Description
Kimchi Fried Rice (김치볶음밥, Kimchi Bokkeumbap) is a Korean dish made by stir-frying cooked rice with kimchi, vegetables, and seasonings. This simple yet flavorful recipe is a beloved comfort food in Korea and is commonly eaten as a quick meal or as a way to use up leftover rice. The dish is known for its spicy, tangy flavor from the kimchi, which pairs perfectly with the savory and slightly smoky taste of the rice.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old, short or medium grain)
1 cup well-fermented kimchi, chopped
2–3 tbsp kimchi juice (from the jar)
1 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste) – optional but recommended
1–2 tsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) – optional for extra spice
1 small onion, diced
1 green onion, chopped (reserve some for garnish)
1–2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp soy sauce
1–2 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or sesame)
1/2 cup protein (optional: spam, ham, bacon, tofu, sausage, or leftover meat)
1 fried egg per serving (sunny side up is traditional)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
If using meat or tofu, cut into small cubes.
Chop kimchi and vegetables.
Cook Protein (if using)
Heat cooking oil in a pan or wok.
Cook bacon/spam/tofu until slightly crispy, then set aside or leave in pan.
Sauté Aromatics & Kimchi
Add onion and garlic, stir-fry until soft.
Add chopped kimchi and cook 2–3 mins until fragrant and slightly caramelized.
Add Rice & Seasoning
Add cooked rice and break up clumps.
Stir in gochujang, soy sauce, kimchi juice, and gochugaru (if using).
Stir-fry everything together until well combined.
Finish
Drizzle sesame oil and toss.
Add chopped green onions and mix lightly.
Serve
Plate the fried rice.
Top with a fried egg and sprinkle sesame seeds + extra green onion.
Notes
Korean Kimchi Fried Rice is a quick and flavorful comfort food that perfectly balances spicy, tangy, and savory flavors. For extra richness, top it with a fried egg or sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving. You can also add leftover meat, tofu, or veggies to make it more filling.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fried
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
Keywords: Kimchi Bokkeumbap, Korean Fried Rice, Kimchi Rice