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Weeknight • Vegetarian

Quick Kimchi Fried Rice

A speedy, flavorful twist on classic fried rice, bursting with tangy kimchi and savory gochujang.

Prep
10 min
Cook
10 min
Servings
2
Level
Weeknight
Quick Kimchi Fried Rice

Got leftover rice? You've got dinner! This Quick Kimchi Fried Rice is an absolute flavor bomb, turning humble ingredients into a vibrant and satisfying meal in minutes. The tangy kimchi and spicy gochujang create a symphony of tastes that'll have you coming back for more.

Ingredients

Yield: 2 servings

Main

  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1/2 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chopped kimchi, plus 1 tbsp kimchi juice
  • 3 cups cooked, cold day-old rice (short grain preferred)
  • 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste), or to taste
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances kimchi tartness)
  • 2 large eggs
  • Chopped green onions, for garnish
  • Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.

  2. Step 2

    Stir in the chopped kimchi and kimchi juice, cooking for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

  3. Step 3

    Add the cold rice to the skillet. Break up any clumps with a spoon. Add gochujang, soy sauce, and sugar (if using). Stir well to combine, continuing to cook and stir for 3-5 minutes, allowing the rice to warm through and absorb the flavors.

  4. Step 4

    While the rice is cooking, heat a separate small non-stick pan over medium heat. Crack in the eggs and fry them to your preference (sunny-side up is traditional for fried rice).

  5. Step 5

    Divide the kimchi fried rice into two bowls. Top each serving with a fried egg, sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Tips

  • Using cold, day-old rice is key for good fried rice texture; fresh rice can be too sticky.
  • Add cooked protein like leftover chicken or tofu when adding the rice for a heartier meal.

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