Kimchi Fried Rice

Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish, prepared from vegetables and flavorful seasoning. It is so popular in Korea that a meal is incomplete unless it is served with kimchi. You can find more than 200 kimchi types, which are made by fermenting various ingredients. The Koreans prefer serving different kimchi based on the region, season, and main food menu. Common vegetables used in making this side dish are cabbage, anchovies, green onions, ginger, garlic, and red chillies. And kimchi rice is prepared by using this fermented pickle.

How to Make Kimchi Fried Rice?

Known to the Koreans as kimchi bokkeumbap, kimchi rice is prepared from leftover rice, well-fermented kimchi, cut vegetables, and meat. If you crave for rice recipes, you will definitely love to have this delicious fried rice. However, one of the main concerns is kimchi rice calories, which account to about 400 calories and more in a single serving. Following are some easy-to-make kimchi fried rice recipes that you can try at home.

Easy Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup of kimchi (drained, chopped)
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon chili paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions for Preparation

In a thick skillet, preheat sesame oil and saute kimchi till you smell its rich fragrance. Add rice, chili paste, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well the rice mixture and cover lid. Taste for doneness and if required, add chili and salt to suit your taste. Your easy kimchi rice is ready for serving. Serve hot with your preferred sauce and steamed vegetables on the side.

Kimchi Fried Rice with Beef

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• ½ cup kimchi with liquid
• ½ cup ground beef
• ¼ onion
• 2 stems green onions
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 egg
• Vegetable or olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• Salt and pepper as per taste

Directions for Preparation

Cook rice in a pot or rice cooker as you normally do. Prepare and chop kimchi into pieces (save liquid). Then, you can peel onion, green onion and garlic, and mince them. In a saucepan, combine ground beef with garlic, soy sauce, and pepper. Mix them, so that your meat pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning ingredients. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Saute beef till it is cooked well. Stir in onion and kimchi. Reduce heat and cook for about 5 - 7 minutes. Add sesame oil, salt, pepper, and continue stirring rice mixture for even distribution. Remove fried rice from heat and keep it covered. While serving, top this fried rice with scrambled egg.

Kimchi Fried Rice Spam Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup kimchi
• ⅓ block Spam (diced)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 stems green onion (chopped)
• Whole sesame seed for garnishing
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions for Preparation

Heat vegetable oil in a thick pan over medium high heat. When it is hot, add Spam and cook till it turns dark pink color. Mix egg and stir the mixture. To this, add cooked rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Combine well the mixture; you can reduce heat to medium low to avoid overcooking. Add kimchi and cook for another 5 minutes. Sprinkle salt and pepper as per your taste. Stir fried rice till the ingredients are evenly combined. Serve in platters and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

So, this is how you can prepare kimchi fried rice. This kimchi recipe is not only delicious, but the best part is that you can complete cooking within a short time. No wonder, kimchi bokkeumbap is a preferred dish for busy students and people, who are looking for a quick meal.