Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Kimchi Fried Rice, or Kimchi Bokkeumbap, is a bold and satisfying Korean dish that turns leftover rice and kimchi into a flavor-packed meal. With its spicy, tangy, and umami-rich profile, this easy one-pan recipe is perfect for weeknights and can be topped with a fried egg for the ultimate comfort food experience.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

cooked rice (preferably day-old)kimchikimchi juiceoniongarlicgochujang (Korean chili paste)soy saucesesame oilvegetable oilgreen onionssugar (optional)eggs (optional for topping)toasted sesame seeds (optional for garnish)

directions

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.

Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until soft and fragrant.

Stir in chopped kimchi and cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly caramelized.

Add gochujang, soy sauce, kimchi juice, and a dash of sugar if desired. Stir well.

Add the rice, breaking up clumps, and stir-fry until heated through and evenly coated.

Drizzle with sesame oil and mix in sliced green onions.

In a separate pan, fry eggs sunny-side up if using.

Serve rice hot, topped with fried egg and sprinkled with sesame seeds.

Servings and timing

Serves: 2–3Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 10 minutesTotal time: 20 minutes

Variations

Add diced spam, bacon, or tofu for protein.

Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Top with nori strips, cheese, or avocado for extra flavor.

Mix in vegetables like peas, carrots, or mushrooms.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.Fried eggs are best made fresh, but rice reheats well on its own.

FAQs

Can I use fresh rice?

Day-old rice is best for texture, but you can use fresh rice if you let it cool and dry out a bit first.

Is this dish very spicy?

It has a moderate spice from kimchi and gochujang—adjust to your taste.

What is gochujang?

A fermented Korean chili paste that adds heat, depth, and sweetness.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, just skip meat and use vegetarian kimchi and toppings.

Do I need kimchi juice?

It adds flavor and moisture, but you can skip it or replace with a splash of soy sauce if unavailable.

Conclusion

Kimchi Fried Rice is a fast, fiery, and flavorful dish that transforms simple ingredients into something exciting and deeply comforting. With its flexibility and bold taste, it’s a must-have in any easy weeknight dinner rotation.