Spicy & Savory Kimchi Fried Rice: The Ultimate Recipe
Your Go-To Dish When You Crave Something Zesty! How to Make Delicious Kimchi Fried Rice
On days when you’re craving something hearty and flavorful, this is the perfect dish to elevate your meal! We’re sharing a Kimchi Fried Rice recipe that combines well-fermented kimchi, perfectly cooked ham, and the aromatic essence of scallion oil for an unforgettable taste. We’ve included detailed, step-by-step tips to make it easy for even beginner cooks. Get ready to create some delicious Kimchi Fried Rice!
Main Ingredients- Cooked Rice, 1.5 to 2 bowls
- Green Onion, 1/4 stalk
- Kimchi, a generous amount (well-fermented, sour kimchi is best!)
- Onion, 1/4
- Cooking Oil or Sesame Oil, 2 Tbsp
- Ham (Spam, Sausage, etc.), about 1/2 can
- Seaweed, a little (toasted seaweed flakes or shredded seaweed)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare a wide and deep pan or wok. The cooking process begins by preheating the pan and adding oil. Pour about 2 tablespoons of cooking oil or sesame oil and heat over medium-low heat. Using sesame oil will add a nutty aroma and make it even more delicious.
Step 2
Add chopped green onions to the pan and stir-fry over low heat to create fragrant scallion oil. The key is to sauté the green onions until they turn golden brown and release a sweet aroma. This infused oil will significantly enhance the umami flavor of your Kimchi Fried Rice.
Step 3
Add finely chopped kimchi to the pan and stir-fry over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent the kimchi from sticking to the bottom of the pan. It’s important to sauté the kimchi thoroughly so the sour and sweet flavors meld well. Adding 1-2 tablespoons of kimchi juice along with the kimchi can create a deeper flavor.
Step 4
Add the ham, cut into bite-sized pieces, and stir-fry it with the kimchi. Sauté until the ham is lightly browned and well combined with the kimchi. You can also use bacon or tuna for a different flavor profile.
Step 5
Add about 1.5 to 2 bowls of warm cooked rice and stir-fry, mixing it well with the other ingredients. Break up any clumps of rice with your spatula as you stir-fry to maintain a fluffy texture. The warmer the rice, the better it will stir-fry.
Step 6
Sautéing the onion separately and then mixing it with the rice will add sweetness and texture. Lightly oil another pan, add sliced onion, and sauté until translucent. You can then top your Kimchi Fried Rice with the sautéed onions or mix them in with the rice. (Optional: Adding 1/2 tsp of sugar at this stage can balance the sourness of the kimchi and add sweetness, making it even tastier.)
Step 7
Finally, crumble or shred some seaweed over the top. The savory aroma of the seaweed will further enrich the flavor of your Kimchi Fried Rice. Feel free to add a fried egg or sesame seeds to your liking.
Step 8
Transfer the well-stir-fried Kimchi Fried Rice to a plate and enjoy! The burst of spicy and sweet flavors with every bite will have you finishing the entire bowl in no time.
