Taste Korean Food

Easy Kimchi Fried Rice

Kimchi Fried Rice – A Simple Yet Flavorful One-Bowl Korean Dish
Kimchi fried rice is one of Korea’s most beloved comfort foods, made by stir-frying well-fermented kimchi with rice, often with bacon, spam, or egg.
Using aged kimchi brings out a deep, savory flavor, while sesame oil and a fried egg on top complete the dish.

Why it’s great:

It’s quick, easy, and requires minimal ingredients—perfect for busy days.

Kimchi is full of probiotics and nutrients, making this dish both tasty and healthy.

You can customize it with ingredients like tuna, cheese, or sausage, making it a versatile meal option.

clock30min
signaleasy
Square cast iron pan with kimchi fried rice and a fried sunny-sides up egg on top with green herbal garnish

Ingredients

Weight

Basic ingredients

Cabbage Kimchi1/6 ea

Fluffy Rice2 bowls

Bacon Slices (or Spam)5 slices

Eggs2 ea

Onion1/4 ea

Green Onion1 ea

Sesame Oil1 tablespoon

Cooking OilA little -

Sesame SeedsA little -

Seasoning ingredients

Kimchi broth3 tablespoons

Oligosaccharide1 tablespoon

Fine red pepper powder1 teaspoon

PepperA little -

Step 1:

Cut the cabbage kimchi into 1cm square pieces and chop the onion coarsely. Chop the green onions into small pieces and cut the bacon into bite-size pieces. Add seasoning ingredients to a bowl and mix.

Step 2:

Put a little oil in a heated pan and fry the bacon. Then add the onion and kimchi and fry over medium heat for about 2 minutes, then add the seasoning and mix.

Step 3:

Add the rice, stir-fry and mix thoroughly as if dividing the rice with a spatula, and then add sesame oil at the end.

Step 4:

Place the kimchi fried rice in a bowl and sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. It tastes even better with a fried egg.

Editor's Detail

Kimchi Fried Rice – A Flavorful Korean Classic You’ll Never Get Tired Of

1. Deep Umami from Aged Kimchi

The key to great kimchi fried rice is well-fermented (aged) kimchi. As it’s stir-fried, the rich and tangy flavors intensify, creating a bold and deeply savory taste.

2. Simple Ingredients, Big Satisfaction

All you need is rice, kimchi, and maybe an egg or some bacon. It’s a quick, fuss-free recipe that anyone can make with common fridge staples.

3. Endlessly Customizable

Kimchi fried rice is incredibly versatile—add spam, tuna, cheese, sausage, or even butter to suit your taste. It’s a great way to clean out your fridge and still make a delicious meal.

4. Filling and Nutritious One-Bowl Meal

With carbs, protein, and vegetables all in one bowl, it’s a well-balanced and satisfying dish. It’s great as a solo meal or packed lunch.

5. Loaded with Probiotics and Vitamins

Kimchi is rich in probiotics, antioxidants, and vitamins A, B, and C. Even after stir-frying, it retains many of its nutrients, making this a healthy yet tasty dish.

6. Adjustable Heat Levels

Prefer it spicier? Add gochugaru (red pepper flakes) or gochujang.

Want it milder? Mix in butter, cheese, or even a soft egg. You can easily adjust the heat level to suit your palate.

7. A Comforting Symbol of Korean Home Cooking

Kimchi fried rice is a beloved Korean soul food, familiar and comforting.

It’s also an excellent gateway dish for those new to Korean cuisine, thanks to its simplicity and bold flavor.

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