Fluffy Kimchi Fried Rice with Tofu
Fluffy Kimchi Fried Rice with Tofu
Simple Yet Delicious Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe
Enjoy this easy and satisfying kimchi fried rice, elevated with the addition of soft tofu for a wonderfully fluffy texture! It’s a perfect meal for busy mornings or a quick, delightful dinner. This recipe proves you don’t need many ingredients to create an incredibly flavorful dish. I’ll guide you through each step with helpful tips, ensuring even beginners can master this popular Korean comfort food. Get ready to make the best kimchi fried rice!
Main Ingredients- 1.5 cups well-fermented kimchi, finely chopped
- 2 bowls warm cooked rice
- 1/2 small can Spam, diced
- 1/2 block firm tofu, diced
- 2 large eggs
Seasoning & Others- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, dice the Spam into bite-sized pieces. You can substitute with bacon, Vienna sausages, or finely chopped pork loin for a different flavor profile. Set aside the prepared ingredients.
Step 2
Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped kimchi and stir-fry until softened and fragrant. Stir-frying the kimchi well is the key to a delicious kimchi fried rice, so don’t rush this step!
Step 3
Once the kimchi is tender, add 1 tablespoon of gochugaru, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and a pinch of black pepper. Continue to stir-fry, mixing the seasonings evenly with the kimchi. It’s best to do this over medium-low heat to prevent burning.
Step 4
Pour 1 tablespoon of soy sauce along the side of the pan and let it caramelize slightly before incorporating it back into the kimchi. Stir-frying it this way adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
Step 5
Now, add the diced Spam to the pan and stir-fry it with the kimchi. As mentioned, thoroughly stir-frying the kimchi at this stage is crucial for maximizing its flavor. Keep stirring to bring out the best taste!
Step 6
Continue to stir-fry continuously to prevent sticking and burning. You’ll soon smell the delicious aroma of the kimchi and Spam mingling.
Step 7
Finally, add the diced tofu (about half a block) and stir-fry it with the other ingredients. You might wonder about adding tofu to kimchi fried rice, but it adds a wonderful moistness and a delightful fluffy texture when mixed with the rice. Give it a try!
Step 8
Once the kimchi and other ingredients are perfectly stir-fried, add the 2 bowls of warm cooked rice. Use your spatula to break up the rice and mix it thoroughly with the kimchi mixture until everything is well combined. The goal is to have fluffy, separated grains of rice.
Step 9
Remove the pan from the heat. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over the fried rice and give it a final mix. The warm rice combined with the nutty aroma of sesame oil elevates the overall flavor.
Step 10
Serve with a fried egg on top – the perfect accompaniment to kimchi fried rice! You don’t need to season the egg with salt, as the fried rice itself is flavorful enough.
Step 11
Voila! Your delicious and fluffy tofu kimchi fried rice is ready to be enjoyed. Serve immediately and savor the flavors!
