Kimchi Fried Rice with Gochujang (Printer version)

Bold Korean fried rice featuring tangy kimchi, spicy gochujang, and fresh vegetables. Ready in 25 minutes with satisfying umami depth.

# What You'll Need:

→ Rice

01 - 2 cups cooked short-grain rice (preferably day-old)

→ Vegetables & Kimchi

02 - 1 cup napa cabbage kimchi, chopped, plus 2 tbsp kimchi juice
03 - 1/2 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 1/2 cup carrot, diced
05 - 2 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)

→ Sauce & Seasonings

06 - 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
07 - 1 tbsp soy sauce
08 - 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
09 - 1/2 tsp sugar
10 - 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Oil & Garnish

11 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil
12 - 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
13 - 2 fried eggs (optional, for topping)

# Directions:

01 - Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion, carrot, and the white parts of the green onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
02 - Add the chopped kimchi and cook for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant and the kimchi edges start to caramelize.
03 - Stir in the gochujang, soy sauce, kimchi juice, sugar, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring to coat the vegetables evenly.
04 - Add the rice and break up any clumps. Toss everything together and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the rice is evenly coated and heated through.
05 - Drizzle with sesame oil and add the green parts of the green onion. Stir well to combine.
06 - In a separate pan, heat the remaining oil and fry eggs to your liking.
07 - Serve the kimchi fried rice in bowls, topped with a fried egg and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It transforms yesterday's rice into something exciting that tastes nothing like leftovers.
  • The whole thing comes together in under thirty minutes, making it perfect for weeknight wins.
  • Every bite hits you with umami, spice, and that addictive tangy kick that makes you keep reaching for more.
02 -
  • Never skip the day-old rice step; fresh rice will turn into mush no matter how careful you are with heat and timing.
  • Taste as you go, especially with the gochujang—some brands are spicier than others, and you can always add more heat but you can't take it back.
03 -
  • If your gochujang is straight from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cooking—it'll blend into the rice more smoothly than cold paste will.
  • Save your kimchi juice in a small jar and use it to adjust spice levels in future batches; it's liquid gold for balance.
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