Kimchi Fried Rice

Kimchi fried rice is a popular Korean food like tteokbokki, japchae, kimbap, jajangmyeon, kimchi tofu soup, Korean ginseng chicken soup and honeydew popsicle. This simple and easy kimchi fried rice recipe has detailed step by step photos, tips and a video tutorial to show you how to make Korean kimchi fried rice at home. 

Love Asian food? Check out these California roll, ham fried rice, loco moco, pad ka prao and sesame oil chicken rice, walnut shrimp, taiyaki, guava cheesecake, and cream bun recipes. 

What is kimchi fried rice?

Kimchi bokkeum bap (김치볶음밥) in Korean means kimchi fried rice. It's fried rice with kimchi. Also, it is a popular Korean dish made by stir frying cooked rice with kimchi and various ingredients.

Some people like to make kimchi fried rice with meat like spam, pork belly, chicken and shrimp. Others like to add eggs to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. And, some like to add cheese. Often, it is seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and gochujang (Korean chili paste). 

Kimchi fried rice is a versatile dish. You can customize it according to personal taste preferences and ingredient availability. It's often served as a main course but can also be enjoyed as a side dish or even as a quick snack like tteokbokki, japchae and kimbap.

What does kimchi fried rice taste like?

In general, kimchi fried rice tastes tangy, spicy, and savory. The taste of kimchi fried rice can taste varied depending on the additional ingredients such as pork belly, carrots, mushrooms, or fried eggs. Also, different brands of kimchi or homemade kimchi may taste slightly different as well. 

What to pair with kimchi fried rice?

Kimchi fried rice or "Kimchi Bokkeumbap'' in Korean, is a flavorful and satisfying dish on its own. But, it can also be enhanced by serving it as a side dish along with BBQ ribs, char siu, prime rib roast, baked salmon filet, and baked chicken. Or, soup like miso soup, kimchi tofu soup or hot and sour soup. 

What is the difference between Korean and Chinese fried rice?

Both Korean and Chinese fried rice dishes involve stir frying rice with various ingredients, but differences between the two are the flavor, ingredients and seasoning. 

Korean fried rice, kimchi fried rice, has a tangy and spicy flavor due to the use of kimchi, gochujang (Korean chili paste), and sesame oil. Often people like to use Korean barbecue meats (such as bulgogi or pork belly) and vegetables like carrots, green onions, or bell peppers.

On the other hand, Chinese fried rice tends to have a more savory flavor. It commonly uses salt, soy sauce, or oyster sauce for seasoning. The flavor can vary depending on regional variations and specific ingredients such as peas, carrots, ham, shrimp, chicken, char siu pork or beef. 

What kind of rice is the best for kimchi fried rice? 

The best rice for kimchi fried rice is typically cooked leftover long grain white rice like jasmine rice. Long grain rice has a fluffy texture and tends to separate easily, making it ideal for stir-frying. Also, it doesn't clump together as much as short grain rice. Therefore, it allows the flavors and ingredients to mix evenly.

When making kimchi fried rice, it is recommended to use leftover rice that has been refrigerated for a day or two. This helps to dry out the rice a little bit and make it less sticky and easier to stir fry. And, the drier texture of the rice also allows it to absorb the flavors of the kimchi and other ingredients better.

How do you make fried rice not soggy?

Making fried rice that is not soggy requires a few key steps and techniques. Here's how to make fried rice with a nice, dry texture. First of all, use cold cooked rice. Freshly cooked rice tends to be moist and sticky which can result in a gummy texture when stir fry. You can cook the rice a few hours ahead of time or even the day before and refrigerate it. This allows the rice to dry out and become firm.

Secondly, choose the right type of rice. For fried rice, it's best to use long-grain rice like jasmine. These rice varieties tend to stay separate when cooked and work well for fried rice. Thirdly, preheat the pan and oil. To make sure your wok or skillet is well-heated before adding any oil. This helps to prevent the rice from sticking to the pan and allows for quick frying.

Do not overcrowd the pan with too much rice or other ingredients. Stir fry in smaller batches ensures that each grain of rice comes in contact with the hot surface and allows it to fry properly. Lastly, continuously stir and toss it to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

How to season kimchi fried rice?

Seasoning kimchi fried rice is essential and important to enhance its flavor and bring out the delicious taste of the ingredients. In this easy kimchi fried rice recipe, I like to add kimchi juice because kimchi juice is very flavorful and has a unique flavor.

Then, add some gochujang, a Korean chili paste which gives the fried rice a spicy kick and a deeper flavor. You can adjust the amount based on your spiciness level. Also, drizzle some sesame oil over the rice while stir frying or as a finishing touch. Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma and flavor that complements the other ingredients. 

Is kimchi fried rice vegetarian or vegan-friendly?

