Kimchi Fried Rice: Seoul Food At Home
Craving yummy comfort food? This kimchi fried rice (kimchi bokkeumbap) is a flavour bomb! Spicy, sour, and ready in 30 mins. Get the easy recipe now!

Recipe Introduction: Kimchi Fried Rice – Seoul Food at Home
Ever get that craving for something spicy, savoury, and just downright comforting? honestly, kimchi fried rice hits all the right spots.
Think of it as a big warm hug in a bowl. this isn't just any diner recept ; it’s proper soul food, quick and easy.
A Taste of Korea in Your Kitchen
Kimchi fried rice, known as kimchi bokkeumbap in korea, is a classic dish that's been around for ages. it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice and that sour kimchi that’s been fermenting beautifully in your fridge.
This recipe is dead easy. it takes about 30 minutes to make two generous servings, perfect for a quick weeknight quick rice meals easy dinners .
It’s like bringing a little bit of seoul right into your kitchen – how to make korean food at home has never been simpler.
Why You'll Absolutely Love This Dish
One of the best things about this kimchi fried rice is that it's packed with probiotics from the kimchi, giving your gut a happy boost.
It's also the perfect dish when you want something hearty but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. plus, let's be honest, who can resist a perfectly runny fried egg on top? tasty recipes videos always show this dish in style, and now you can make it too!.
Honestly, what makes this kimchi fried rice special is its simplicity and versatility. it's one of those easy recipes with kimchi that you can adapt to whatever you have on hand, whether it's leftover chicken, tofu, or even bacon.
It's a yummy comfort food that never disappoints.
Time to gather our ingredients for this stir fried kimchi dish. Let's get cooking!
Alright, let's dive into what you need to whip up this kimchi fried rice . think of it as a lazy sunday morning, but with korean flavours.
It's one of those quick rice meals easy dinners that everyone needs in their arsenal. trust me, it's easier than understanding the offside rule!
Kimchi Fried Rice: Seoul Food At Home Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup cooked rice, preferably day-old
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup kimchi, chopped
- 2 tablespoons kimchi juice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped cooked protein (such as spam, bacon, chicken, or tofu)
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped green onions (scallions)
- 2 large eggs
- Sesame seeds for garnish
- Optional: Dried seaweed flakes (gim) for garnish
🥄 Instructions:
- Chop the kimchi, onion, garlic, and any protein you're using. Gather all other ingredients.
- Heat the vegetable oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the chopped kimchi and kimchi juice to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the kimchi softens and the flavors meld.
- If using, add the chopped protein to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes, until heated through.
- Add the cooked rice and gochujang to the skillet. Break up the rice with a spatula and stir to combine all ingredients evenly. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy in spots.
- Stir in the sesame oil and green onions (if using).
- While the rice is cooking, fry the eggs in a separate pan to your liking (runny yolks are the classic choice).
- Divide the kimchi fried rice between two bowls. Top each bowl with a fried egg, sprinkle with sesame seeds and dried seaweed flakes (if using). Serve immediately.
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients: The Kimchi Crew
Okay, so first things first. grab 2 tablespoons (30ml) of vegetable oil. any neutral oil will do. next up, 1 cup (240ml) of cooked rice.
Day-old rice is best. it’s drier and won't get all mushy. a little soy sauce – about 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
And 1 teaspoon (5ml) of toasted sesame oil. don't skip the sesame oil; it’s a game changer! salt and pepper to taste, obviously.
Now, for the stars of the show. you’ll need 1 cup (240ml) of kimchi , chopped. get a well-fermented, tangy kimchi .
This is one of those kimchi recipes easy that lets the kimchi shine. seriously, the quality indicators for this are simple: it should smell pungent and taste nice and sour.
And don’t forget the juice! 2 tablespoons (30ml) of kimchi juice goes in too. you can use a radish kimchi fried rice too.
It adds a nice little bit of crunch.
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life
You’ll need 1 small onion (about 100g ), finely chopped. and 2 cloves of garlic (about 6g ), minced. don’t be shy with the garlic.
And 1 tablespoon (15ml) of gochujang. this is korean chili paste. add more if you like it spicy! if you want, chuck in about 1/2 cup (120ml) of cooked protein.
Spam, bacon, chicken, or tofu – whatever you fancy. finally, 1/4 cup (60ml) of chopped green onions for a bit of freshness.
For flavor enhancers and aromatics , gochujang is your best friend. no gochujang? sriracha will do in a pinch, but it won't be quite the same.
Remember, it's all about the essential spice combinations .
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
Honestly, you don't need much. a big skillet or wok is essential. you'll need a spatula. a small pan for frying eggs.
And the usual cutting board and knife. we’re not talking fancy gadgets here, just essential tools only . if you don't have a wok, a large frying pan will work.
This kimchi fried rice is a super yummy comfort food . it's also one of those recipes that use kimchi that you’ll make again and again.
It is one of the korean rice dishes easy . it's a proper diner recept . trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be making it all the time.
You might even find yourself watching how to prepare fried rice video . the recipe is as close to how to make korean food at home as it gets.
Kimchi Fried Rice: Seoul Food at Home
Fancy a bit of seoul in your soul? let's whip up some kimchi fried rice , kimchi bokkeumbap for the purists.
It's yummy comfort food that’s quicker than ordering a takeaway. honestly, this quick rice meals easy dinners recipe is so easy even i can’t mess it up!
Prep Like a Pro
Essential mise en place is your best mate here. chop 1 cup of kimchi, dice 1 small onion, and mince 2 cloves of garlic.
Getting everything ready before you start saves loads of time. think of it like prepping your playlist before a night out – essential!
Step-by-Step to Kimchi Heaven
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok.
- Sauté onion and garlic for 2- 3 minutes until softened.
- Add chopped kimchi and 2 tablespoons of kimchi juice. Cook for 3- 5 minutes .
- Chuck in 1/2 cup of cooked protein (spam, bacon, tofu) if you're feeling fancy.
- Stir in 1 cup of cooked rice and 1 tablespoon of gochujang.
- Fry for 3- 5 minutes , stirring often, until heated through.
- Drizzle with 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. Add 1/4 cup chopped green onions.
- Top with a fried egg. Runny yolk is the way to go!
Pro Tips for Radish Kimchi Fried Rice
Want to take your kimchi bokkeumbap to the next level? day-old rice is your secret weapon for avoiding mushiness. also, don’t be shy with the gochujang! start with 1 tablespoon, but add more for extra heat, depending on how hot you like it!.
It's the key to that authentic sour kimchi recipes flavour. it’s one of those easy recipes with kimchi you'll make again and again, i swear.
Craving how to make korean food at home ? trying to search for tasty recipes videos or diner recept or other kimchi recipes easy ? look no further, there is nothing better than this quick recipes snacks , that can be a healthy homemade recipes , and even you can add some other ingredients to add flavour and turn it into a fair food recipes .

