Basic Kimchi Fried Rice 🌶 🇰🇷

 

After facilitating a 'Make your own Kimchi' workshop recently at the North Fremantle Social Farm  I am sharing this basic kimchi fried rice recipe as a follow up for the enthusiastic participants.  There is already a Kimchi & pork mince fried rice recipe on this blog, and there are lots of other ingredients you can use, but this simple vegetarian version really showcases the umami flavour of the fermented cabbage.  I have a small tub of kimchi that has been fermenting quietly in my fridge for a while, which is perfect for the purpose.  The runny fried egg on top is almost like a signature to the dish, dressing it up beautifully while creating a subtle contrast in taste and texture.  Kimchi is available from most supermarkets and Asian grocery stores. Check out my recipe here  if you would like to make your own batch.

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS

• 400g / 14 oz cooked, cold long grain rice*
• 1 cup cabbage kimchi
• 2 tablespoons kimchi juice
• 1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil, plus extra for frying the eggs
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon sesame seed oil
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon chopped spring onion, for garnishing (optional)
• nori (roasted seaweed sheet) cut into strips, for garnishing (optional)

METHOD

1. Press kimchi through a sieve to extract as much juice as possible, about 2 tablespoons.  Slice kimchi into bite-size pieces.
2. In a wok, heat oil on medium high until hot.  Add the kimchi.  Sauté for 1 minute, then add the cooked rice.  Use the spatula to gently break up the rice and mix it with the kimchi.  Continue to stir fry for a few minutes until the rice grains are separated and coated with oil.  Add kimchi juice.  Give it a final toss to combine.
3. Fry 2 eggs with a little oil in a separate pan.  Serve fried rice in two individual plates and top each with a fried egg.  Drizzle a little sesame oil over the eggs.  Sprinkle in the sesame seeds.  Garnish with nori strips or chopped spring onions.

*Instructions for cooking plain rice by absorption method is here.  For convenience, you can use packaged cooked rice.