Name: Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old); 1 cup kimchi, chopped with juice reserved; 1/2 cup cooked protein (optional: chicken, pork, or tofu); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, diced; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/2 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes, optional); 2 green onions, chopped; 2 teaspoons sesame seeds; 2 fried eggs (optional, for topping)

Description

Kimchi Fried Rice is a flavorful Korean comfort food made by stir-frying day-old rice with spicy kimchi, garlic, onions, and your choice of protein. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal, garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, and optionally topped with a fried egg for extra richness.

Ingredients

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Base Ingredients

2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
1 cup kimchi, chopped with juice reserved
1/2 cup cooked protein (optional: chicken, pork, or tofu)

Flavorings

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes, optional)

Garnishes

2 green onions, chopped
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
2 fried eggs (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

Heat the oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, preparing the pan for sautéing.
Sauté aromatics: Add minced garlic and diced onion to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant and softened.
Cook the kimchi: Add the chopped kimchi along with its reserved juice and cook for 2-3 minutes until it slightly caramelizes, enhancing its flavor.
Add protein (optional): Stir in your choice of cooked protein like chicken, pork, or tofu if desired, ensuring it heats through.
Add rice and seasonings: Add the day-old cooked rice, breaking up any clumps, then drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil. Sprinkle gochugaru if using, to add spice.
Combine and heat through: Cook everything together for another 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to evenly combine flavors and heat through.
Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and top the fried rice with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and a fried egg if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Use day-old rice for the best texture as it fries better and is less sticky.
Adjust the spice level by increasing gochugaru or adding sriracha according to preference.
Feel free to add extra vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.