Alright, let's talk kimchi fried rice . i'm telling you, this stuff is proper tasty. it's like, the ultimate cheat meal that doesn't really feel like one.
You know? quick, easy and absolutely slaps!
Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Kimchi Fried Rice
So, you've got the basics down, yeah? Now, let's dive into some bits and bobs to make your kimchi fried rice extra special. It's all about the details, innit?
Serving Suggestions: Plating like a Pro
Honestly, presentation makes all the difference. try serving your kimchi fried rice in a nice bowl, not just any old thing.
A little heap, topped with that perfectly runny egg. sprinkle with sesame seeds and maybe some dried seaweed flakes. think restaurant vibes, but at home.
A simple side salad balances the richness nicely too. maybe even a nice korean beer to cool you down with the spice of your own radish kimchi fried rice .
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh
Got leftovers? easy peasy. pop your stir fried kimchi creation into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge.
It'll be good for about 2-3 days. freezing? not the best idea, tbh. the rice can get a bit mushy.
When reheating, a quick zap in the microwave works, or you can fry it up again in a pan. add a splash of water to keep it moist.
Variations: Spice It Up or Tone It Down
Fancy a change? you can swap out ingredients based on the season to find your own personal yummy comfort food .
Honestly, this is why it´s one of the best quick rice meals easy dinners recipes out there. for a vegan version, just use vegan kimchi and tofu.
Cheese lover? chuck in some cheddar at the end! i once added some leftover roast chicken and it was amazing .
If you are dealing with sour kimchi recipes add sugar to neutralize the taste.
Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Body
Alright, let's be real, kimchi fried rice isn't exactly a salad. but it does have some good stuff in it.
The kimchi is full of probiotics, which are great for your gut. and you're getting some protein and carbs from the rice and egg.
It's all about balance, right? this is a good way to try a new healthy homemade recipe .
Right then. get in the kitchen and give it a go. how to make korean food at home has never been easier!.
Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. this kimchi fried rice recipe is meant to be enjoyed, so go on, treat yourself!

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make kimchi fried rice if I only have freshly cooked rice?
You can, but day-old rice really is your best bet for amazing kimchi fried rice! Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist, which can lead to a mushy, rather than wonderfully crispy, final product. If you're in a pinch, spread the freshly cooked rice out on a baking sheet to allow some of the moisture to evaporate before using it, like you're trying to dry out some soggy chips on a plate under a warm light.
My kimchi fried rice isn't spicy enough! What can I do?
Spice it up, mate! The easiest way to increase the heat in your kimchi fried rice is to add more gochujang. You can also add a pinch or two of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) for an extra kick. Or even a dash of your favourite chilli sauce like Tobasco or sriracha, like when you're putting hot sauce on a Nandos order, go wild!
What's the best way to store leftover kimchi fried rice? How long does it last?
Leftover kimchi fried rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools down properly before putting it away though or else your fridge will get a little sweaty. Reheat thoroughly in a skillet or microwave before serving; just like last night's takeaway. You can also freeze it but the texture of the rice may change slightly upon thawing, so keep that in mind.
I'm vegetarian/vegan. Can I still enjoy this kimchi fried rice recipe?
Absolutely! Making a vegetarian or vegan kimchi fried rice is super easy. Just ensure you're using a vegan kimchi (some contain fish sauce, so check the label!). You can skip the optional meat protein or substitute it with tofu or tempeh. Enjoy your plant based feast!
Is kimchi fried rice healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
Kimchi fried rice can be a part of a balanced diet, but it's worth thinking about a few things. It can be relatively high in sodium (from the kimchi and soy sauce), so portion control is key. To make it healthier, load it up with extra vegetables and consider using brown rice instead of white. Consider the sodium content if you're watching your salt intake, a bit like reading the label on a packet of crisps before you grab it.
Can I customize my kimchi fried rice with other ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to chuck in other ingredients like mushrooms, carrots, or peas. You can also experiment with different proteins such as pork belly, prawns or even leftover Sunday roast chicken. If you want to load it up with extra vegetables, go for it! It's your fried rice, you're the chef, so make it your own.
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