Kimchi Fried Rice the Whole Family Will Love
Kimchi Fried Rice the Whole Family Will Love
Delicious Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe Using Aged Kimchi
When it comes to using up aged kimchi, what better dish than kimchi fried rice? Here’s a recipe that transforms slightly sour kimchi into a wonderfully flavorful fried rice. The tangy kimchi harmonizes beautifully with the savory rice, creating a dish that’s perfect for everyone in the family. Make it for a special occasion or just to create a delicious memory for your loved ones.
Main Ingredients- 1 cup aged/sour kimchi, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 onion, finely minced
- 1/2 cup ham or sausage, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 king oyster mushroom, finely minced
- 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 bowl warm rice
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 piece butter (approx. 10g)
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare your aged kimchi. Place the kimchi in a bowl and use kitchen scissors to cut it into bite-sized pieces. Cutting with scissors is much easier and creates less mess than using a cutting board! If you don’t have aged kimchi, you can add about 1 tablespoon of vinegar to regular kimchi and mix it well to achieve a similar sourness. Don’t worry, any kimchi can make delicious kimchi fried rice.
Step 2
Besides the kimchi, finely dice the ham (or sausage), onion, and king oyster mushroom. Dicing the vegetables small ensures they meld well with the rice for a more cohesive and flavorful fried rice.
Step 3
Heat 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced onion, diced ham, and mushrooms, and stir-fry until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Once the ingredients are nicely sautéed, add all the prepared kimchi. For an extra boost of flavor and moisture, add about half a ladleful of the kimchi juice along with the kimchi.
Step 4
Once the kimchi is tender and sautéed, it’s time to add the seasonings. Kimchi fried rice is delicious enough on its own without complex seasonings, so you’ll be satisfied with simple additions. First, add 1 tablespoon of gochugaru for a vibrant red color and mix well.
Step 5
Add half a tablespoon of sugar to balance the sourness of the kimchi. Sugar gently neutralizes the tartness of the kimchi and adds a touch of sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the fried rice.
Step 6
Now it’s time to add the rice. Using warm rice is great, but using leftover cold rice will give you a chewier texture, which is ideal for fried rice. After adding the rice, you can turn off the heat temporarily and gently mix the rice with all the ingredients. This helps prevent the rice from clumping and ensures the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Step 7
Once the rice is somewhat mixed, turn the heat back on and add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. For an extra smoky flavor, tilt the pan slightly and pour the soy sauce into the hot pan where it can sizzle and caramelize. This imparts a delicious ‘wok hei’ or smoky aroma.
Step 8
Here’s a special tip for your fried rice: add a piece of butter! The rich, creamy flavor of the butter pairs wonderfully with the kimchi, elevating the overall taste of the fried rice to a more luxurious level. The combination of kimchi and butter is surprisingly delicious, so be sure to give it a try!
Step 9
Finally, drizzle in about half a tablespoon of sesame oil for a fragrant finish. The aroma of sesame oil will further enrich the taste of your fried rice. Mix everything thoroughly, and your delicious kimchi fried rice is ready! It’s best enjoyed hot.
