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| A plate of Korean kimchi fried rice topped with a sunny-side-up egg, garnished with sesame seeds and seaweed flakes, served on a ceramic plate |
Looking for a fast, flavorful dish that’s easy to make with leftovers?
Kimchi fried rice (kimchi bokkeumbap) is one of Korea’s most beloved comfort foods—and you only need 15 minutes to make it.
It’s spicy, savory, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re new to Korean cuisine or just craving something bold and satisfying, this dish is for you.
Ingredients (1–2 servings)
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1 bowl of cooked white rice (preferably cold, 1 to 1.5 cups)
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1/2 cup well-fermented kimchi (chopped)
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2–3 tbsp kimchi juice (optional, for stronger flavor)
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1 egg
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1 green onion (sliced)
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1 tsp minced garlic
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1/2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1/2 tsp sugar
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1 tbsp cooking oil (neutral oil or sesame oil)
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Toasted sesame seeds and seaweed flakes (for garnish)
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Optional: spam, bacon, or tuna for added protein
Instructions
1. Prep your ingredients
Chop the kimchi and green onion. If you’re using protein like spam or bacon, dice it into small pieces.2. Cook aromatics
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and green onion, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.3. Add kimchi and protein
Add the chopped kimchi (and any protein) to the pan. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until the kimchi softens.4. Season and stir-fry rice
Add the cold rice to the pan, breaking up clumps. Stir in gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, and kimchi juice (if using). Mix everything together for 2–3 minutes until evenly coated and heated through.5. Fry the egg
In a separate pan (or push rice to one side), fry an egg sunny-side up.6. Serve and garnish
Plate the rice, top with the fried egg, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and seaweed flakes. Enjoy!Tips & Variations
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Use day-old rice for best texture—fresh rice tends to get mushy.
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Add a touch of butter at the end for a richer flavor.
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Like it cheesier? Sprinkle some shredded mozzarella on top and melt it under a lid.
Kimchi fried rice is perfect when you need something quick but crave something bold.
Best of all? It only gets better with personal twists.
Try it today—you might just make it a weekly favorite.
