Kimchi is such an incredible food packed with a plethora of benefits, I like to think of it as a superfood. For those who may not know too much about kimchi, it’s a traditional Korean side dish that’s been around for more than 1500 years and is made from fermented Napa cabbage and sometimes other vegetables, along with a variety of seasonings. It’s said that there are more than 180 varieties of kimchi, and that every Korean family and region has its own recipe. As a fermented food, kimchi is filled with probiotic properties, along with powerful vitamins and antioxidants.
If you take a peek in my fridge, you will always find a jar of kimchi – I just can’t get enough! Honestly, on days when I don’t have time to eat a full lunch, I’ll snack on kimchi right out of the jar or I’ll add a scoop on top of tofu and cucumbers with a dash of sesame oil. To me, kimchi is good in everything. From salads to soups, burgers, beef bowls, and fried rice, kimchi adds a fresh, acidic element to any food it’s paired with.
“Koreans believe that kimchi can soothe an upset stomach, help you lose weight, cure a hangover, keep you from aging, and much more.”
– crazy korean cooking
Kimchi Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked Rice (1.5 cups rice dry; or use day-old rice)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 3 cloves Garlic (finely chopped)
- 1 cup Kimchi
- 2 tbsp Gochujang
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 2 tsp Sesame Oil
- 1/8 cup Water
- 1 large Egg (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Cook rice according to a 1:1.25 rice to water ratio. You can also use day-old rice and skip to step three.
- When rice is ready, take it out of the rice cooker and spread it across on a baking sheet or plate and allow steam to release by using slicing motions with a rice paddle.
- Meanwhile, add 2 tbsp vegetable oil to a wok over medium high heat and add chopped garlic. Simmer until fragrant.
- Then, add rice to wok and stir frequently until coated in oil.
- Add kimchi and stir to combine. Then, add gochujang, salt, and sesame oil.
- If rice begins to stick, add water or oil.
- Once everything is well combined, remove from heat.
- Optional to fry an egg sunny side up and serve over rice.
Watch my video on how to make this recipe by clicking here.
