12-Min Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe

Kimchi fried rice is one of my all-time favorite ways to transform leftover rice into something exciting. If you’ve got a little bit of leftover rice, some kimchi, and a handful of simple ingredients, you’re already halfway there! This dish is packed with bold flavors, it’s super easy to make, and it’s ready in just 12 minutes! Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen.

Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe

Serving: 2 to 4
Prep time: 5 minutes a
Cook time: 7 minutes

For the kimchi fried rice:
1 tablespoon oil, or replace with butter
½ small onion, diced
1 slice (8 ounces) ham steak, or replace with pork bell, bacon, or leftover meat
1 cup kimchi, chopped
3 cups rice, cooked overnight
3 tablespoons kimchi juice
1 tablespoon gochujiang (hot pepper paste)
Pinch of salt
2 tablespoons scallions
1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the toppings:
1 tablespoon oil, or replace with butter
1 large egg
Pinch of salt
½ teaspoon sesame seeds
2 tablespoons roasted seaweed flakes

Kimchi Fried Rice Instructions

To prepare the ingredients:

• Use kitchen shears to cut the kimchi into small pieces to avoid staining a cutting board.
• Next, dice the onion (it adds sweetness, depth, and aroma to the dish).
• Chop the scallions (it gives freshness and color to the dish).
• Cut the ham steak into cubes.

To make the kimchi fried rice:

• In a pan over high heat, add about 1 tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add the onion and ham, stir-frying until aromatic for about 1 minute. Then, add the kimchi and stir-fry until fragrant. Add in the rice and mix everything.
• Toss in the kimchi juice (it adds some moisture to the dish), gochujang (it adds umami and slight sweetness), and a pinch of salt, stirring until well-coated for about 1 minute. Finally, add the scallions.

To serve:

• Preheat a cast iron pan, add the sesame oil (to enhance overall flavor), and transfer the kimchi fried rice into it (using cast iron is optional).
• In a small pan over medium heat, add about 1 tablespoon of oil. Crack the egg inside and cook until the bottom is set. Season it with a pinch of salt.
• Serve the egg over the kimchi fried rice, and garnish the kimchi fried rice with sesame seeds and roasted seaweed flakes for extra flavor.