Kimchi Fried Rice: Seoul Food for the Soul

- Seoul Food for the Soul: Kimchi Fried Rice
- Why You'll Love This Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe
- The Gear You Need (Not Too Much, Promise!)
- Unlocking the Flavours: Your Main Ingredients
- Spice It Up! My Seasoning Secrets
- Getting Ready: Your Kimchi Fried Rice Prep Station
- How To Make Korean Food At Home: The Kimchi Fried Rice Method
- Yummy Comfort Food: Ace Your Kimchi Fried Rice
- Recipe Notes
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Alright, let's dive headfirst into the wonderful world of kimchi fried rice ! ever had that moment when you're staring into the fridge, wondering what to do with leftover rice? this recipe is your answer.
It’s packed with flavour and dead easy to make.
Seoul Food for the Soul: Kimchi Fried Rice
You know, kimchi bokkeumbap is more than just yummy comfort food . this korean dish has some serious history. it's a flavour bomb that combines the zing of fermented kimchi with perfectly cooked rice.
We are going to explore how to make korean food at home without missing the key aspects of tradition, yet embracing modernity.
This recipe is easy peasy! Prep takes about 15 minutes, and cooking is done in 20. So, in just 35 minutes, you'll have a Diner Recept that serves 2-3 hungry people.
Why You'll Love This Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe
Kimchi itself is a nutritional powerhouse. healthy homemade recipes including fermented foods, which means it's great for your gut. perfect for a quick lunch, a simple dinner, or even a boozy brunch, this is quick recipes snacks .
What sets this kimchi fried rice apart is the balance of flavours. sweet, spicy, savoury - it's all there. think of it as fair food recipes , but way healthier and made with love.
Time to gather our ingredients! I'll tell you, the smell alone of this being made is gonna get your appetite going.
Okay, let's dive into the good stuff: the ingredients and equipment you'll need to make awesome kimchi fried rice ! think of this like a crash course in kimchi bokkeumbap basics.
I’m excited to share my take on how to make korean food at home with this delicious, easy meal. honestly, this is one of my favourite yummy comfort food recipes.
The Gear You Need (Not Too Much, Promise!)
You don't need fancy gadgets. a large skillet or wok is ideal. got a sturdy spatula? great! you'll also need a small frying pan for the eggs.
Plus, your standard cutting board and knife. if you're aiming to produce tasty recipes videos , ensure good lighting and angles to show off the vibrant colours of the ingredients.
I promise, no need for culinary school here!
Unlocking the Flavours: Your Main Ingredients
The Base: It All Starts Here
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons (US: 30ml; Metric: 30ml)
- Bacon (diced): 4 ounces (US: 113g; Metric: 113g) OR Spam (diced): 4 ounces (US: 113g; Metric: 113g) I personally prefer bacon. What about you?
- Onion (finely chopped): 1 medium (US: About 1 cup chopped; Metric: Approximately 150g)
- Garlic (minced): 2 cloves (US: Approximately 2 teaspoons; Metric: Approx. 6g)
- Kimchi (chopped): 1 cup (US: Approximately 225g; Metric: 225g), plus 2 tablespoons kimchi juice
- Cooked day-old rice: 4 cups (US: Approximately 800g; Metric: 800g) This is super important, trust me!
Key Ingredient Quality
The kimchi recipe you use is crucial. look for kimchi that's vibrant red, smells nicely fermented, and tastes tangy. for the rice, day-old is really the way to go.
It should be cooked but still fluffy and separated. this is super useful for quick recipes snacks .
The Finishing Touches
- Gochujang: 2 tablespoons (US: 30ml; Metric: 30ml)
- Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon (US: 15ml; Metric: 15ml)
- Sesame oil: 1 teaspoon (US: 5ml; Metric: 5ml)
- Sugar: 1/2 teaspoon (US: 2.5ml; Metric: 2.5ml)
- Eggs: 2-3 large
- Vegetable oil (for frying eggs): 1 tablespoon (US: 15ml; Metric: 15ml)
Spice It Up! My Seasoning Secrets
For the best kimchi fried rice , don't skimp on flavour. the gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil are non-negotiable.
Sugar balances the spice and fermentation. for a diner recept vibe, sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Want healthy homemade recipes ? Reduce the gochujang. For heat, a pinch of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) works wonders!
Substitution Tip: No gochujang? Sriracha with a tiny bit of miso paste does in a pinch. It wont taste the same, but it'll add some depth.
This recipe is not only delicious, but also a great way to explore how to prepare fried rice video , as the process is both simple and visually appealing.
Enjoy your fair food recipes adventure right in your kitchen!
Alright, let’s dive into kimchi fried rice : seoul food for the soul! i tell you what, it's not just food, it’s an experience.
Honestly, this isn't just a dish; it’s my go-to for using up leftover rice.
Getting Ready: Your Kimchi Fried Rice Prep Station
Essential mise en place is key! dice your bacon or spam. chop that onion fine and mince the garlic. most importantly, get that kimchi chopped.
And, don't chuck away the kimchi juice ! you'll want it later! it adds flavour that you won’t believe.
How To Make Korean Food At Home: The Kimchi Fried Rice Method
This dish is a flavour bomb. It takes just minutes.
- First, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a big skillet over medium high heat. Cook 4 ounces of diced bacon (or spam). Fry it until crispy. Take it out and set aside. Keep some fat in the pan, though!
- Now, sauté 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves until soft. This should take just a couple of minutes.
- Toss in 1 cup of chopped kimchi. Cook, stirring, for a few minutes.
- Next, add 4 cups of cooked day-old rice. Break it up with a spatula. Stir fry until the rice is heated. You know it is time for next step when it’s slightly toasted.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of gochujang, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, ½ teaspoon of sugar, and the 2 tablespoons of reserved kimchi juice. Season with salt and pepper. Mix it well. Pop the bacon/spam back in.
