Kimchi Fried Rice (Print Version)

Bold Korean fried rice with tangy kimchi, spicy gochujang, and savory vegetables—ready in 25 minutes.

# Ingredient List:

→ Rice Base

01 - 2 cups cooked short-grain rice, preferably day-old

→ Vegetables & Kimchi

02 - 1 cup napa cabbage kimchi, chopped
03 - 2 tablespoons kimchi juice
04 - ½ cup yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - ½ cup carrot, diced
06 - 2 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)

→ Sauce & Seasonings

07 - 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
08 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
09 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
10 - ½ teaspoon sugar
11 - ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Oil & Garnish

12 - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
13 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
14 - 2 fried eggs (optional, for topping)

# Recipe Steps:

01 - Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion, carrot, and white parts of green onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
02 - Add chopped kimchi and cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and edges begin to caramelize, developing deep umami flavor.
03 - Stir in gochujang, soy sauce, kimchi juice, sugar, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to coat vegetables evenly.
04 - Add rice and break up any clumps. Toss everything together and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until rice is evenly coated, heated through, and slightly crispy at edges.
05 - Drizzle with sesame oil and add green parts of green onion. Stir well to combine. Serve in bowls topped with fried egg (if using) and sesame seeds.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It transforms yesterday's rice into something that feels like a deliberate choice, not leftovers
  • The umami bomb of kimchi and gochujang creates depth that usually takes hours of simmering
02 -
  • Using day-old rice prevents your fried rice from turning into a sticky, disappointing mess
  • The kimchi juice is a flavor powerhouse, don't pour it down the drain
03 -
  • Let your rice dry out in the fridge for at least 24 hours before making this recipe
  • Taste your kimchi first, then adjust sugar accordingly since brands vary wildly in sweetness
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