Korean inspired kimchi fried rice is loaded with robust Korean flavors. Sour and spicy tastes of kimchi pop through in every bite. Add spam, ham, or any meat of choice for added protein and flavor.
Check out this Homemade Kimchi Recipe while you are here. You may also enjoy this Leftover Pork Fried Rice; the perfect way to use-up leftover ham!
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Growing up in a military town, I was privy to a very vast cuisine. On any given day, my Korean "play mom" would whip-up something to eat with rice. Kimchi is a staple in Korean households, so it's not uncommon to have it accompany any, and every meal.
Why you will love this recipe:
Quick and easy: You will have this kimchi fried rice on your table in well under 10 minutes. Add a fried egg on top, and your meal is complete!
Affordable: Day old rice is the base for this kimchi fried rice. Add in your fermented cabbage, and it is a filling and affordable dish.
Full of flavor: Kimchi has such a robust flavor. Once you make your fried rice and add this, it turns your dish into a masterpiece!
Ingredients you need
- Rice: day old cold rice is always best when you're making fried rice.
- Kimchi: grab yourself a healthy spoonful of kimchi to add to the fried rice.
- Seasonings: you can add some garlic powder and black pepper to jazz this fried rice up.
- Optional toppings: add a fried egg, some green onion, or even some sriracha sauce to take it up a notch.
What does kimchi taste like?
Kimchi is fermented cabbage. It has a sort of pungent, sour, umami flavor. It is absolutely delicious when eaten by itself, added to rice or noodles, or even added to soups and stews.
Kimchi is a staple in Korean households all over the world. As I got older, kimchi became a very acquired taste. It has a very sour-like flavor that your palette has to be ready for.
After eating it a few times, I decided that I HAD to learn how to make it myself! This recipe for homemade kimchi is foolproof, and addicting.
Health benefits of kimchi:
There are SO many health benefits of kimchi, which makes it even more likeable. For starters, it has a very low carb and low calorie content, because it's main ingredient is Napa cabbage.
Furthermore, the probiotics in the kimchi are very abundant- due to the fermentation process. In other words- it's super good for your gut health!
If you don't have time to make it, you can find it in the store in the produce section. Or, Amazon has a delicious brand of kimchi as well.
How to make kimchi fried rice:
Pre-cooked, (even day before), rice works best for any sort of frying. If you don't have any, don't worry, just whip up some rice and go from there.
I have created this dish with white and brown rice, even quinoa at some point! Believe me, this is a sure fire food at any time of the day. It is super simple and quick to make.
I guess because of the egg component, my favorite time to eat kimchi fried rice is in the morning. Feel free to omit the egg if it's not your thing. Give this recipe a try, and let me know how you like it!
📖 Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white rice can sub for brown rice
- 1 cup kimchi roughly chopped
- ¼ onion diced
- 1 egg scrambled or fried
- ½ cup Spam or ham chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Seasoning:
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon soy sauce
Instructions
- Heat oil on medium high in a non-stick skillet. Fry the spam or ham until cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Add the rice and onion, saute for 5 minutes, or until rice starts to get slightly crispy. Add the kimchi and all the seasonings, saute for another 5 minutes.
- Push the rice to the side of the pan and spray it with non-stick cooking spray. Scramble the egg and combine with the rice, or fry the egg and serve it over the top of the kimchi fried rice.
Jazz says
You made this look so easy that I had to try it. Thank you for sharing--will be making it again!
Mila says
I knew I had to try this recipe because I'm in love with the sour/spicy combo with Kimchi. I have to say that this was a totally genius way of making it. I can't wait to have it again!
Katrina Adams says
I love fried rice!!! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!!
Marta says
The only good thing about my Korean step-father was that he made me learn how to prepare Korean dishes. I had some kimchi in the fridge that I needed to use up and this fried rice was the winner! I'm so glad I have a new way to repurpose my kimchi.
Tamara J. says
That's awesome! Korean food is one of my fave cuisines!
Capri says
Wow! This kimchi rice is sooooo good! This was my first time making it and this recipe made it so easy! The flavors were perfect. This is my new favorite kimchi recipe!!
Kaluhi says
Thank you so much for the recipe!!! I love kimchi and ill ded be trting this out!
Desirée says
My husband said this was some of the BEST fried rice I've ever made for him! This recipe is a keeper girl!
Chef Mireille says
I am a kimchi addict and always have some in my fridge. This was the perfect use of my kimchi. I think I will be adding this delicious Kimchi Fried Rice to my weekly menu
Chenée says
This was so easy and had amazing flavors! I subbed cauliflower rice, and it was fantastic for our Saturday brunch!
Tamara J. says
That's an awesome substitution, I'm going to have to try it!
Shani says
This was bomb! I used shrimp since I had some in my freezer and everyone loved the recipe.
Tamara J. says
That sounds amazing! Glad you enjoyed it!
Aly M says
Girl!!!! This was so good! I used to live in Seoul for a little bit and it brought back sweet memories. I was able to pick up a lot of the ingredients from a nearby Asian market. It was ridiculously easy to make - thanks for sharing.
Tamara J. says
Yes! It's definitely a "go-to" for us! Glad you enjoyed it!
Nij says
We love kimchi and loved this recipe. It was so simple and quick with a spicy kick.
Tamara J. says
Yes! Thank you.
Renia says
This kimchi rice was totally delicious. My family loved it. Thank you for sharing.
Brittany Fiero says
This Kimchi fried rice is flavorful and totally worth trying. My family loves when we have fried rice. The egg on top is phenomenal.