Spicy Kimchi Fried Rice Tasty Weeknight Meal

ByZara
- 2 cups of cooked jasmine rice - 1 cup of chopped kimchi - 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil - 2 cloves of minced garlic - 1 small diced onion - 1 finely chopped carrot - 1 cup of frozen peas - 2 tablespoons of soy sauce - 1 tablespoon of gochujang (Korean red chili paste) - 2 large eggs (optional) - 2 thinly sliced green onions - Sesame seeds for garnish - Salt and pepper to taste - Importance of day-old rice: Day-old rice is best. It has less moisture, so it fries better. Fresh rice can be mushy. - Selecting quality kimchi: Choose kimchi that is bright and crunchy. It should have a strong flavor. This makes your dish pop. - Options for gochujang: Gochujang adds heat and depth. Different brands vary in spice. Taste a little before using. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. 2. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft. 3. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 chopped carrot. Stir well for 2-3 minutes. 4. Add 1 cup of chopped kimchi to the mix. Stir-fry for 2 minutes to blend the flavors. 1. Increase the heat to high. Add 2 cups of cooked jasmine rice to the skillet. 2. Use a spatula to break any rice clumps. Stir until the rice mixes well with the veggies. 3. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of gochujang over the rice. 4. Mix everything together, letting the rice soak up the flavors. Add 1 cup of frozen peas. 5. If you want eggs, push the rice to one side. Crack 2 large eggs into the empty space. 6. Scramble the eggs gently until they are just set. Fold them into the rice mixture. 1. Taste the fried rice. Add salt and pepper as needed, then remove it from heat. 2. Serve the hot fried rice in a bowl. Top it with sliced green onions and extra kimchi. 3. Sprinkle sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor. Enjoy your tasty meal! To make the best fried rice, use day-old jasmine rice. Fresh rice often sticks together. When you stir-fry, keep the heat high. This helps to get a nice crisp. Toss the rice gently to avoid breaking it. Make sure everything cooks evenly. Avoid mushy rice by not overcooking your veggies. They should still have a bit of crunch. Garnish your dish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. This adds color and texture. You can also top it with extra kimchi for a punch. Pair your fried rice with a side of pickled vegetables or a light salad. These sides balance the spicy flavors of the rice. For this dish, I recommend a large skillet or a wok. A good non-stick surface makes a huge difference. Use a spatula for flipping and stirring. This helps to keep your rice from sticking. Have a cutting board and a sharp knife ready for chopping vegetables. These tools make prep quick and easy. Pro Tips Use Day-Old Rice: Using jasmine rice that has been cooked and refrigerated for a day gives it a firmer texture, preventing it from becoming mushy during frying. Adjust Spice Levels: Tweak the amount of gochujang based on your spice tolerance. Start with less and add more if you prefer a hotter dish. Fresh Garnish: Always add the green onions and sesame seeds just before serving for maximum freshness and crunch. Customize Add-Ins: Feel free to add other vegetables or proteins like tofu, chicken, or shrimp to make the dish more hearty and personalized. {{image_4}} You can easily change the protein in your dish. If you want tofu, shrimp, or chicken, they all work well. Tofu gives a nice, chewy texture. Shrimp adds a sweet flavor, while chicken brings heartiness. For vegetables, feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or corn. Each brings its own taste and color to the dish. If you want to make this meal vegan or vegetarian, just skip the eggs and meat. You can use extra tofu or tempeh for protein. Beans like black or kidney are also great choices. They add fiber and make the dish filling. To control the heat, adjust the gochujang. You can use less if you want it milder. Adding chili flakes can also increase the spice. For a milder version, you can mix in a bit of sugar or honey. This helps balance the heat. Experiment to find what you like best! To keep your spicy kimchi fried rice fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Store it in the fridge. It will last for up to three days. After that, the rice may lose its taste and texture. When reheating, you have two good options: microwave or skillet. If you use the microwave, cover it with a damp paper towel. This keeps the rice moist. If you prefer a skillet, add a splash of water. Heat over medium heat until warm. This method helps keep the rice from getting soggy. You can freeze leftover fried rice. First, let it cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags. Press out as much air as possible. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a skillet. Freezing may change the texture of some veggies, but the flavor remains delicious. Kimchi fried rice is a simple dish made with cooked rice and kimchi. It usually has vegetables and can include eggs for protein. The dish is quick to make and packed with flavor. It’s a great way to use leftover rice and kimchi. You can use fresh rice, but day-old rice works best. Fresh rice has more moisture and may become sticky. Day-old rice is drier and makes for better fried rice. If using fresh rice, let it cool and dry out a bit before cooking. The spice level depends on the kimchi and gochujang you use. Most kimchi has a mild heat, while gochujang adds more kick. You can adjust the spice by adding less gochujang or using milder kimchi. It’s easy to make it just right for your taste. Spicy kimchi fried rice pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it with a fried egg on top for extra protein. Another great option is pickled vegetables for a refreshing crunch. You can also enjoy it with grilled meats or tofu for a hearty meal. Yes, kimchi fried rice is perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for a few days. Just pack it in airtight containers for easy lunches. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Reheating is easy and keeps the flavors intact. In this blog post, I shared how to make delicious kimchi fried rice. We covered key ingredients, tips for selection, and step-by-step instructions. You learned how to sauté, stir-fry, and adjust flavors for the best results. Remember, day-old rice gives that perfect texture. Don’t hesitate to try different proteins or veggies. Fried rice is easy to store and reheat, keeping it fresh and tasty. Enjoy crafting this dish that adds excitement to any meal!

