Introduction
Discover a delightful fusion of flavors with this vibrant kimchi fried rice dish! Featuring aromatic jasmine rice, spicy gochujang, and savory kimchi, this recipe is a colorful and nutritious meal that keeps you full and satisfied. The combination of vegetables, fried eggs, and nori strips adds layers of texture and flavor, making it a wholesome option for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
1½ cups jasmine rice
1 cup kimchi, coarsely chopped, with 2 tablespoons of reserved kimchi juice
3 tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
3.5 ounces shiitake mushrooms, sliced
1 cup matchstick carrots
½ bunch kale, stems removed and leaves chopped
4 fried eggs
¼ cup nori strips
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Enjoy this easy-to-make kimchi fried rice that promises a delightful balance of heat, tanginess, and wholesome ingredients, perfect for any weeknight dinner!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Jasmine Rice
Cook the jasmine rice in 3 cups of water according to the package instructions. Once finished, set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare Kimchi Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the reserved kimchi juice, reduced sodium soy sauce, gochujang, and sesame oil until well combined.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Heat canola oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, diced onion, and freshly grated ginger. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onions become translucent, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Vegetables
Stir in the coarsely chopped kimchi, sliced shiitake mushrooms, and matchstick carrots. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mushrooms are tender, which will take approximately 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked jasmine rice, chopped kale, and the kimchi juice mixture to the skillet. Stir everything together until the kale has wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the dish immediately, topping each serving with fried eggs, nori strips, sliced green onions, and black sesame seeds as desired.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
For a more filling meal, consider serving this dish with additional protein options like tofu or grilled chicken.
Storage Advice
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Vegetable Substitutions
Feel free to substitute kale with spinach or other leafy greens if preferred. Other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini can also be added for variation.
Adjusting Spice Levels
To adjust the spice levels according to your preference, you can either decrease the amount of gochujang or add more kimchi for extra heat.
Cook techniques
Cooking Jasmine Rice
Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water to remove excess starch before cooking. Use a ratio of 1 cup rice to 2 cups water, or follow package instructions for best results.
Whisking Sauce
Combine reserved kimchi juice, soy sauce, gochujang, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Whisk vigorously until fully blended to ensure a uniform flavor throughout the dish.
Sautéing Aromatics
Heat canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic, diced onion, and grated ginger, cooking while stirring frequently until the onions are soft and translucent.
Stir-Frying Vegetables
Add kimchi, shiitake mushrooms, and carrots to the skillet. Stir continuously to ensure even cooking, allowing the mushrooms to become tender without burning.
Combining Ingredients
Add the cooked jasmine rice, chopped kale, and the kimchi sauce mixture to the skillet. Stir until the kale wilts, which will take just a couple of minutes, mixing all flavors together.
Garnishing the Dish
Top the finished dish with fried eggs, nori strips, sliced green onions, and black sesame seeds for added texture and flavor right before serving.
FAQ
Can I use other types of rice instead of jasmine rice?
Yes, you can substitute jasmine rice with other types like basmati or brown rice, but cooking times and water ratios may vary.
How can I customize the spice level of this dish?
Adjust the amount of gochujang according to your heat preference. You can also add more or less kimchi to control the spiciness.
What if I can’t find gochujang?
You can replace gochujang with sriracha or another hot sauce; however, the flavor profile will differ slightly.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, omit the fried eggs or replace them with a plant-based egg alternative for a vegan version.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Conclusion
This delightful dish features the unique flavors of kimchi and savory ingredients, combined with the heartiness of jasmine rice and topped with delicious fried eggs. The balance of spices and textures creates a satisfying meal that is not only nourishing but also packed with umami goodness. Enjoy this dish as a comforting meal or as an impressive dish to serve guests.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Kimchi Fried Rice
Customize with additional proteins like chicken or tofu for a more filling option.
Spicy Mushroom Sauté
Use more varieties of mushrooms and pair them with different sauces for a unique flavor profile.
Vegetable Bibimbap
Incorporate a variety of vegetables such as zucchini, radishes, or bell peppers for more color and nutrition.
Asian-inspired Salad
Combine kale, matchstick carrots, and sliced nori with a sesame dressing for a refreshing side salad.
Gochujang Chicken
Marinate chicken in a mixture of gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil for a zesty grilled dish.
Vegan Kimchi Tacos
Use the kimchi and sautéed vegetables as a filling for corn tortillas topped with avocado or a vegan mayo.
