Kimchi Fried Rice (Kimchi Bokkeumbap)
Recipe Introduction: Kimchi Fried Rice, Your New Obsession
Ever find yourself staring blankly into the fridge? well, hellooo kimchi fried rice . this is about to become your ultimate go-to, trust me.
This fiery korean food recipes is packed with flavour and dead easy to make.
Quick Hook: Ready to Spice Up Your Life?
Craving something spicy, savoury, and seriously addictive? Then Spicy Kimchi Fried Rice is calling your name. It's a super flavorful dish that's also quick to whip up.
Brief Overview: Korean Comfort in a Bowl
Kimchi fried rice, or kimchi bokkeumbap, is a classic korean food staple. it's like the asian cooking version of "bubble and squeak," using up leftovers.
This easy korean recipes is beginner friendly and takes only 25 minutes total. this recipe makes 2 generous servings.
Main Benefits: Healthy, Happy, and Delicious
Packed with probiotics from the kimchi, this dish is good for your gut. it's perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a lazy weekend brunch.
What makes this korean rice dishes so special? the depth of flavor, the satisfying crunch, and that incredible spice. plus, there is nothing better than the food dishes with fried eggs.
Honestly, i remember the first time i tried kimchi fried rice. oh my gosh, it was like a flavour explosion in my mouth! a friend made it for me after a rough day at work, and it was the perfect pick-me-up.
I was craving something a little different from typical asian recipes and it fit the bill! i now crave this asian dishes all the time.
Now that we've got you hooked, let's talk ingredients... Speaking of Gochujang Recipes and Kimchi Recipes , getting good quality is key. You know?
Let's Get Cooking! Kimchi Fried Rice: Ingredients & Gear
So, you wanna make some seriously tasty kimchi fried rice ? awesome! this ain't your average asian cooking , it's a flavour explosion! trust me, this is one of those easy korean recipes you'll be making again and again.
I've made this so many times. i mess it up. i fix it. it still comes out delicious! let's gather what we need.
Main Stuff: What Goes In?
Okay, here's the breakdown. i am going to tell you what exactly we are going to need for this korean food adventure.
I made this asian dish last night and it was bomb. let's go:
- 2 cups ( 400g ) cooked rice. Day-old is seriously the best. I mean it! Honestly, it makes all the difference.
- 1 cup ( 200g ) of chopped, well fermented Kimchi . The stinkier, the better, you know?
- 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ) of that precious Kimchi juice. Don't throw it away!
- 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ) Gochujang . Oh my gosh, if you love spicy, this is your new best friend, I am sure you are going to use a lot.
- 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ) soy sauce. Umami magic!
- 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ) sesame oil. For that nutty aroma...yum.
- 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ) vegetable oil. We gotta fry something , right?
- 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped ( 75g ).
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ( 6g ). I love garlic.
- 4 oz ( 115g ) cooked protein. I used leftover ham. Spam works too! I've even used tofu.
- 2 large eggs. For that perfect fried egg on top.
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish.
- Sesame seeds. (Optional, but highly recommended).
- Dried seaweed flakes. (Also optional, for extra Korean flavour).
Good kimchi should smell pungent and funky. It should be bright red and acidic. The taste should be sour and spicy.
The Spice Rack: Seasoning Notes
These flavour combos really elevate the Kimchi Fried Rice . I tell you, you will love it!
- Gochujang and sesame oil are a match made in heaven.
- Soy sauce adds that savory depth we all crave.
- No gochujang? Sriracha and a tiny bit of doenjang can work in a pinch.
Essential Gear: Equipment Needed
You don't need much for this Spicy Kimchi Fried Rice . Here's what I used.
- A good non-stick skillet or wok. Essential for even cooking.
- Cutting board and knife. Obvious, but gotta mention it.
- Spatula. For flipping and stirring.
Honestly, that's it! no fancy gadgets needed. if you like my korean rice dishes content, i have more kimchi recipes for you to browse.
You will not find many asian recipes blog in the english speaking world like mine! i promise you!
Korean Kimchi Fried Rice: Your New Weeknight Hero
Honestly, finding easy korean recipes that are actually easy can be a mission. that's why i'm sharing my go-to korean kimchi fried rice , or kimchi bokkeumbap .
It's the ultimate comfort food. it is fast, flavourful, and uses up leftover rice. i swear, it's even better than takeaway some nights! it is also very customisable.
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place for Kimchi Fried Rice
This asian dish comes together fast, so get organised first. chop your well fermented kimchi , half medium onion, garlic and protein of your choice, ideally the day before.
Whisk the gochujang , soy sauce, and sesame oil together. done? you're golden! this mise en place will save your bacon.
Seriously, it does.
step-by-step to Kimchi Fried Rice Perfection
Ready to get cooking? Follow these easy steps:
- Sauté onion and garlic in 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium high heat for 2 minutes .
- Add 1 cup chopped kimchi and 2 tablespoons kimchi juice . Cook for 3- 4 minutes , until softened.
- Stir in 4oz cooked protein . Cook for 1 minute .
- Add 2 cups cooked rice and the gochujang mixture . Stir fry until heated through.
- Fry 2 eggs in a separate pan (optional).
- Serve the spicy kimchi fried rice topped with eggs, green onions, and sesame seeds!
- And most importantly, enjoy the korean food !