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Craving a quick, tasty meal that packs a punch? Let’s dive into Spicy Kimchi Fried Rice! This dish combines flavors that excite your taste buds and is easy to whip up on a busy weeknight. With just a few key ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a bowl of deliciousness ready in no time. Get ready to impress your family and satisfy your cravings with this vibrant, spicy treat!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Bold Flavors: The combination of spicy kimchi and gochujang brings a vibrant, fiery taste that awakens the palate.
  2. Quick & Easy: This dish can be whipped up in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  3. Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the fried rice with whatever vegetables or proteins you have on hand.
  4. Comfort Food: Fried rice is a beloved comfort food, and this spicy twist makes it even more satisfying.

Ingredients

Primary Ingredients

– 2 cups of cooked jasmine rice

– 1 cup of chopped kimchi

– 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil

– 2 cloves of minced garlic

– 1 small diced onion

– 1 finely chopped carrot

– 1 cup of frozen peas

– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon of gochujang (Korean red chili paste)

– 2 large eggs (optional)

– 2 thinly sliced green onions

– Sesame seeds for garnish

– Salt and pepper to taste

Tips for Choosing the Best Ingredients

– Importance of day-old rice: Day-old rice is best. It has less moisture, so it fries better. Fresh rice can be mushy.

– Selecting quality kimchi: Choose kimchi that is bright and crunchy. It should have a strong flavor. This makes your dish pop.

– Options for gochujang: Gochujang adds heat and depth. Different brands vary in spice. Taste a little before using.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Base

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.

2. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft.

3. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 chopped carrot. Stir well for 2-3 minutes.

4. Add 1 cup of chopped kimchi to the mix. Stir-fry for 2 minutes to blend the flavors.

Cooking the Rice Mixture

1. Increase the heat to high. Add 2 cups of cooked jasmine rice to the skillet.

2. Use a spatula to break any rice clumps. Stir until the rice mixes well with the veggies.

3. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of gochujang over the rice.

4. Mix everything together, letting the rice soak up the flavors. Add 1 cup of frozen peas.

5. If you want eggs, push the rice to one side. Crack 2 large eggs into the empty space.

6. Scramble the eggs gently until they are just set. Fold them into the rice mixture.

Finalizing the Dish

1. Taste the fried rice. Add salt and pepper as needed, then remove it from heat.

2. Serve the hot fried rice in a bowl. Top it with sliced green onions and extra kimchi.

3. Sprinkle sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor. Enjoy your tasty meal!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting Your Fried Rice

To make the best fried rice, use day-old jasmine rice. Fresh rice often sticks together. When you stir-fry, keep the heat high. This helps to get a nice crisp. Toss the rice gently to avoid breaking it. Make sure everything cooks evenly. Avoid mushy rice by not overcooking your veggies. They should still have a bit of crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Garnish your dish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. This adds color and texture. You can also top it with extra kimchi for a punch. Pair your fried rice with a side of pickled vegetables or a light salad. These sides balance the spicy flavors of the rice.

Cooking Equipment Recommendations

For this dish, I recommend a large skillet or a wok. A good non-stick surface makes a huge difference. Use a spatula for flipping and stirring. This helps to keep your rice from sticking. Have a cutting board and a sharp knife ready for chopping vegetables. These tools make prep quick and easy.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Day-Old Rice: Using jasmine rice that has been cooked and refrigerated for a day gives it a firmer texture, preventing it from becoming mushy during frying.
  2. Adjust Spice Levels: Tweak the amount of gochujang based on your spice tolerance. Start with less and add more if you prefer a hotter dish.
  3. Fresh Garnish: Always add the green onions and sesame seeds just before serving for maximum freshness and crunch.
  4. Customize Add-Ins: Feel free to add other vegetables or proteins like tofu, chicken, or shrimp to make the dish more hearty and personalized.

