Tomato Kimchi Fried Rice
An Unique Twist: Tomato Kimchi Fried Rice (Super Simple One-Bowl Meal)
A wonderfully easy kimchi fried rice made with the addition of tomatoes, offering a delightful, slightly tangy flavor profile. This recipe is a fantastic one-bowl meal that’s both quick to make and delicious.
Ingredients
- Well-fermented kimchi, finely chopped – about 1/4 head or 2 cups
- Ripe tomato, finely chopped – 1 medium (or 10-15 cherry tomatoes)
- Rice bran oil or cooking oil – 2 Tbsp
- Cooked rice, preferably day-old and slightly dry – 2 bowls
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Toasted sesame seeds, crushed – 1 Tbsp
- Whole toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
- Sesame oil – 1/2 Tbsp
- Scallions, thinly sliced – 2-3 stalks (for garnish)
- Egg – 1 (for frying)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, finely chop the well-fermented kimchi into small pieces, about 1cm in size. Also, finely chop the ripe tomato. If you prefer a less moist fried rice, you can remove the seeds from the tomato before chopping, as this will help the rice grains stay separate and fluffy.
Step 2
Heat 2 tablespoons of rice bran oil or your preferred cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chopped tomatoes and sauté for a minute or two until they soften slightly and release their sweetness. Then, add the chopped kimchi and stir-fry until the kimchi becomes tender and glossy. Once the kimchi is well-cooked, add the cooked rice. Use a spatula to break up any clumps of rice and stir-fry everything together until the kimchi, tomato, and rice are well combined.
Step 3
Now it’s time to season the fried rice. Add a pinch of salt and some black pepper. Stir in 1 tablespoon of crushed toasted sesame seeds for a nutty aroma and flavor. Taste the fried rice and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it’s not salty enough, you can add a little more salt, soy sauce, or oyster sauce, depending on your preference. Remember that the saltiness of kimchi can vary, so tasting is crucial before adding more seasoning.
Step 4
Just before turning off the heat, drizzle in 1/2 tablespoon of sesame oil or perilla oil to add a fragrant finish. For an even richer flavor, you can mix half sesame oil and half perilla oil. Stir briefly to combine, then immediately remove from heat to preserve the fresh aroma of the oil.
Step 5
While the fried rice is resting, prepare a fried egg. You can cook it to your preferred doneness, whether sunny-side up or fully cooked. The runny yolk will add a wonderfully creamy texture when mixed into the rice.
Step 6
Serve the delicious tomato kimchi fried rice in a bowl. Top it with the freshly fried egg. Finally, sprinkle some thinly sliced scallions over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful and satisfying one-bowl meal!
