Luxury Baked Eggplant Kimchi Fried Rice with Cheese
A Special Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe with Baked Eggplant That Even Picky Eaters Will Love
Introducing a luxurious Kimchi Fried Rice recipe featuring baked eggplant that even children who typically dislike eggplant will exclaim, ‘I have to eat this!’ The crispy exterior and tender interior of the baked eggplant, topped with flavorful kimchi fried rice and creamy cheese & breadcrumb topping, create a magnificent meal. It’s perfect for special occasions or as a delightful snack for kids!
Main Ingredients- 1 eggplant
- 250g warm cooked rice (approx. 1.5 bowls)
- 50g minced ham
- 1/2 cup finely chopped kimchi
- 50g cream cheese
- 40g breadcrumbs
- 20g grated Parmesan cheese
Eggplant Seasoning & Cooking- 30g olive oil
- 2 pinches salt
- A pinch of black pepper
- 30g olive oil
- 2 pinches salt
- A pinch of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the eggplant thoroughly under running water, remove the stem, and slice it as thinly and lengthwise as possible. Slicing it thinly makes it easier to cook and improves the texture.
Step 2
Heat a pan over medium heat and add a generous amount of olive oil (30g). Place the sliced eggplant in the pan and cook until golden brown and slightly crispy on both sides. Season with 2 pinches of salt and a pinch of black pepper. Properly seasoning each ingredient is key to achieving a delicious overall flavor!
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the ingredients for the delicious kimchi fried rice. Have your minced ham, finely chopped kimchi, and warm rice ready. If your kimchi is very juicy, you can gently squeeze out some of the liquid before using it. Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or onions for a richer flavor.
Step 4
Let’s make the creamy cheese & breadcrumb topping mix. In a bowl, combine 40g of breadcrumbs, 20g of grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 Tbsp of olive oil. Mix well with your hands. If you can’t find pre-grated Parmesan, grating a hard cheese yourself from a block will yield a more robust flavor.
Step 5
Heat another pan over medium heat with 1 Tbsp of grapeseed oil. Add the chopped kimchi and stir-fry until it becomes tender and fragrant. Stir-frying the kimchi well until it’s slightly softened and aromatic is crucial for its flavor.
Step 6
Once the kimchi is nicely stir-fried, add the minced ham and warm rice. Stir and mix everything together with a spatula, breaking up any clumps of rice. Ensure the rice grains are evenly coated with the kimchi seasoning.
Step 7
Prepare your oven-safe dish. Arrange the golden-brown baked eggplant slices evenly on the bottom of the baking dish. Then, spoon the delicious kimchi fried rice you just prepared over the eggplant layer.
Step 8
Now, it’s time to cover the fried rice with more baked eggplant. Arrange the eggplant slices in a zigzag pattern over the kimchi fried rice. This not only looks appealing but also enhances the harmony between the eggplant and the rice.
Step 9
Next, pipe or spread the cream cheese over the kimchi fried rice according to your preference. For an even more special flavor, you can also use soft cheeses with rich flavors, such as Camembert or Brie.
Step 10
Finally, sprinkle the prepared breadcrumb mix evenly over the cream cheese. Place the dish in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for about 5-6 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy. Since all the ingredients are already cooked, you’re just aiming for a beautiful toasted color.
Step 11
Ta-da! Your Luxury Baked Eggplant Kimchi Fried Rice with Cheese is ready! The wonderfully crispy breadcrumbs, the rich cheese, and the spicy-sweet kimchi fried rice create a fantastic combination. The addition of the chewy yet tender eggplant makes this dish truly special. Enjoy your delicious meal!
