Golden Ratio Kimchi Fried Rice: Quick & Easy with Fridge Staples!
Golden Ratio Kimchi Fried Rice: Quick & Easy with Fridge Staples!
The Ultimate Fridge Clean-Out Meal: A Golden Recipe for Delicious Kimchi Fried Rice
With just some kimchi and a few simple vegetables from your fridge, you can whip up a fantastic kimchi fried rice in no time! Here’s a recipe that’s not only easy but also guarantees delicious results, with tips for perfecting that golden ratio.
Essential Ingredients- 1 bowl of fluffy cooked rice
- 1/2 cup chopped ham or sausage
- 1/2 cup well-fermented kimchi (with a little juice)
- 1 stalk green onion
- 1/6 carrot
- 1/2 onion
Seasoning for Fried Rice (Tablespoon Measurement)- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1-2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1-2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your rice so it’s fluffy and not sticky. You’ll need about one bowl. For the kimchi, instead of finely chopping it on a cutting board where water can make it tricky to wash, place it in a bowl and use kitchen scissors to cut it into bite-sized pieces (about 1/2 cup). A little of the kimchi juice will add extra flavor.
Step 2
Finely chop one stalk of green onion. Using plenty of green onion to create fragrant scallion oil is a secret weapon for delicious kimchi fried rice.
Step 3
Chop any leftover ham or sausage you have into bite-sized pieces. Finely dice the carrot and onion as well. Kimchi fried rice is perfect for using up those odds and ends in your fridge! Feel free to add any other vegetables you like.
Step 4
Heat 2-3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the chopped green onions and sauté until they become fragrant and start to sizzle, infusing the oil with their flavor.
Step 5
Once the scallion oil is aromatic, add the diced onion, carrot, and ham (or sausage) to the pan. Stir-fry until the vegetables become translucent and the ham is lightly browned.
Step 6
Now, add the chopped kimchi to the pan. Continue to stir-fry everything together until the ingredients are well combined and the kimchi has softened slightly.
Step 7
When the ingredients are nicely mixed and have taken on some color from the kimchi, it’s time to season the dish. Add your seasonings.
Step 8
Add 1 tablespoon of sugar to balance the tartness of the kimchi. Stir in 1 tablespoon of gochugaru for a vibrant color and flavor, and 1-2 tablespoons of soy sauce for saltiness. (Tip: I used 2 tablespoons of soy sauce; while it tasted a bit salty on its own, it was perfect once mixed with the rice. Adjust to your preference.)
Step 9
After seasoning the ingredients, add the prepared fluffy rice to the pan.
Step 10
See how the rice is turning a beautiful red? If you want an even richer color and a bit more spice, feel free to add a little extra gochugaru. Combine all the ingredients with the rice and stir-fry over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, ensuring the seasoning coats every grain of rice.
Step 11
Finally, just before turning off the heat, stir in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds. Adding sesame oil at the end preserves its nutty aroma and deep flavor. Your delicious kimchi fried rice is ready!
