Learn how to make delicious Kimchi Fried Rice at home with this easy recipe. It’s a flavorful Korean dish that combines the tangy goodness of kimchi with savory fried rice, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients for Kimchi Fried Rice
- 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 1 cup kimchi, chopped
- 1/2 cup kimchi juice
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chopped protein of choice (such as chicken, pork, or tofu)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Fried eggs (optional, for serving)
How to Make Kimchi Fried Rice
- Prepare Ingredients:
- If you haven’t already, cook your rice and set it aside to cool. Day-old rice works best for fried rice as it’s less sticky.
- Saute Kimchi and Aromatics:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
- Add Kimchi and Protein:
- Add chopped kimchi to the pan along with your chosen protein (chicken, pork, or tofu). Cook until the protein is fully cooked through.
- Fry Rice:
- Add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry everything together, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors from the kimchi and protein.
- Seasoning:
- Pour in the kimchi juice, soy sauce, sesame oil, and optional sugar. Mix well to ensure the rice is evenly coated and seasoned. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
- Finish and Garnish:
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot, optionally topped with a fried egg for extra richness.
About the Main Ingredients
- Kimchi: This fermented Korean staple adds a tangy, spicy kick to the fried rice, along with beneficial probiotics.
- Rice: Day-old rice is preferred as it fries up better without becoming mushy. It absorbs the flavors of the kimchi and other ingredients well.
- Protein: Choose chicken, pork, or tofu to add substance and variety to your fried rice. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the protein is fully cooked.
Enjoy this Kimchi Fried Rice recipe as a satisfying meal that’s packed with bold flavors and textures. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it’s a great way to use up leftover rice and enjoy the distinctive taste of kimchi in a new and delicious way.
