Nostalgic & Delicious Kimchi Fried Rice: An Easy Recipe
Nostalgic & Delicious Kimchi Fried Rice: An Easy Recipe
Hearty and Flavorful Kimchi Fried Rice for the Whole Family
Kimchi fried rice is an undeniable soul food for anyone living in Korea! On mornings when side dishes are scarce, I always make this comforting and delicious kimchi fried rice for my children. Follow this detailed, easy-to-make recipe to complete a delightful meal.
Main Ingredients- 1 bowl of cooked rice (200g), preferably chilled
- 1/4 zucchini
- 1/4 onion
- 100g well-fermented napa cabbage kimchi
- 100g chicken ham or Spam
- 1 egg
- A little shredded seasoned seaweed (gim)
- A few romaine lettuce leaves or other greens
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
Seasoning- 1 tsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tsp oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1 tsp oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the star ingredient: kimchi! Using chilled rice makes the fried rice less sticky and more delicious. Kimchi that’s been fermented for a while adds a richer flavor. Lightly squeeze out excess liquid from the napa cabbage kimchi and chop it into small, bite-sized pieces. Have your egg, chicken ham (or Spam), zucchini, onion, and chilled rice all prepped and ready; this makes the cooking process much smoother.
Step 2
Finely dice the onion and zucchini to match the size of your chopped kimchi and ham. This ensures they blend well with the rice for a pleasant texture. Heat a pan over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil, and fry the egg to your preference (sunny-side up or over-easy/well-done). Set the fried egg aside on a plate. It’s a delicious topping for the kimchi fried rice!
Step 3
In the same pan used for the egg, add a little more cooking oil if needed. Add the chicken ham (or Spam) and stir-fry until lightly browned and slightly crispy. Once the ham is cooked, add the chopped kimchi, diced onion, and diced zucchini. Sauté everything together until the vegetables are softened and well-combined. You’ll smell the wonderful aroma as the kimchi cooks down.
Step 4
Now it’s time to add the chilled rice to the sautéed ingredients. A key to great fried rice is preventing the rice grains from clumping together. Since chilled rice tends to clump, use a spatula or spoon to quickly break apart any clumps and stir-fry the rice until each grain is separated and lightly toasted. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect fried rice texture.
Step 5
Finally, add the seasonings to enhance the flavor of your fried rice. Stir in 1 teaspoon of gochujang and 1 teaspoon of oyster sauce, mixing well as you continue to stir-fry. Gochujang adds a touch of spiciness and a vibrant color, while oyster sauce brings a deep umami flavor. Finish by drizzling in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for a nutty aroma. Your delicious kimchi fried rice is almost ready!
Step 6
Transfer the kimchi fried rice to a serving plate. Top it with the prepared fried egg. Garnish with a sprinkle of shredded seasoned seaweed (gim) and a few fresh romaine lettuce leaves or other greens. This not only makes the dish look appealing but also adds nutritional balance. Enjoy your meal!