Kimchi fried rice can be made vegetarian or vegan-friendly. You can omit animal based ingredients like meat or eggs and use plant based ingredients. Additionally, ensure that the kimchi is vegan-friendly because some may contain fish sauce or other non-vegan ingredients.

What does kimchi fried rice taste or flavor like? 

Kimchi fried rice tastes tangy, spicy, and savory. Also, it can taste varied depending on the additional ingredients like pork belly, carrots, mushrooms, or fried eggs. Also, different brands of kimchi or homemade kimchi and its juice taste slightly different.

Optional toppings: fried eggs, nori strips and sesame seeds

Some people like to pan fry eggs and put them on the top of the rice. Then, sprinkle some of the Korean roasted nori strips and sesame seeds. But, personally, I like to pan fry the egg and mix it with the rice. These toppings are optional.

What are Korean roasted nori sheets?

Substitutions: 

Can I use store bought kimchi?

In this easy kimchi fried rice recipe, I use homemade kimchi. However, you can use store bought kimchi. Also, add kimchi and seasoning according to your taste.

Can I use brown rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice if you prefer a healthier alternative to white rice.

How to make kimchi fried rice less spicy?

You can adjust the spice level according to your preference by adding more or less gochujang (Korean spicy chili paste). 

Is it ok to add tofu instead of eggs? 

Sure, you can use tofu instead of egg. Or, you can not add egg at all. 

Storage: 

How long can kimchi fried rice last?

Typically, it can last for 3 to 4 days when you properly store it in the refrigerator. It's essential to store the leftover kimchi fried rice in an airtight container to help maintain its freshness and prevent it from absorbing other odors from the fridge. Remember to let it cool down to room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator.

Can I freeze kimchi fried rice?

Yes, you can freeze kimchi fried rice for longer storage up to 2 months. Allow it to cool down completely to room temperature before freezing. This helps prevent condensation from forming inside the container, which can lead to freezer burn.

Then, divide the kimchi fried rice into individual or meal-sized portions. This makes it easier to thaw and reheat only the amount you need at a time, rather than having to thaw the entire batch. Next, label each container or bag with the date of freezing to keep track of its freshness. Lay flat to freeze if using bags, as this helps save space and allows for easier stacking.

When you are ready to enjoy the frozen kimchi fried rice, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on the microwave. Once thawed, reheat the fried rice thoroughly in a pan on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through and stir it occasionally. 

How to reheat kimchi fried rice?

Stovetop: 

Add the leftover kimchi fried rice on a non-stick skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Then, spread it out evenly and stir it occasionally to ensure even heating.

Microwave:

Cover kimchi fried rice with a wet paper towel and warm it up on high power for 1-2 minutes, depending on the portion size and the power of your microwave. Pause halfway through to stir the rice.

Cooking tips for how to make easy kimchi fried rice? 

• It's best to use cooked leftover rice. If it is refrigerated, take the rice out of the fridge for 30 minutes before cooking. Or, you can cover with a wet paper towel and microwave for a minute to soften the rice. 
• Since I use homemade kimchi, the taste may be slightly different. Therefore, add Korean chili paste to your taste.
• I love to use shallot to stir fried rice because it gives a great aroma to the rice. However, you can use onion if you want to substitute. 
• Roast nori sheets and sesame seeds are optional, you don’t have to add them. 

FAQs:

Instructions for how to make easy kimchi fried rice: 

Preparation:

1. Cut 4 sticks of green onion and set it aside.

2. Dice 1 medium sized shallot.

3. Roughly cut 1 cup of homemade kimchi into pieces.

4. Beat 2 eggs in a container and set it aside.

Cooking:

5. Pour ½ tablespoon of vegetable oil into the wok and turn on medium high fire. Then, add the diced shallot. Stir fry them a little bit.

6. After that, add 3 cups of cooked rice into the wok and loosen up the rice.

7. Next, add the cut homemade kimchi and ¼ cup of kimchi juice. Stir fry them a little bit.

8. After, add 2 tablespoons of gochujang Korean chili paste. (Suggest to add a tablespoon at a time to your taste.) Then, stir fry it and make sure the paste mixes well with the rice. 

9. Pour 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and keep stir frying the rice. 

10. The following step, move the rice to the side of the wok. Pour ½ tablespoon of vegetable oil and the beaten eggs. Stir fry the eggs and mix with the rice.

11. Turn off the fire. Add the cut green onion, 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds and mix them. 

12. Lastly, cut a big roasted Korean nori sheet (like A4 size) into strips. Put on top of the rice and ready to serve. 

Enjoy this simple and easy Korean kimchi fried rice recipe! Also, check out these gyudon beef bowl, teriyaki chicken rice bowl, Hawaiian loco moco, cream corn chicken rice, pineapple cake, Thai chicken satay, and orange chicken recipes.

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