How to Make the Perfect Kimchi Fried Rice
Korean · Easy · 25 minutes min · 4 servings

A spicy and tangy fried rice dish made with fermented kimchi, vegetables, and a choice of protein, perfect for a quick meal.
Why this recipe works
This Kimchi Fried Rice recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 550 calories with 18g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 16 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup kimchi
- 1 cup green onions
- 1 cup carrots
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 cup cooked chicken or tofu
- 2 tablespoons pickled radish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare ingredients
Chop the kimchi, green onions, carrots, garlic, and ginger.
Step 2: Heat oil
In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
Step 3: Stir-fry vegetables
Add garlic, ginger, and carrots. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Step 4: Add kimchi and rice
Add kimchi and cooked rice. Stir well to combine.
Step 5: Flavor the dish
Add soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, gochugaru, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Step 6: Cook egg
Push rice to one side of the skillet and crack the egg onto the other side. Scramble until cooked.
Step 7: Serve
Top with green onions, pickled radish, and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- Chicken → Tofu
- Sesame oil → Olive oil
- Gochugaru → Cayenne pepper
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using wet rice instead of dry rice can make the dish mushy.
- Not frying the kimchi long enough can result in a lack of flavor.
- Skipping the seasoning can lead to bland fried rice.
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 550 calories, 18g protein, 75g carbs, 22g fat, 5g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →