To make kimchi fried rice, first, you must have cooked rice on hand. You can use leftover rice from the previous night’s dinner or cook a fresh batch. The key is to use cold rice that has been chilled in the fridge for at least a few hours or overnight. This will ensure that the grains of rice are separate and not sticky, which is crucial for making fried rice.
Next, you will need kimchi. Kimchi is a Korean dish made from fermented and spiced vegetables, most commonly napa cabbage. You can find kimchi at most grocery stores or Asian markets. If you want to make your own kimchi, that’s also an option, but it will require some time and effort.
Once you have your rice and kimchi, you are ready to start making kimchi fried rice. Begin by heating up a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add some oil to the pan and wait for it to get hot. You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or any other neutral oil that you have on hand.
Once the oil is hot, add some diced onion and garlic to the pan. Saute the onion and garlic until they are fragrant and soft, about 2-3 minutes.
Next, add the kimchi to the pan. Stir the kimchi around with the onion and garlic and let it cook for a few minutes. The goal is to cook the kimchi until it is slightly caramelized and crispy.
After the kimchi has cooked for a few minutes, add the cold rice to the pan. Use a spatula to break up any clumps of rice and stir everything together. Fry the rice and kimchi together for a few minutes until the rice is hot and slightly crispy.
At this point, you can add additional seasonings to the kimchi fried rice if you like. Some people like to add soy sauce, sesame oil, or gochujang (Korean chili paste) for extra flavor. You can also add some chopped scallions or sesame seeds for a garnish.
Once you are happy with the flavor of the kimchi fried rice, it is ready to serve. Kimchi fried rice is a great dish for a family-style dinner or for a quick and easy lunch. It is filling and satisfying on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of vegetables or protein for a more complete meal.
In summary, kimchi fried rice is a delicious and easy-to-make Korean dish that combines the flavors of kimchi and fried rice. It is a great option for any meal, and you can customize it with your own favorite seasonings and garnishes. Give it a try at home and enjoy the comforting and savory flavors of this delicious dish.