Variations

Ingredient Swaps

You can easily change the protein in your dish. If you want tofu, shrimp, or chicken, they all work well. Tofu gives a nice, chewy texture. Shrimp adds a sweet flavor, while chicken brings heartiness. For vegetables, feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or corn. Each brings its own taste and color to the dish.

Vegan and Vegetarian Options

If you want to make this meal vegan or vegetarian, just skip the eggs and meat. You can use extra tofu or tempeh for protein. Beans like black or kidney are also great choices. They add fiber and make the dish filling.

Spiciness Levels

To control the heat, adjust the gochujang. You can use less if you want it milder. Adding chili flakes can also increase the spice. For a milder version, you can mix in a bit of sugar or honey. This helps balance the heat. Experiment to find what you like best!

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your spicy kimchi fried rice fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Store it in the fridge. It will last for up to three days. After that, the rice may lose its taste and texture.

Reheating Tips

When reheating, you have two good options: microwave or skillet. If you use the microwave, cover it with a damp paper towel. This keeps the rice moist. If you prefer a skillet, add a splash of water. Heat over medium heat until warm. This method helps keep the rice from getting soggy.

Freezing Fried Rice

You can freeze leftover fried rice. First, let it cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags. Press out as much air as possible. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a skillet. Freezing may change the texture of some veggies, but the flavor remains delicious.

FAQs

What is kimchi fried rice?

Kimchi fried rice is a simple dish made with cooked rice and kimchi. It usually has vegetables and can include eggs for protein. The dish is quick to make and packed with flavor. It’s a great way to use leftover rice and kimchi.

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

You can use fresh rice, but day-old rice works best. Fresh rice has more moisture and may become sticky. Day-old rice is drier and makes for better fried rice. If using fresh rice, let it cool and dry out a bit before cooking.

How spicy is spicy kimchi fried rice?

The spice level depends on the kimchi and gochujang you use. Most kimchi has a mild heat, while gochujang adds more kick. You can adjust the spice by adding less gochujang or using milder kimchi. It’s easy to make it just right for your taste.

What can I serve with spicy kimchi fried rice?

Spicy kimchi fried rice pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it with a fried egg on top for extra protein. Another great option is pickled vegetables for a refreshing crunch. You can also enjoy it with grilled meats or tofu for a hearty meal.

Is kimchi fried rice good for meal prep?

Yes, kimchi fried rice is perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for a few days. Just pack it in airtight containers for easy lunches. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Reheating is easy and keeps the flavors intact.

In this blog post, I shared how to make delicious kimchi fried rice. We covered key ingredients, tips for selection, and step-by-step instructions. You learned how to sauté, stir-fry, and adjust flavors for the best results. Remember, day-old rice gives that perfect texture. Don’t hesitate to try different proteins or veggies. Fried rice is easy to store and reheat, keeping it fresh and tasty. Enjoy crafting this dish that adds excitement to any mea

