Kimchi Cabbage Fried Rice (Print Version)

Spicy kimchi and napa cabbage tossed with chilled rice, sesame, and a sunny-side egg for a quick, savory meal.

# Components:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 cup napa cabbage, thinly sliced
02 - 1/2 cup kimchi, chopped (with some juice)
03 - 2 green onions, sliced
04 - 1 small carrot, julienned (optional)

→ Rice

05 - 2 cups cooked jasmine or short-grain rice (preferably day-old), chilled

→ Sauces & Seasonings

06 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
07 - 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste, optional for extra spice)
08 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
09 - 1/2 teaspoon sugar
10 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Eggs & Garnish

11 - 2 large eggs
12 - 1 tablespoon neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
13 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
14 - Extra sliced green onions (for garnish)

# Directions:

01 - Prepare all ingredients and have the rice chilled and ready.
02 - Heat half the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced cabbage and carrot, stir-fry for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
03 - Add the chopped kimchi and green onions. Stir-fry for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
04 - Add the rice, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir well to combine with the vegetables and kimchi.
05 - Drizzle in the soy sauce, gochujang (if using), sesame oil, sugar, and black pepper. Stir-fry everything for 3–4 minutes, ensuring the rice is heated through and evenly coated.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
07 - In a separate nonstick pan, heat the remaining oil over medium heat. Fry the eggs sunny-side up until whites are set and yolks are still runny.
08 - Divide the fried rice between two bowls. Top each with a fried egg, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and extra green onions.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • No one expects fried rice with a punchy kick and a runny egg to feel this comforting (or this easy)
  • It’s my go-to for clearing out the fridge while actually craving dinner
02 -
  • If the rice isn’t cold, it’ll clump and turn mushy, leaving you with a stodgy stir-fry instead of something light.
  • Tossing in a tablespoon of kimchi juice along with the chopped kimchi deepens the flavor way beyond what you’d expect.
03 -
  • Always use day-old, refrigerated rice—the drier, the better for soaking up flavor without going sticky.
  • Adding kimchi juice as well as chopped kimchi is the magic move for layers of flavor.
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