Spicy, tangy, and topped with a runny egg—this Korean fried rice is a fiery comfort classic.

If you love bold flavor and quick meals, Kimchi Fried Rice—known in Korea as Kimchi Bokkeumbap—is the perfect comfort dish. Made with day-old rice and fermented kimchi, it’s a tangy, spicy, and soul-warming meal that comes together in just 15 minutes. Top it with a fried egg and sesame oil for an ultra-satisfying, umami-packed experience.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Ready in under 20 minutes
• Budget-friendly and made with pantry staples
• Naturally dairy-free and can be made vegan
• Packed with probiotics and umami-rich flavor

Ingredients (Serves 2)

• 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
• 3/4 cup chopped kimchi (well-fermented)
• 1 tbsp kimchi juice (optional but great for flavor)
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp neutral oil (like vegetable or avocado oil)
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp sugar (optional, to balance tang)
• 1 egg per serving (for topping)
• Garnish: sliced scallions, sesame seeds, nori strips

Instructions

1. Heat neutral oil in a pan. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
2. Add kimchi and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in rice, breaking up clumps. Add kimchi juice, soy sauce, and sugar.
4. Stir-fry everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
5. Drizzle sesame oil over and mix well.
6. In a separate pan, fry eggs sunny-side up.
7. Serve rice topped with egg and your choice of garnishes.

Pro Tips & Substitutions

• Use older kimchi for deeper flavor
• Add gochujang (Korean chili paste) for extra heat and sweetness
• Add spam, bacon, tofu, or mushrooms for variety
• For vegan version: skip egg or use plant-based alternatives

Storage & Reheating

• Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days
• Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or oil
• Add a fresh egg on top when serving again

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a side of pickled radish or cucumber salad
• Add miso soup or seaweed soup for a full Korean meal
• Pair with iced barley tea or hot green tea

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 410 kcal
• Protein: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fat: 20g
• Sodium: 880mg
• Fiber: 3g

Note: Values may vary based on kimchi and egg size.

Did You Try This Recipe?

Tag @comfortdishesofficial with your spicy kimchi rice bowls—we’d love to see your creations and toppings!