Cheesy Namul Kimchi Fried Rice: A Nutritious Delight with Mom’s Touch!
Creative Use for Leftover Namul! Cheesy Namul Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe
Wondering what to do with those precious leftover namul (seasoned vegetables) your mother made? Transform them into a crowd-pleasing ‘Cheesy Namul Kimchi Fried Rice’ that even picky eaters will adore! This recipe elevates simple kimchi fried rice by incorporating the health benefits of namul and the creamy richness of cheese, offering a perfect balance of nutrition and flavor. It’s a wonderful dish for special occasions or a delightful snack for kids, packed with the warmth of a mother’s love.
Essential Ingredients- Leftover Namul (seasoned vegetables), 1 cup (various kinds)
- Well-fermented Kimchi, 2/3 cup
- Warm Cooked Rice, 2 bowls
- Fresh Eggs, 2
- Melted Mozzarella Cheese, 1/3 cup
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, rinse the well-fermented kimchi to remove excess brine, then finely chop it into bite-sized pieces. Place the chopped kimchi and a little of the kimchi juice into a wide frying pan. (Tip: You don’t need to add cooking oil, as the kimchi’s natural seasoning and flavor will shine through!)
Step 2
Take out the assorted leftover namul dishes from the refrigerator and arrange them on top of the kimchi. (Tip: Any type of namul works well! Spinach, bracken fern, bellflower root – use whatever you have on hand.)
Step 3
To make it easier for children who might be sensitive to the texture of namul, use kitchen scissors to finely chop the seasoned vegetables. Cutting them into small, manageable pieces is key.
Step 4
Now, drizzle in 1 Tbsp of fragrant sesame oil. Stir-fry the kimchi and namul together over medium-low heat. The secret is to cook them slowly, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 5
In the middle of stir-frying, lightly drizzle in 1/2 Tbsp of sweet oligodang. This will gently balance the sourness of the kimchi and the slight bitterness of the namul, adding a lovely depth of flavor.
Step 6
Continue to stir-fry everything together for about 1 minute, ensuring all ingredients are well combined. Keep an eye on the heat to prevent burning while the flavors develop.
Step 7
Push the stir-fried kimchi and namul to one side of the pan. Carefully crack 2 fresh eggs into the empty space. Let them cook for a moment undisturbed.
Step 8
Gently break the egg yolks with a fork or spoon and lightly scramble them. Aim for a soft, creamy scramble rather than overcooking them.
Step 9
Add the scrambled eggs to the kimchi and namul mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly. This adds another layer of texture and makes the dish even more satisfying.
Step 10
Add 1 Tbsp of oyster sauce for an umami boost and stir well to combine. Oyster sauce adds a deep flavor, so you likely won’t need any extra salt.
Step 11
Now it’s time to add 2 bowls of warm cooked rice. Use a spatula to press down gently and break up any clumps of rice, ensuring the kimchi and namul flavors are evenly distributed throughout the rice. (Tip: Using cold rice will result in a less mushy, more fluffy fried rice.)
Step 12
Continue stir-frying the rice for another 1-2 minutes until the grains are separate and fluffy. Finally, crumble or chop the crispy seasoned seaweed and toss it in. Give it a final quick stir, and your basic namul kimchi fried rice is ready!
Step 13
Now, let’s make this delicious namul kimchi fried rice even more special for the kids. It’s time to bring in the creamy mozzarella cheese.
Step 14
Spoon half of the prepared kimchi fried rice into a serving bowl. Generously top it with mozzarella cheese, then cover it completely with the remaining fried rice. (Tip: Placing the cheese in the middle ensures it melts beautifully when microwaved, creating a cheesy surprise.)
Step 15
Place the bowl in the microwave and heat for about 1 minute. Once removed, you’ll have a wonderfully cheesy ‘Cheesy Namul Kimchi Fried Rice’! The warm, gooey fried rice is sure to be a hit.
Step 16
As you lift your spoon, you’ll see the mozzarella cheese stretching enticingly between the grains of rice. Enjoy this unique fried rice that perfectly balances the flavors of namul, kimchi, and cheese, making it both nutritious and incredibly delicious!