Pro Tips for the Best Kimchi Fried Rice
- Day-old rice is your best friend. Trust me, it prevents mushiness in this asian cooking .
- Don't overcrowd the pan! Cook in batches if needed to get that crispy texture. It is worth the extra dishes, I promise you.
- Taste as you go. Adjust the amount of gochujang to your spice preference.
This Korean food recipe is great for using up leftovers. I once used leftover roast beef in mine, and it was amazing! Don't be afraid to experiment with your food dishes .
Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Korean Food Game!
Okay, so you've got the recipe for this incredible spicy kimchi fried rice. awesome! but, like any good recipe, there's always room for improvement or just a little tweak here and there.
These are some thoughts, experiences, and extra tidbits to make your experience even better. honestly, i sometimes feel like i'm still learning new things even after making this dish a million times.
Korean food is like that, always a surprise!
Serving It Up Right: Plating and Pairings
Presentation is key, innit? honestly, you could just shovel this straight from the pan (and i wouldn't judge you!), but why not make it look amazing? i like to pile the korean rice dishes high on a plate, top with a perfectly runny egg, and a generous sprinkle of those lovely sesame seeds and green onions.
For sides? think fresh and crunchy. some pickled cucumbers (oi muchim) or a simple seaweed salad would be perfect. and to drink? a nice, cold korean beer.
Asian dishes don't get much better than this. if you're not a beer fan, iced green tea is lush!
Keeping It Fresh: Storage Secrets
Right, you’ve made a big batch of this awesome Asian Cooking dish, but can't finish it all in one sitting? No worries, we've all been there! Here's the lowdown on storage.
Pop any leftovers in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. it'll keep for a good 2-3 days .
When you're ready for round two, reheat it in a pan or microwave. pro-tip: add a dash of water to stop the rice drying out when microwaving.
I wouldn’t recommend freezing this, tbh. The texture of the rice and kimchi can get a bit weird.
Remix Time: Variations Galore
Want to mix things up? i hear ya! here are a couple of ideas. first off, wanna keep it vegetarian ? easy peasy! just skip the meat and use tofu, or even some mushrooms, for a bit of umami goodness.
Make sure your gochujang recipes are actually vegetarian, some do have fish sauce.
Seasonally, try adding some roasted butternut squash in the autumn for a sweet and savoury twist. or some fresh peas in spring.
This recipe is so flexible! i mean, if you only had kimchi recipes , you can use them.
Nutrition Nuggets: What You're Getting
Okay, i'm not a nutritionist. but i can tell you that this is a pretty balanced meal. you've got carbs from the rice, protein from the egg and meat (or tofu), and plenty of vitamins from the kimchi.
Kimchi is a powerhouse of probiotics, too! so you're doing your gut a favour. as an asian food it's a well rounded dish.
Keep in mind that sodium can be high because of the fermented ingredients.
So there you have it! a few extra tips to take your spicy kimchi fried rice to the next level.
Don't be afraid to experiment, and most importantly, have fun. getting into korean food recipes can be an awesome journey! this food dish is now for you to enjoy.
You'll be an easy korean recipes pro in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is kimchi fried rice healthy?
Kimchi fried rice can be part of a balanced diet, but it's all about moderation and smart choices! It contains probiotics from the kimchi, which are great for your gut. However, keep an eye on the sodium content, as kimchi and gochujang can be quite salty.
You can make it healthier by using brown rice, lean protein, and plenty of veggies, and controlling the amount of oil used.
Can I make kimchi fried rice vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! This kimchi fried rice recipe is easily adaptable. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat or use tofu or mushrooms. To make it fully vegan, double check your gochujang, as some brands contain fish sauce; look for a vegan friendly option.
You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach to bulk it up and add more nutrients.
How long does kimchi fried rice last, and what's the best way to store it?
Kimchi fried rice is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Make sure it cools down completely before refrigerating it. When reheating, you can use a microwave, skillet, or even an air fryer to get some of that crispy texture back.
Just ensure it's heated thoroughly before serving.
What can I do if my kimchi is too sour for kimchi fried rice?
If your kimchi is extra sour, don't fret it's still totally usable! The sourness mellows out during cooking. Adding a touch of sugar (like a teaspoon) while stir frying the kimchi can help balance the flavors. Also, be mindful of the amount of kimchi juice you add; if it's particularly sour, use less.
What are some good side dishes to serve with these Korean food recipes like Kimchi Fried Rice?
Kimchi fried rice is fantastic on its own, but serving it with some banchan (Korean side dishes) elevates the meal. Consider cucumber kimchi (oi muchim) for a refreshing contrast, seasoned spinach (sigeumchi namul) for some greens, or Korean pickled radish. A fried egg on top is always a winner, too!
Or if you are feeling fancy, try making korean corn dog which is one of many korean food recipes
Why is day-old rice better for kimchi fried rice, and can I use freshly cooked rice?
Day-old rice is drier, which is crucial for achieving that delightful, slightly crispy texture in fried rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be stickier and moister, leading to a mushy final product.
If you're in a pinch and only have freshly cooked rice, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool and dry out a bit before using it. You can even pop it in the fridge for a short while to speed up the process!
Kimchi Fried Rice Kimchi Bokkeumbap
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 27.5g |
| Fiber | 5g |
