A vibrant bowl of kimchi fried rice topped with green onions and sesame seeds.

Kimchi Fried Rice

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Kimchi Fried Rice is a delicious and quick meal you can make at home. It combines spicy, tangy kimchi with crispy bacon and fluffy rice, making it a hearty dish. This recipe is great for using leftover rice and is perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s easy to customize and can be put together in just a short time!

How to Make Kimchi Fried Rice

Ingredients

  • 150g (5 oz) kimchi
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 150g (5 oz) bacon, diced
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp gochujang
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 spring onions (scallions), finely sliced
  • 2 fried eggs, to serve
  • Crispy seaweed, to serve (optional)

Directions

  1. Drain the kimchi in a colander and keep the kimchi liquid for later.
  2. Heat a wok or frying pan over high heat. Add the kimchi and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until it slightly chars at the edges. Transfer kimchi to a plate and set aside.
  3. In the same wok, heat the butter over high heat. Add the diced bacon and cook for 2-3 minutes until it is crispy.
  4. Add the finely diced onion and chopped garlic to the wok, cooking for 2 minutes until the onion softens.
  5. Mix in the gochujang paste, cooking for another 30 seconds.
  6. Add the cooked rice, reserved kimchi, soy sauce, and kimchi liquid to the wok. Stir-fry everything together until well combined.
  7. Remove from heat and toss in the spring onions.
  8. Serve the fried rice with a fried egg on top and sprinkle with spring onions and crispy seaweed if using.

How to Serve Kimchi Fried Rice

Kimchi Fried Rice is best served hot. You can enjoy it on its own or with some extra toppings like a sunny-side-up egg, sliced scallions, or crispy seaweed. Feel free to add other sides like pickled vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.

How to Store Kimchi Fried Rice

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for 2-3 days. You can reheat it in a microwave or on the stovetop before serving again.

Tips to Make Kimchi Fried Rice

  • Use day-old rice for better texture. Fresh rice can be too sticky.
  • Adjust the amount of kimchi and gochujang to your taste.
  • Add other vegetables, like carrots or peas, for extra nutrition and color.
  • For a vegetarian option, skip the bacon and use tofu or simply add more vegetables.

Variation

You can easily change this recipe by adding different proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu. You can also swap the bacon for ham or omit any meat for a vegetarian dish.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought kimchi?
Yes, store-bought kimchi is perfect for this recipe. Choose a brand you like for the best flavor.

2. What can I do if I don’t have gochujang?
If you don’t have gochujang, you can use sriracha or another chili paste as a substitute, but it may alter the flavor slightly.

3. Can I freeze kimchi fried rice?
Yes, you can freeze kimchi fried rice. Just make sure to cool it completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container. Reheat thoroughly before eating.