- In a separate pan, fry 2-3 eggs. Over easy is my fave!
- Serve the rice, topped with a fried egg. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
Yummy Comfort Food: Ace Your Kimchi Fried Rice
Day-old rice is key. it stops the rice from becoming mushy. high heat gives you crispy rice . don’t overcrowd the pan.
Taste as you go. adjust the gochujang. it's a fantastic diner recept you won't regret trying.
I bet you're thinking about how to prepare fried rice video now. it's easier than it looks! kimchi varies in spice.
So, go easy on the gochujang at first! add more if needed. this recipe for kimchi fried rice is so simple.
It's perfect for a weeknight meal. you can even find tasty recipes videos online for more inspo.
Quick recipes snacks aren't the only things you can make fast! honestly, kimchi fried rice is quicker! looking for healthy homemade recipes ? it depends on your add-ins! you can add more vegetables, or use cauliflower rice to make it healthier.
And there you have it. This kimchi fried rice is super easy to adapt! Try it tonight!
Alright, let's talk recipe notes! This is where we make this kimchi fried rice truly yours . Trust me, the little details make all the difference. You know?
Recipe Notes
Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Plate
Okay, so you've got this amazing kimchi fried rice . but how do you make it look and taste like it came straight from a trendy seoul diner? first, plating is key.
Mound that rice high! then, top it with that perfectly fried egg. the runny yolk is everything.
Consider some banchan (korean side dishes) for extra flavour and presentation! don't forget a bit of green onion for colour.
For drinks, korean barley tea is nice. a cold beer? even better, mate!
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Leftover kimchi fried rice is actually amazing the next day. to store it, pop it in an airtight container. it'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days, tops.
Honestly, it never lasts that long in my house!
Freezing? yeah, you can do it. the texture might change a bit. just make sure to cool it completely before freezing.
To reheat, microwave it or give it a quick fry in a pan. a little extra sesame oil never hurt, you know?
Variations: Mix It Up!
Want to make this kimchi fried rice even better? Easy peasy.
For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon or spam. Mushrooms or tofu work great. Honestly, even some roasted veggies are delicious. Dietary Adaptations: use cauliflower rice to lower carb count!
Feeling brave? Add a pinch of gochugaru. It's Korean chili flakes. It'll crank up the heat. Also, seasonal ingredient swaps are a MUST.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl
Okay, let's keep it real. kimchi fried rice isn't exactly a salad. but it's got its perks! kimchi is amazing for your gut.
It is packed with probiotics. plus, you're getting protein from the egg and rice for energy. it is a healthy homemade recipes option.
A serving? expect roughly 600-750 calories. carbs around 50-70g. it is a diner recept that delivers on taste and can be part of a balanced diet.
You can lower the amount of calories by using olive oil. it also can be a quick recipes snacks .
Honestly, making kimchi fried rice at home is the way to go. you control the ingredients, the spice, everything! hopefully this helps you how to make korean food at home .
It's way easier than you think. check out some tasty recipes videos if you're feeling unsure! now go on, get cooking! you've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use freshly cooked rice for kimchi fried rice, or does it have to be day-old?
While freshly cooked rice can be used in a pinch, day-old rice is definitely preferred for kimchi fried rice. Day-old rice has less moisture, which helps it fry up nicely without becoming mushy. Think of it like making a good cuppa you don't want your rice going soggy like a biscuit dunked for too long!
My kimchi fried rice turned out too spicy! How can I tone it down?
Oops, sounds like you've got a bit of a fire alarm situation! To cool things down, try adding a touch more sugar or a drizzle of honey sweetness helps balance the spice. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to each serving for a cooling effect.
Next time, remember that kimchi's spice level can vary, so start with less gochujang and adjust to your liking; it's like choosing the right spice level for your curry a bit of trial and error is perfectly normal!
What's the best way to store leftover kimchi fried rice, and how long will it last?
Leftover kimchi fried rice is great for a next day lunch! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it should be good for 2-3 days. Be sure to reheat it thoroughly. Remember Monica Geller's meticulous food storage rules from Friends? Yeah, follow those for safety!
You can microwave it, or re-fry it in a pan with a little oil for a crispier texture.
Is kimchi fried rice healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
Kimchi fried rice can be part of a healthy diet, but it depends on the ingredients and portion size. Kimchi itself is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with probiotics and vitamins. However, the dish can be high in sodium and carbohydrates depending on the additions such as bacon and rice.
Try brown rice or cauliflower rice and lean proteins with lots of vegetables for a healthier version! Like any dish, moderation is key everything in moderation, as they say!
Can I make kimchi fried rice vegetarian or vegan? What are some good substitutions?
Absolutely! It's super easy to make kimchi fried rice vegetarian or vegan. Simply skip the bacon/spam and use tofu, mushrooms, or any other vegetables you enjoy. For a vegan version, make sure your gochujang doesn't contain any fish sauce (some brands do), or use a substitute like sriracha mixed with a little miso paste.
You might also want to consider a fried egg substitute, though the rice is delicious without it!
My kimchi fried rice is a bit bland. How can I add more flavor?
Don't fret if your kimchi fried rice is a little flat! First, make sure you're using well fermented, flavourful kimchi. A dash of extra soy sauce or a splash of fish sauce (if you're not vegetarian/vegan) can boost the umami.
A squeeze of lime juice or a sprinkle of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) will add some zing, too. If all else fails, a crispy fried egg on top can magically make everything better it's like adding a bit of Mary Berry magic!
Kimchi Fried Rice Seoul Food For The Soul

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 600-750 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 30-40g |
| Fiber | N/A |