Why You’ll Love Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare in under 40 minutes
- Packed with spicy, savory, and tangy flavors
- Great way to use leftover rice
- Customizable with your favorite vegetables or proteins
- Perfect balance of hearty and fresh ingredients
- Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep
- The fried egg topping adds extra richness and texture
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1½ cups jasmine rice
1½ cups water
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ cup onions, diced
3–4 eggs
3 cups bok choy, chopped
2 tablespoons oil
¼ cup scallions, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup kimchi with liquid, chopped
1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
1–2 eggs for topping (optional)
Directions
- Rinse and drain the jasmine rice thoroughly. Add the rice, water, and salt to the Instant Pot. Pressure cook for 4 minutes and perform a quick release. Open the lid and let the rice cool slightly before using. You can also prepare the rice on the stovetop or use leftover cooked rice.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Scramble 3–4 eggs until fully cooked, then transfer them to a plate and set aside.
- Add the remaining oil to the same wok. Sauté the diced onions and minced garlic until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped kimchi along with its liquid. Cook over high heat until most of the liquid has evaporated and the kimchi becomes slightly caramelized.
- Add the chopped bok choy and half of the scallions. Cook for another 2 minutes until the greens begin to soften.
- Add the cooked rice and scrambled eggs back into the wok. Toss everything together until evenly combined.
- Sprinkle in the gochugaru and stir well. Taste and add extra salt if desired.
- Serve hot with a sunny-side-up egg on top and garnish with the remaining scallions.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Add cooked chicken, shrimp, beef, or tofu for extra protein.
- Replace bok choy with spinach, kale, or Swiss chard.
- Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.
- Stir in sesame oil at the end for a deeper nutty flavor.
- Add mushrooms or carrots for extra texture and color.
- Make it extra spicy with additional gochugaru or gochujang.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover kimchi fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm the rice in a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of water or oil until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
For best results, prepare fresh fried eggs separately when serving leftovers.
FAQs
Can I use leftover rice for kimchi fried rice?
Yes, leftover rice works especially well because it is drier and helps create the perfect fried rice texture.
What type of kimchi should I use?
Traditional napa cabbage kimchi is the most commonly used option and provides the best flavor.
Is kimchi fried rice very spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat level depending on the kimchi and amount of gochugaru used.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely. Just ensure your kimchi is vegetarian-friendly and avoid adding meat-based proteins.
What can I substitute for bok choy?
Spinach, kale, Swiss chard, or even cabbage work well in this recipe.
Can I freeze kimchi fried rice?
Yes, you can freeze it in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Why is my fried rice mushy?
Freshly cooked rice that is too moist can make fried rice mushy. Using cooled or day-old rice helps prevent this.
Can I make this without an Instant Pot?
Yes, the rice can be cooked on the stovetop or in a rice cooker.
What does gochugaru taste like?
Gochugaru has a smoky, slightly sweet flavor with moderate heat that is common in Korean cooking.
Is the fried egg necessary?
No, but it adds richness and makes the dish more filling and flavorful.
Conclusion
Kimchi Fried Rice is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that transforms everyday ingredients into a comforting meal packed with texture and spice. Whether you enjoy it as a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch, this recipe is versatile, easy to customize, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen.
