Scallions (green onions): 1 stalk (mostly white parts)
- Vegetable oil: 3 tablespoons
- Sugar: 1 tablespoon (adjust based on kimchi’s sourness)
- Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Sesame oil: 2 tablespoons
- Toasted sesame seeds: a pinch
- Fried egg: 1-2 (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The key to delicious fried rice starts with fragrant scallion oil. Slice the white parts of the scallion into roughly 1cm thick pieces. Preparing a generous amount like this allows the scallion’s aroma to fully infuse into the oil, enhancing the overall flavor of the fried rice.
Step 2
Drain the oil from the canned tuna by placing it in a sieve. You don’t need to drain it completely; just lightly draining it will prevent the fried rice from becoming too greasy.
Step 3
Chop the kimchi into bite-sized pieces, enough to fill about one bowl for two servings. Using scissors to chop it roughly saves on washing up and speeds up cooking time. (It tastes even better with aged kimchi!)
Step 4
Heat 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add all the sliced scallions and stir-fry until they turn golden brown and fragrant, creating a delicious scallion oil. Frying the scallions first like this ensures that even children who dislike the taste of scallions will enjoy the fried rice without noticing them.
Step 5
Once the scallion oil is fragrant, add the chopped kimchi to the pan and stir-fry it together. Keep stirring with a spatula to prevent the kimchi from sticking to the pan.
Step 6
To balance the sourness of aged kimchi and enhance its savory flavor, add 1 tablespoon of sugar and stir-fry. Adjust the amount of sugar depending on how sour your kimchi is.
Step 7
Continue to stir-fry the kimchi for about 4-5 minutes until it becomes slightly translucent and tender. This process removes any ‘old’ smell from the kimchi and deepens its flavor.
Step 8
Now, add the prepared tuna to the pan. Lightly stir-fry just enough to mix it with the kimchi. Be careful not to overcook, as the tuna can become dry and tough.
Step 9
Pour 1 tablespoon of soy sauce around the edges of the pan over the cooked kimchi and tuna mixture. Let it sizzle slightly to develop its flavor before mixing everything together. This technique enhances the savory notes of the soy sauce.
Step 10
(Optional) For a more appetizing color and a spicier kick, add 1-2 tablespoons of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes). I added 1 tablespoon for a pleasant heat.
Step 11
Add the 2 bowls of cooked rice to the well-stir-fried ingredients. Using fluffy, freshly cooked rice or leftover rice will help prevent the rice from clumping and result in a better fried rice.
Step 12
Stir-fry vigorously with a spatula until the rice is evenly coated with the seasoning and no white parts are visible. Cooking over high heat can slightly char the bottom layer of rice, adding a delicious smoky flavor. Continue stir-frying until each grain of rice is colored.
Step 13
Once the rice is well-fried, turn off the heat. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons of sesame oil and a pinch of toasted sesame seeds for added nuttiness, then mix gently.
Step 14
Finally, don’t forget the perfect partner for kimchi fried rice: a sunny-side-up fried egg! Place it on top of the fried rice for a complete one-bowl meal. You can also sprinkle some roasted seaweed flakes on top for extra flavor, if desired.
