Fermented Kimchi Fried Rice Bowl (Printable version)

Tangy fermented kimchi stir-fried with rice, vegetables, sesame and topped with a runny egg for a quick, flavorful bowl.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 2 cups cooked jasmine or short-grain rice preferably day-old, cold
02 - 1 cup fermented napa cabbage kimchi, chopped
03 - 2 green onions, sliced
04 - 1 small carrot, julienned
05 - 1/2 cup firm tofu, cubed (optional, for protein)
06 - 2 eggs
07 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
08 - 1 tbsp soy sauce
09 - 1 tsp gochujang Korean red chili paste, optional
10 - 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
11 - 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

→ Garnish

12 - Extra green onions, sliced
13 - Nori strips or seaweed flakes, optional

# Directions:

01 - Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
02 - If using tofu, add cubes and cook until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.
03 - Add the remaining oil to the pan. Sauté carrots and white parts of green onions for 1-2 minutes.
04 - Add chopped kimchi and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
05 - Stir in the rice, breaking up clumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, mixing thoroughly so the rice absorbs the kimchi juices.
06 - Add soy sauce and gochujang if using. Stir well. Return tofu if using to the pan.
07 - Drizzle in sesame oil and scatter over sesame seeds. Toss to combine and taste for seasoning.
08 - In a separate non-stick skillet, fry eggs sunny-side-up or as desired.
09 - Divide fried rice into bowls. Top each with a fried egg, extra green onions, and nori strips if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Jasmine rice soaks up kimchi’s addictive juices, making every bite punchy and comforting at the same time.
  • It’s the easiest way to turn odds and ends in your fridge into something crave-worthy, and the fried egg on top is pure dinner magic.
02 -
  • Cold rice is essential—if you use freshly cooked rice, expect mush instead of those glorious chewy grains.
  • Adding kimchi too late keeps it sharp, while an early toss tames its bite but enriches everything else.
03 -
  • Let the wok or skillet get hot enough before adding your rice—hear it sizzle for the best results.
  • Always use fresh garnishes; tired green onions can dull the magic of your bowl.
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