Easy Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe for the Ultimate Comfort Food

Liputan6.com, Jakarta Fried rice is one of the most popular comfort foods around the world. It is simple, filling, and can be made in many ways using leftover rice. From Chinese-style egg fried rice to Thai pineapple fried rice, every country has its own version. One of the most flavorful and satisfying versions is the Korean kimchi fried rice recipe.

The kimchi fried rice recipe is a Korean dish made by stir-frying cooked rice with kimchi, vegetables, and sometimes meat or egg. It is spicy, tangy, and full of umami flavor from the kimchi. The dish is loved for its balance of taste and its ability to turn simple ingredients into something delicious.

In this article, we will share our easy kimchi fried rice recipe along with some tips to help you get the best result. We will also talk about additional ingredients that will elevate your kimchi fried rice to another level. We gathered the recipe and tips from various sources, Tuesday (21/10/2025).

If you are craving a comforting dish that is easy to make, this easy kimchi fried rice is for you.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)

- 1 cup chopped kimchi

- 2 tablespoons kimchi juice (optional but adds extra flavor)

- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

- 1 tablespoon sesame oil

- 1 tablespoon soy sauce

- 1 teaspoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)

- 1/4 cup chopped onion

- 1 clove garlic, minced

- 1/2 cup diced cooked meat (optional: ham, bacon, or chicken)

- 1 egg

- 1 green onion, sliced

- Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Rice and Ingredients: If your rice is clumped together, gently break it apart with a spoon or your hands. Chop your kimchi and vegetables before you start cooking.

2. Heat the Oil: In a large pan or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add the Kimchi: Put the chopped kimchi into the pan and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and releases its flavor. If you like it spicier, add a spoon of kimchi juice or gochujang.

4. Add the Rice: Stir in the cold rice. Mix well to combine it with the kimchi and seasonings. Press down on the rice with a spatula to make sure everything heats evenly.

5. Season the Dish: Add soy sauce and sesame oil, then mix well. If you are using meat, add it at this stage and stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes.

6. Add the Egg: Push the rice to one side of the pan. Crack the egg on the empty side and scramble it. When it is half-cooked, mix it into the rice.

7. Serve and Garnish: Once everything is well mixed and heated, turn off the heat. Sprinkle with sliced green onion and sesame seeds. Serve hot.

This simple kimchi fried rice recipe gives you a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and tangy flavors. It is a great way to use leftover rice and kimchi, and you can adjust the spice level to your liking.

Making the perfect kimchi fried rice is all about small details. Here are some useful tips to help you get the best flavor and texture every time:

1. Use Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice is often too moist and sticky, which can make your fried rice mushy. Cold, day-old rice stays separate and creates that perfect chewy texture when stir-fried.

2. Cook on High Heat: High heat gives the rice a slightly crispy edge and smoky flavor called "wok hei." It also helps ingredients cook quickly while keeping their texture and aroma.

3. Don’t Skip the Sesame Oil: A drizzle of sesame oil at the end adds a nutty fragrance and deep flavor that blends perfectly with the tangy kimchi and savory sauce.

4. Adjust the Spice Level: You can control the heat to your liking. For a mild version, use less gochujang; for bold spice, add kimchi juice or chili flakes.

5. Taste Before Serving: Every brand of kimchi has a different salt level. Tasting before adding more soy sauce prevents the dish from becoming too salty or overpowering.

6. Add the Egg Last: Stirring in the egg at the end keeps it soft and fluffy. The gentle heat cooks it evenly, adding a rich and creamy texture.

7. Use a Wide Pan or Wok: A large surface lets the rice cook evenly and prevents steaming. It also makes mixing easier without crushing the rice grains.

These simple tricks will make your kimchi fried rice taste even better and help you cook it with confidence every time.

One of the best things about the kimchi fried rice recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily add other ingredients to make it richer, spicier, or more colorful. Here are some delicious additions you can try:

1. Fried Egg on Top: Adding a sunny-side-up egg on top makes the dish look beautiful and adds creamy texture when the yolk mixes with the rice.

2. Cheese: A slice of melted cheese makes your kimchi fried rice extra rich and creamy. The mild cheese balances the spicy kimchi flavor perfectly.

3. Spam or Bacon: These meats add a salty, savory taste that matches well with the tangy kimchi. They also make the dish more filling.

4. Seaweed Flakes: Sprinkle roasted seaweed flakes or crushed nori on top for a crunchy texture and an extra umami kick.

5. Tofu: For a vegetarian version, add fried tofu cubes. They soak up the flavor of the sauce and give a satisfying bite.

6. Vegetables: You can add vegetables like peas, corn, carrots, or mushrooms for color and nutrition. They make your kimchi fried rice more balanced and healthy.

7. Korean Sausage or Bulgogi: If you want to make it more traditional and hearty, try adding Korean sausage or thin slices of bulgogi beef.

With these ideas, you can enjoy kimchi fried rice in many different ways. It’s a simple dish, but it can be customized endlessly depending on your mood and ingredients at home.