Kimchi fried rice—what a revelation! It’s like the universe decided to throw a spicy, tangy dance party on your plate. I first tried it on a trip to Seoul, where bustling street vendors cooked up this magic before my eyes, and I’ve been hooked ever since. This version with chicken is a flavor explosion, and oh boy, you won’t want to miss it.
Steps
- Begin by heating a teaspoon of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped green onion and cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chopped kimchi to the pan, stirring it for another 2-3 minutes until it’s well-heated and slightly caramelized.
- Mix in the gochujang, kimchi juice, and water, ensuring everything is combined smoothly with the kimchi.
- Stir in the steamed rice, breaking up any clumps, and ensure it’s evenly coated with the kimchi mixture. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Drizzle the toasted sesame oil over the rice and stir to distribute the flavor evenly.
- Sprinkle the roasted sesame seeds over the fried rice. Finish by garnishing with shredded seaweed strips before serving.
Ingredients
- 3 bowls steamed rice (3 cups)
- 1 cup chopped kimchi (well-aged and sour)
- ¼ cup kimchi juice
- ¼ cup water
- 2-3 tablespoons gochujang
- 3 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon roasted sesame seeds
- 1 sheet of gim, roasted and shredded into strips
FAQ
- Can I use fresh rice for kimchi fried rice, or does it need to be leftover rice?
- You can certainly use fresh rice for kimchi fried rice. While some people prefer using leftover rice for its texture, fresh rice can work equally well. Just make sure to let it cool slightly before stir-frying.
- What proteins can I add to this kimchi fried rice recipe?
- You can enhance this dish by adding proteins such as beef, chicken, pork, ham, or even spam. A fried egg on top is also a popular addition among many Koreans.
- Is it important for the kimchi to be aged for this recipe?
- Yes, using well-fermented and sour kimchi is recommended, as it provides a more robust flavor to the dish.
- What are the key ingredients needed for kimchi fried rice?
- The main ingredients include steamed rice, chopped kimchi, kimchi juice, gochujang, sesame oil, vegetable oil, chopped green onion, roasted sesame seeds, and roasted seaweed strips.
- Can I prepare kimchi fried rice in advance?
- Kimchi fried rice is quick to prepare and doesn’t require much advance planning if you have rice and kimchi ready. It’s a convenient and delicious dish to make on a whim.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a protein like beef, chicken, pork, ham, or even spam to enhance the dish. Additionally, topping the fried rice with a fried egg can add a delightful texture and taste.
- If you prefer using fresh rice rather than leftover rice, allow it to cool slightly before stir-frying. This will help achieve a good texture without compromising the taste.
- Use aged, well-fermented kimchi for the best flavor. The sourness of the kimchi will contribute significantly to the overall taste of the dish.
- For an authentic Korean touch, garnish your kimchi fried rice with roasted sesame seeds and shredded seaweed strips (gim) just before serving.
Equipment
- bokkeumbap), here is a list of main equipment that someone might need to buy, which can typically be found on Amazon:
- Wok or Large Frying Pan – Essential for stir-frying the ingredients.
- Rice Cooker – Useful for preparing the steamed rice if not already available.
- Kimchi Container – Specifically designed for storing and fermenting kimchi, if not readily available.
- Gochujang (Korean Chili Paste) – If not available locally, this can be purchased online.
- Sesame Oil – Used in many Asian recipes, so purchasing online might be convenient.
- Roasted Gim (Seaweed) – Not always available in regular grocery stores.