Kimchi Fried Rice
By Chef Nathan Guggenheimer
This recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a tangy, spicy, and satisfying meal in minutes.
30 min cook time
Serves 2
Why we like it
Both kimchi, a fermented cabbage, and gochujang, a fermented chilli paste are now easily found in most grocery stores.
And cold rice, with its reduced moisture content, is better suited to act as the perfect vehicle for these two staples of Korean cuisine, and will help prevent the grains from sticking together in the pan.
So, to make this recipe, plan ahead!
Cook the rice a day or two in advance, and allow it to cool in the refrigerator, then buckle up for an easy weeknight meal loaded with tons of spicy, tangy, and robust flavour!
Ingredients
Preparation Notes
Before you start cooking, get all your ingredients ready.
Stir-fry recipes like this one can move at a rapid pace, so having all of your ingredients chopped, sliced, and measured beforehand will help make the cooking process run smoothly.
Speaking of ingredients, the taste of rendered bacon will add a saltiness and smoky depth to this recipe, but for a vegetarian version, the bacon can easily be omitted.
Give your dish a finishing touch by sprinkling it with toasted sesame seeds, roasted peanuts, puffed rice and/or sliced green onion.
Making the recipe
Step 1
Build a base
- In a large pan, heat oil over a medium high heat, then add the bacon and cook until it releases much of its fat, and the edges are crisp.
- Cook the onions until they begin to soften, about 5-6 minutes.
- Combine the garlic, lemongrass, and ginger, and cook until aromatic, about 30 seconds.
Step 2
Kimchi & rice
- Add about half of the chopped kimchi, followed by the gochujang, and fold in the cooked rice.
- Stir to combine until the rice has soaked up the juices. Then add the remaining kimchi.
Step 3
Fry
- Turn the heat to high, and allow the rice to fry.
- Sticky bits of rice on the bottom of the pan are great, but stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Scatter in the green onions, and season with soy sauce before transferring to a large serving dish.
Step 4
Garnish
- Top with a fried egg, and garnish with sesame seeds, sliced green onion, puffed rice and/or peanuts.
