Guaranteed Delicious! Kang’s Kitchen-Style Kimchi Rice
Super Simple One-Bowl Meal: The Perfect Harmony of Rice, Kimchi, and Cheese! Kang’s Kitchen Kimchi Rice Recipe
With just rice, kimchi, and cheese, you can create a magical taste that’s impossible to mess up! Enjoy a simple yet satisfying meal with this irresistible combination that you’ll never get tired of. It’s a charming dish that both kids and adults will absolutely adore.
Essential Ingredients- 1 bowl warm cooked rice
- 2/3 cup well-fermented kimchi, finely chopped
- 1/2 stalk green onion
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 handful of seaweed (seasoned or plain)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s gather all the ingredients for our star dish, Kimchi Rice. You’ll need: 1 bowl of warm cooked rice, 2/3 cup of finely chopped, well-fermented kimchi, 1/2 stalk of green onion finely chopped, 1 Tbsp of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), 2 Tbsp of cooking oil, 1 Tbsp of soy sauce, 1 Tbsp of sugar, a generous 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and a handful of seaweed for a crispy texture. (The gochugaru is important for absorbing kimchi’s moisture and adding color! If you don’t have fine gochugaru, regular chili flakes will work.)
Step 2
Heat 2 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the chopped green onions and stir-fry until they become fragrant and lightly browned. This step creates a delicious green onion oil that will deepen the flavor of your Kimchi Rice.
Step 3
Once the green onion oil is ready, add the finely chopped kimchi to the pan and stir-fry it with the green onions. Keep stirring to prevent the kimchi from sticking to the pan.
Step 4
As the kimchi starts to turn translucent and release its aroma, add 1 Tbsp of soy sauce and 1 Tbsp of sugar. Stir well to combine with the kimchi. Then, add 1 Tbsp of gochugaru to help absorb some of the kimchi’s moisture and add a vibrant color. (Feel free to adjust the amount of gochugaru if you prefer it spicier.)
Step 5
Now it’s time to combine the rice and the stir-fried kimchi. Here’s a pro tip: Instead of mixing the stir-fried kimchi directly into the rice and then cooking, place the stir-fried kimchi on top of the rice and then gently mix. This method ensures that each grain of rice is evenly coated with the kimchi seasoning.
Step 6
Place the warm cooked rice in a large bowl. Generously spoon the stir-fried kimchi mixture over the rice. Using a spatula or spoon, gently fold and mix the rice and kimchi together, ensuring they are evenly distributed without crushing the rice grains.
Step 7
Once the rice and kimchi are well combined, you have a fantastic base for your Kimchi Rice. It already looks and smells delicious, doesn’t it?
Step 8
The key to amazing Kimchi Rice is to press it down in the pan and cook it like a slightly crispy rice cake! This technique is the secret to achieving that signature nutty flavor and delightful crispiness.
Step 9
Gently heat a clean pan over low heat. Spread the prepared Kimchi Rice evenly and thinly in the pan. Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to press down the rice firmly, creating a flat layer. Cook over low heat until you hear a gentle ‘crackling’ sound as the bottom layer of rice starts to toast and slightly stick to the pan. Be patient and let the bottom become nicely golden brown.
Step 10
Once the bottom of the rice starts to turn golden, generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the pan with a lid and let it cook over low heat until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Prepare yourself for the wonderful combination of the kimchi’s slight spiciness and the cheese’s creamy richness.
Step 11
Remove the lid to reveal the beautifully melted cheese. Crumble the prepared seaweed over the top. You can fold it into a half-moon shape or serve it as is. Your irresistible Kimchi Rice is ready! The slightly crispy, toasted rice at the bottom, combined with the melted cheese, creates an utterly satisfying experience. This dish is truly a guaranteed winner!