- 2 cups of cooked jasmine rice - 1 cup of chopped kimchi - 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil - 2 cloves of minced garlic - 1 small diced onion - 1 finely chopped carrot - 1 cup of frozen peas - 2 tablespoons of soy sauce - 1 tablespoon of gochujang (Korean red chili paste) - 2 large eggs (optional) - 2 thinly sliced green onions - Sesame seeds for garnish - Salt and pepper to taste - Importance of day-old rice: Day-old rice is best. It has less moisture, so it fries better. Fresh rice can be mushy. - Selecting quality kimchi: Choose kimchi that is bright and crunchy. It should have a strong flavor. This makes your dish pop. - Options for gochujang: Gochujang adds heat and depth. Different brands vary in spice. Taste a little before using. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. 2. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until soft. 3. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 chopped carrot. Stir well for 2-3 minutes. 4. Add 1 cup of chopped kimchi to the mix. Stir-fry for 2 minutes to blend the flavors. 1. Increase the heat to high. Add 2 cups of cooked jasmine rice to the skillet. 2. Use a spatula to break any rice clumps. Stir until the rice mixes well with the veggies. 3. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of gochujang over the rice. 4. Mix everything together, letting the rice soak up the flavors. Add 1 cup of frozen peas. 5. If you want eggs, push the rice to one side. Crack 2 large eggs into the empty space. 6. Scramble the eggs gently until they are just set. Fold them into the rice mixture. 1. Taste the fried rice. Add salt and pepper as needed, then remove it from heat. 2. Serve the hot fried rice in a bowl. Top it with sliced green onions and extra kimchi. 3. Sprinkle sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor. Enjoy your tasty meal! To make the best fried rice, use day-old jasmine rice. Fresh rice often sticks together. When you stir-fry, keep the heat high. This helps to get a nice crisp. Toss the rice gently to avoid breaking it. Make sure everything cooks evenly. Avoid mushy rice by not overcooking your veggies. They should still have a bit of crunch. Garnish your dish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. This adds color and texture. You can also top it with extra kimchi for a punch. Pair your fried rice with a side of pickled vegetables or a light salad. These sides balance the spicy flavors of the rice. For this dish, I recommend a large skillet or a wok. A good non-stick surface makes a huge difference. Use a spatula for flipping and stirring. This helps to keep your rice from sticking. Have a cutting board and a sharp knife ready for chopping vegetables. These tools make prep quick and easy. Pro Tips Use Day-Old Rice: Using jasmine rice that has been cooked and refrigerated for a day gives it a firmer texture, preventing it from becoming mushy during frying. Adjust Spice Levels: Tweak the amount of gochujang based on your spice tolerance. Start with less and add more if you prefer a hotter dish. Fresh Garnish: Always add the green onions and sesame seeds just before serving for maximum freshness and crunch. Customize Add-Ins: Feel free to add other vegetables or proteins like tofu, chicken, or shrimp to make the dish more hearty and personalized. {{image_4}} You can easily change the protein in your dish. If you want tofu, shrimp, or chicken, they all work well. Tofu gives a nice, chewy texture. Shrimp adds a sweet flavor, while chicken brings heartiness. For vegetables, feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or corn. Each brings its own taste and color to the dish. If you want to make this meal vegan or vegetarian, just skip the eggs and meat. You can use extra tofu or tempeh for protein. Beans like black or kidney are also great choices. They add fiber and make the dish filling. To control the heat, adjust the gochujang. You can use less if you want it milder. Adding chili flakes can also increase the spice. For a milder version, you can mix in a bit of sugar or honey. This helps balance the heat. Experiment to find what you like best! To keep your spicy kimchi fried rice fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Store it in the fridge. It will last for up to three days. After that, the rice may lose its taste and texture. When reheating, you have two good options: microwave or skillet. If you use the microwave, cover it with a damp paper towel. This keeps the rice moist. If you prefer a skillet, add a splash of water. Heat over medium heat until warm. This method helps keep the rice from getting soggy. You can freeze leftover fried rice. First, let it cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe bags. Press out as much air as possible. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a skillet. Freezing may change the texture of some veggies, but the flavor remains delicious. Kimchi fried rice is a simple dish made with cooked rice and kimchi. It usually has vegetables and can include eggs for protein. The dish is quick to make and packed with flavor. It’s a great way to use leftover rice and kimchi. You can use fresh rice, but day-old rice works best. Fresh rice has more moisture and may become sticky. Day-old rice is drier and makes for better fried rice. If using fresh rice, let it cool and dry out a bit before cooking. The spice level depends on the kimchi and gochujang you use. Most kimchi has a mild heat, while gochujang adds more kick. You can adjust the spice by adding less gochujang or using milder kimchi. It’s easy to make it just right for your taste. Spicy kimchi fried rice pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it with a fried egg on top for extra protein. Another great option is pickled vegetables for a refreshing crunch. You can also enjoy it with grilled meats or tofu for a hearty meal. Yes, kimchi fried rice is perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for a few days. Just pack it in airtight containers for easy lunches. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Reheating is easy and keeps the flavors intact. In this blog post, I shared how to make delicious kimchi fried rice. We covered key ingredients, tips for selection, and step-by-step instructions. You learned how to sauté, stir-fry, and adjust flavors for the best results. Remember, day-old rice gives that perfect texture. Don’t hesitate to try different proteins or veggies. Fried rice is easy to store and reheat, keeping it fresh and tasty. Enjoy crafting this dish that adds excitement to any meal!

Fiery Kimchi Fried Rice Delight

A spicy and flavorful fried rice dish featuring kimchi and vegetables, perfect for a quick meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Korean
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
  • 1 cup kimchi, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 medium carrot, finely chopped
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang
  • 2 large eggs (optional)
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until shimmering.
  • Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it turns translucent and fragrant.
  • Toss in the minced garlic and chopped carrot, stirring to combine. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the carrot becomes tender.
  • Incorporate the chopped kimchi, stir-frying for 2 minutes to meld the flavors together.
  • Raise the heat to high and add the cooked jasmine rice to the skillet. Use a spatula to break apart any clumps, ensuring the rice is well distributed.
  • Drizzle the soy sauce over the rice mixture, then mix in the gochujang. Stir well, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors before adding the frozen peas.
  • If you’re including eggs, create a space in the skillet by pushing the rice to one side. Crack the eggs into this cleared area and scramble them gently until just set, then fold them into the rice mixture.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired, then remove the skillet from the heat.
  • Serve the fried rice hot, beautifully garnished with sliced green onions, remaining kimchi, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture.

Notes

For a colorful touch, serve the fried rice in a large bowl and shape it into a mound, drizzling extra gochujang on top for an eye-catching effect.
Keyword fried rice, kimchi, spicy

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