Mandu Kimchi Fried Rice: Super Simple One-Bowl Meal
Easy Mandu Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe for a Quick Meal
Whip up a delicious Mandu Kimchi Fried Rice using frozen dumplings from your freezer! Finely chop dumplings, pre-thawed at room temperature, and stir-fry them with kimchi in fragrant scallion oil. This adds a rich flavor and satisfying texture to your kimchi fried rice. When you don’t have tuna, bacon, or leftover pork belly, dumplings are a fantastic addition that elevates the taste. This recipe is perfect for students living alone or anyone new to cooking, as it’s incredibly simple to follow and results in a delightful meal.
Essential Ingredients
- 6 frozen dumplings
- 1/2 cup well-fermented kimchi
- 1 bowl of cooked rice
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, take the frozen dumplings out of the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. Once thawed, use kitchen scissors to cut the dumplings into small, bite-sized pieces. Cutting them small ensures they blend well with the rice for a more enjoyable texture.
Step 2
Heat cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and thinly sliced white parts of the green onion. Sauté until fragrant, being careful not to burn them. You’ll know it’s ready when a lovely aroma fills the air.
Step 3
Now, add the finely chopped kimchi (1/2 cup) to the pan. Stir-fry it with the scallion-garlic oil until the kimchi becomes slightly translucent. Thoroughly sautéing the kimchi brings out its natural sweetness and umami, making the fried rice even more delicious.
Step 4
Add the prepared, finely chopped dumplings to the pan. Stir-fry them together with the kimchi, ensuring they are well combined. It’s great if the dumplings get slightly browned.
Step 5
Add the cooked rice (1 bowl) to the pan. Using a spatula or rice paddle, gently break up the rice and stir-fry until all ingredients are evenly mixed. It’s important to ensure the rice grains are separated and coated.
Step 6
Spread the rice evenly across the bottom of the pan and let it cook for 1-2 minutes without stirring. This creates a slightly crispy layer of rice at the bottom that adds a delightful textural contrast. (Optional step)
Step 7
Finally, stir everything together once more to ensure it’s well combined. Transfer the finished Mandu Kimchi Fried Rice to a serving bowl. Instead of a fried egg, generously sprinkle commercial gim-jaban (seaweed flakes) over the top. The crispy texture and savory taste of the gim-jaban pair wonderfully with the kimchi fried rice. Enjoy your delicious meal!
