Baek Jong-won’s Kimchi Fried Rice: From Basic to Deep Flavor!
Baek Jong-won’s Kimchi Fried Rice: From Basic to Deep Flavor!
Baek Jong-won’s Kimchi Fried Rice, a Golden Recipe Anyone Can Make Delicious
When you don’t feel like eating plain rice, is there any dish as satisfying and delicious as fried rice? Kimchi fried rice can be made in a snap with just kimchi from the fridge, making it a beloved national dish for everyone from single individuals to homemakers. In particular, Baek Jong-won’s kimchi fried rice boasts a deep and rich flavor that’s on another level compared to regular versions, thanks to a special secret. Today, I’ll reveal that secret in detail! Discover why it tastes so good even without special ingredients as you follow along.
Basic Ingredients- 1/4 head of well-fermented ripe kimchi (including juice)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup shredded green onions (approx. 2-3 stalks)
- 100g ham (Spam, canned ham, etc.)
- 1 bowl of warm rice
- 1/2 Tbsp red pepper powder
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar (adjust based on kimchi’s sourness)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil
- 3 Tbsp water
- A little sesame oil
- A little toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s start by preparing the ingredients. Dice the ham into bite-sized pieces and finely chop the kimchi with scissors or a knife. Don’t discard the kimchi juice; it adds more flavor.
Step 2
The secret to its deep flavor lies in stir-frying the green onions and ham until almost fried! Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Slowly stir-fry the shredded green onions until fragrant and slightly golden, releasing their sweet oil. Once the green onions are aromatic and the oil is infused, add the diced ham and stir-fry as if deep-frying it. Cook until the edges of the ham are golden brown and it has a rich aroma. Stir-frying the ham thoroughly like this brings out a depth of umami flavor that’s distinctly different from regular fried rice.
Step 3
Once the ham is nicely browned, add the chopped ripe kimchi and stir-fry together. The savory flavor of the ham will meld with the tangy kimchi, creating a satisfying main component. Keep stirring to prevent the kimchi from sticking to the pan.
Step 4
When the kimchi has softened and wilted a bit, it’s time to add the seasonings. Stir in 1/2 tablespoon of red pepper powder, 1/2 tablespoon of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce to further enhance the kimchi’s flavor. The sugar helps to balance the sourness of the kimchi and adds depth, so adjust the amount based on how sour your kimchi is. Stir well to ensure all the seasonings are evenly distributed and incorporated into the kimchi.
Step 5
Now it’s time to add the rice! Add one bowl of warm rice and break it apart with your spatula, stirring it thoroughly with the seasoned kimchi and ham so that it doesn’t clump. It’s important to stir-fry diligently so that each grain of rice is coated with the delicious seasoning. Finally, drizzle in a little sesame oil for a nutty aroma and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds to finish.
Step 6
While it’s delicious on its own, make your kimchi fried rice even more perfect by topping it with a fried egg! Crack a sunny-side-up or over-easy egg on top and mix it into the fried rice for an unbeatable combination. How about making this delicious kimchi fried rice for dinner tonight?
