Kimchi Fried Rice with Crispy Egg

Name: Kimchi Fried Rice with Crispy Egg
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old); 1 cup kimchi, chopped; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1/2 cup onion, diced; 1/2 cup carrots, diced; 2 green onions, chopped; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste); Salt and pepper to taste; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; Salt to taste

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

A deliciously spicy and savory dish that brings the best of Korean flavors to your table.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-12-16T23:09:17.914Z

Kimchi Fried Rice with Crispy Egg is a beloved dish in Korean cuisine, known for its spicy kick and comforting flavors. This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rice and is a great way to introduce the bold taste of kimchi into your meals.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Spicy and tangy kimchi adds a unique flavor profile
Crispy fried egg on top creates a delightful texture
Quick and easy to make for a weeknight dinner

      

The Essence of Kimchi Fried Rice

Kimchi fried rice, or 'Kimchi Bokkeumbap,' is a beloved staple in Korean cuisine that captures the essence of comfort food. The combination of day-old rice, spicy kimchi, and savory elements creates a dish that is both satisfying and full of flavor. Using day-old rice is key, as it helps achieve the perfect texture, allowing the rice to fry up beautifully without becoming mushy.

This dish is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste. Feel free to add your favorite proteins, like diced chicken or tofu, or even vegetables such as bell peppers or peas. The balance of flavors and textures in kimchi fried rice makes it a delightful meal that can be enjoyed any night of the week.

A Perfect Pairing: The Crispy Egg

The addition of a crispy fried egg elevates this dish to new heights. The egg not only adds richness but also provides a beautiful contrast with its runny yolk, which perfectly complements the spicy and tangy flavors of the kimchi fried rice. Achieving that crispy edge is easy; just ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the egg.

For those who prefer their eggs cooked differently, feel free to adjust the cooking time to achieve your desired consistency. A perfectly cooked egg can turn a simple meal into a gourmet experience, making each bite a delightful combination of flavors.

Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner

One of the best things about kimchi fried rice is how quick and easy it is to prepare. With minimal prep work and a cooking time of under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. The use of pre-cooked rice and readily available ingredients ensures that you can whip up a delicious meal with little fuss.

Additionally, this dish is a fantastic way to use up leftover kimchi or vegetables in your fridge. It's a one-pan recipe that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor, making it a go-to option for anyone looking to create a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Fried Rice

2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
1 cup kimchi, chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/2 cup onion, diced
1/2 cup carrots, diced
2 green onions, chopped
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Crispy Egg

2 large eggs
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Salt to taste

Make sure to use day-old rice for best results!

Instructions

Prepare the Fried Rice

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil and sesame oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and carrots, sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in the chopped kimchi and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Add the cooked rice, soy sauce, gochujang, and green onions. Stir well to combine and cook for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the rice to fry and get crispy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Fry the Eggs

In a separate pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Crack the eggs into the pan and sprinkle with a little salt. Cook until the edges are crispy, about 2-3 minutes.

For a runny yolk, remove from heat while the center is still slightly jiggly.

Serve

Divide the kimchi fried rice between two plates and top each serving with a crispy fried egg. Enjoy your flavorful dish!

Feel free to customize your fried rice by adding protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu!

Serving Suggestions

Kimchi fried rice is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a refreshing cucumber salad or a simple miso soup to balance out the meal. A side of pickled vegetables can also add a nice crunch and contrast to the flavors.

For those who enjoy a bit of heat, serving some extra gochujang on the side allows each diner to customize their spice level. This dish can be served as a main course or as a side dish, making it perfect for any occasion.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover kimchi fried rice, you're in luck! This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to prevent it from drying out.

For best results, consider reheating in smaller portions to ensure even heating. You can also add a little extra kimchi or green onions when reheating to refresh the flavors and enhance the dish.

Nutritional Benefits

Kimchi fried rice is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Kimchi is rich in probiotics, which are great for gut health, and it's low in calories while being high in flavor. The dish also provides a good balance of carbohydrates from the rice, healthy fats from the eggs, and essential vitamins from the vegetables.

By incorporating a variety of vegetables and proteins, you can increase the nutritional profile even further. This makes kimchi fried rice a satisfying meal that you can feel good about serving to your family.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh rice instead of day-old?

While it's best to use day-old rice for texture, you can use fresh rice if you cool it completely before frying.

→ What can I substitute for kimchi?

If you don't have kimchi, you can use pickled vegetables or create a spicy stir-fry with cabbage.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftover fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit any meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if you choose to add liquid.