Special Edition! Radish Kimchi Fried Rice with a Satisfying Chew
Special Edition! Radish Kimchi Fried Rice with a Satisfying Chew
Experience the Delightful Texture of Fried Rice Made with Radish Kimchi!
Tired of the same old kimchi fried rice? This recipe introduces a unique twist using crunchy radish kimchi (kkakdugi) to add a delightful chewiness and a deep, rich umami flavor. The spicy, tangy notes of the radish kimchi will infuse every grain of rice, creating an unforgettable taste sensation. Perfect for a special meal or when you’re craving something flavorful, this radish kimchi fried rice is a must-try. Let’s get cooking!
Main Ingredients- 1 stalk Green Onion
- 1/2 Onion
- 1/2 can Spam
- 5 leaves Napa Cabbage Kimchi (well-fermented, with minimal juice)
- 5-6 pieces Radish Kimchi (kkakdugi, focusing on the radish part)
- 2 Tbsp Cooking Oil
- 2 bowls Cooked Rice (preferably day-old and cooled)
- 2 Eggs
- Sliced Cheese (optional, to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
1. First, heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over low heat. Add finely chopped green onions and sauté them gently until they become fragrant and slightly golden, releasing their sweet aroma. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base.
Step 2
2. Peel the onion, then dice it into small, fine cubes that will blend well into the fried rice.
Step 3
3. Once the green onions are nicely sautéed, add the diced onion to the pan and cook together until the onion becomes translucent. The combination of green onion and onion will deepen the overall flavor.
Step 4
4. Drain the Spam, cut it into small cubes (similar in size to the diced onion), and add it to the pan. Sauté everything together. The savory, salty flavor of Spam will add a wonderful depth to the fried rice.
Step 5
5. Lightly squeeze out excess juice from the Napa cabbage kimchi, then chop it into small pieces (cubes) similar to the Spam. Add it to the pan and stir-fry. Properly sautéing the kimchi is key to a delicious fried rice.
Step 6
6. For the radish kimchi, brush off any excess kimchi paste. We will primarily use the crunchy radish part for this fried rice. Remove the leafy parts and prepare the radish pieces.
Step 7
7. Cut the prepared radish kimchi into small cubes or bite-sized pieces, similar to the size of the chopped Napa cabbage kimchi and Spam. Cutting them small will ensure a pleasant texture when eating.
Step 8
8. Add all the chopped radish kimchi to the pan where the other ingredients are being sautéed. Stir-fry them together. It’s best not to overcook the radish kimchi at this stage to preserve its crisp texture.
Step 9
9. Now, add 1 teaspoon of sugar to the pan. This step is a secret trick to mellow out the sourness of the radish kimchi and enhance the overall umami flavor of the fried rice. Don’t skip it!
Step 10
10. Stir-fry everything over medium heat until well combined and the kimchi is nicely cooked. The flavors will meld together harmoniously as the ingredients cook.
Step 11
11. Add 2 bowls of cooled, fluffy cooked rice to the pan. Using day-old, cooled rice is recommended as it prevents the rice from becoming mushy and results in a better fried texture.
Step 12
12. Once the rice is in, use your spatula to cut through the rice in a chopping motion (like drawing the number ’11’) rather than stirring. This technique helps keep the rice grains separate and prevents them from clumping, ensuring a perfectly textured fried rice.
Step 13
13. Now, let’s shape the fried rice for serving. You’ll be packing it into a small bowl. If you’re using sliced cheese, place a slice at the bottom of the bowl before adding the fried rice. This way, the cheese will melt beautifully within the rice.
Step 14
14. Fill the bowl halfway with the fried rice, place a slice of cheese in the center, then top with the remaining fried rice. Press down firmly to compact it and create a neat shape. Imagine that delicious melted cheese oozing out!
Step 15
15. Carefully invert the filled bowl onto a larger plate or serving dish. Gently lift the bowl to reveal a beautifully shaped mound of fried rice. Be careful not to let it fall apart.
Step 16
16. Finally, crown your delicious creation with a sunny-side-up fried egg, its yolk perfectly runny. This completes your visually appealing and incredibly tasty radish kimchi fried rice. Enjoy every bite!
