Ultimate Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe: A Weekend Delight Made Easily with Fridge Staples!
A Simple and Delicious Kimchi Fried Rice for Your Weekend Brunch
Create a wonderful meal with leftover kimchi and a few pantry staples! Kimchi fried rice is a universally loved dish, and we’re here to share its delicious secrets. The delightful tang of kimchi combined with the savory notes of ham and fish cake creates a fantastic fried rice that will awaken your taste buds.
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 head of well-fermented kimchi, finely chopped
- 2 sheets of fish cake, cut into small pieces
- A small amount of ham (canned ham or luncheon meat), diced
- 2 fresh eggs
- 4 servings of warm cooked rice
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 4 slices of cheese (optional, for extra richness!)
- 2 Tbsp cooking oil (e.g., canola oil, grapeseed oil)
- 1 Tbsp oyster sauce
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, finely chop the kimchi into bite-sized pieces. Using scissors makes this task much easier and ensures you get all the delicious kimchi juice. Don’t discard any of the flavorful marinade!
Step 2
Cut the fish cake into pieces roughly the same size as the chopped kimchi, or slightly smaller. Adding fish cake contributes a delightful chewy texture and enhances the overall flavor profile.
Step 3
Dice the ham to a similar size as the fish cake, or smaller, according to your preference. The ham adds a savory element that elevates the kimchi fried rice to another level.
Step 4
Having all your ingredients prepped and ready like this makes the cooking process much smoother and more enjoyable.
Step 5
Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a wide wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped kimchi and stir-fry until it becomes tender and fragrant. If your kimchi is very sour, you can add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavor.
Step 6
Once the kimchi is well-fried, add the diced ham and fish cake to the wok. Continue to stir-fry, allowing the ingredients to meld together. The ham and fish cake will release some of their savory juices, further infusing the kimchi.
Step 7
When all the ingredients are nicely sautéed, it’s time to prepare the eggs. Crack 2 eggs into a separate bowl and whisk them lightly with a fork or whisk until well combined.
Step 8
Pour the whisked eggs evenly over the fried kimchi, ham, and fish cake mixture. Stir gently as the eggs cook, coating the other ingredients with their creamy richness. Cook until the eggs are just set and scramble with the mixture.
Step 9
Now, add 4 servings of warm cooked rice to the wok. Use a spatula to break up the rice and gently stir-fry, ensuring that each grain is coated with the flavorful mixture. It’s important to thoroughly mix the rice without mashing it.
Step 10
Add 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce to enhance the umami flavor and stir well to distribute it evenly throughout the rice. While soy sauce or salt can be used as alternatives, oyster sauce adds a unique depth that pairs exceptionally well with kimchi fried rice.
Step 11
Finally, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds. Give it one last gentle toss, and your delicious kimchi fried rice is ready! For an extra creamy and indulgent touch, you can top it with cheese slices and let them melt. Enjoy this comforting dish while it’s hot!
