If there’s one dish that never fails to satisfy cravings, it’s Kimchi Fried Rice (also known as Kimchi Bokkeumbap). This Korean comfort food is bold, spicy, and deeply savoury – all thanks to one magical ingredient: fermented kimchi. It’s the ultimate pantry meal, ideal for weeknights, lazy Sundays, or anytime you’re staring at a container of leftover rice and wondering what to do with it.
What makes this dish so irresistible is its balance of flavors. The tangy funk of kimchi pairs perfectly with rice, and when stir-fried together with garlic, sesame oil, and spring onions. It transforms into a rich, smoky, umami-packed bowl of goodness. Top it off with a crispy fried egg or grilled chicken and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and you’ve got a take-away worthy meal in under 30 minutes.
The beauty of Kimchi Fried Rice is how customisable it is. Want to make it heartier? Add bacon, spam, tofu, or even shredded chicken. Need a vegan option? Just skip the egg and meat, and boost flavour with more mushrooms or nori flakes. It’s a forgiving recipe that welcomes creativity and always hits the spot. Therefore in this recipe, I will be sharing the basics of how I make Kimchi Fried Rice. It doesn’t contain gochuchang as my homemade kimchi is very flavourful and potent already.
Whether you’re new to Korean cooking or a long-time fan (me), this dish is a must-try. It’s bold, easy, comforting, and guaranteed to be a go-to every time you have leftover kimchi.
Kimchi Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups day old rice, breakup clumps with spatula or hands
- 2 tbsp kimchi juice
- 1 cup kimchi, chopped
- 1/2 brown onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- spring onion, whites and greens separated
- neutral oil
- sesame seeds, (optional)
- Optional protein: bacon, tofu, or spam
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pan. Add garlic and onion, sauté until onions are translucent and soft.
- Add kimchi and option protein.
- Stir in rice, kimchi juice and soy sauce, cook for approx. 4–5 mins. Tip: Spread the rice around the pan and leave it undisturbed for 3-4 minutes on high heat to create a crispy crust if you enjoy texture!
- (optional step) Fry an egg separately and place on top of rice so the runny egg yolk can mix into the rice.
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds and dash of sesame oil.
