Kimchi Fried Rice

Kimchi Fried Rice is a easy Korean recipe that serves 2. 515 calories per serving. Recipe by Heinen's on YouTube.

Prep: 5 min | Cook: 8 min | Total: 18 min

Cost: $10.00 total, $5.00 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons Sesame Oil (for stir‑frying)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (finely minced)
  • 2 cups Heinen's Jasmine Rice (pre‑cooked, cold, preferably day‑old)
  • 1 cup Kimchi (mild version, chopped)
  • 1 cup Frozen Mixed Vegetables (carrots, peas, corn) (no need to thaw)
  • 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce (regular, low‑sodium if preferred)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
  • 2 large Eggs (for topping, fried)
  • 2 tablespoons Green Onions (sliced, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat Oil

    Place the wok over high heat and add the sesame oil, letting it heat until shimmering.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: high

  2. Sauté Garlic

    Add the minced garlic and stir‑fry for about 30 seconds, just until lightly browned and fragrant.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: high

  3. Stir‑Fry Rice

    Add the cold jasmine rice, breaking up any clumps with the spatula. Stir‑fry for 2 minutes until the grains are heated through.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: high

  4. Add Kimchi and Veggies

    Stir in the chopped kimchi and frozen mixed vegetables. Continue to stir‑fry for another 2 minutes until the vegetables are hot and the kimchi is fragrant.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: high

  5. Season

    Drizzle the soy sauce over the mixture, then add salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss everything together for 1 minute.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: high

  6. Plate Fried Rice

    Transfer the seasoned fried rice to a serving bowl and set aside while you fry the eggs.

    Time: PT1M

  7. Quick Wok Clean‑Up

    Wipe the wok with a paper towel to remove excess residue, then return it to the stove.

    Time: PT1M

  8. Heat Oil for Eggs

    Add a small splash of oil to the cleaned wok and let it heat for about 30 seconds.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  9. Fry Eggs

    Crack the eggs directly into the wok, spreading them slightly. Fry for about 1 minute, or until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny (or to your desired doneness).

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium‑high

  10. Finish and Garnish

    Slide the fried eggs onto the top of the fried rice, then sprinkle the sliced green onions over everything.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
515
Protein
15 g
Carbohydrates
70 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten‑free (if using gluten‑free soy sauce), Dairy‑free

Allergens: Eggs, Soy, Sesame

Last updated: April 29, 2026

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Kimchi Fried Rice

Recipe by Heinen's

A quick, flavorful Korean‑inspired fried rice made with Heinen's jasmine rice, mild kimchi, frozen vegetables, and topped with a perfectly fried egg. Ready in under 20 minutes, this weeknight meal is simple, satisfying, and customizable.

EasyKoreanServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
5m
Prep
7m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
22m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$10.00
Total cost
$5.00
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Do not let the garlic burn; it turns bitter quickly.
  • Use cold, day‑old rice to avoid soggy fried rice.
  • Wipe the wok before adding fresh oil for the eggs to prevent burnt residue from affecting flavor.
  • Fry the eggs just until whites set; overcooking makes them rubbery.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns; handle the wok with oven mitts.
  • Be careful when cracking eggs directly into a hot pan to avoid splatter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of kimchi fried rice in Korean cuisine?

A

Kimchi fried rice, or kimchi bokkeumbap, originated as a frugal way to use leftover rice and aged kimchi, turning them into a flavorful, comforting dish. It reflects Korean home cooking's emphasis on minimizing waste while creating bold, spicy flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of kimchi fried rice in Korea?

A

In the southern regions, cooks often add gochujang (red pepper paste) for extra heat, while in the north, they may use a milder kimchi and garnish with toasted seaweed. Some versions include pork belly or canned tuna for added protein.

cultural
Q

How is kimchi fried rice traditionally served in Korean households?

A

It is typically served hot in a shallow bowl, topped with a fried egg, and garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. It may be accompanied by a side of soup or a simple cucumber kimchi.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is kimchi fried rice associated with in Korean culture?

A

Kimchi fried rice is a common comfort food for everyday meals, but it also appears at late‑night gatherings after drinking (anju) because the spicy flavor pairs well with alcohol.

cultural
Q

What makes kimchi fried rice special or unique in Korean cuisine?

A

The dish combines the fermented tang of kimchi with the savory depth of fried rice, creating a balance of sour, spicy, and umami that is uniquely Korean. The fried egg adds richness and a contrasting texture.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for kimchi fried rice versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include day‑old cooked rice, well‑fermented kimchi, sesame oil, and a fried egg. Substitutes can be any short‑grain rice, milder kimchi, peanut oil instead of sesame, and tofu in place of the egg for a vegan version.

cultural
Q

What other Korean dishes pair well with kimchi fried rice?

A

Kimchi fried rice pairs nicely with Korean soups such as doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew) or a simple clear broth, as well as side dishes like pickled radish (danmuji) and seasoned spinach (sigeumchi namul).

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making kimchi fried rice at home?

A

Common errors include using fresh rice (which becomes mushy), burning the garlic, and overcrowding the wok, which steams rather than fries the ingredients. Also, over‑cooking the egg makes it rubbery.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use sesame oil instead of a neutral oil for the initial stir‑fry?

A

Sesame oil adds a subtle nutty aroma that complements the fermented flavor of kimchi, enhancing the overall depth of the dish. A neutral oil can be used, but you’ll miss that characteristic Korean note.

technical
Q

Can I make kimchi fried rice ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the fried rice a day ahead; store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a hot wok with a splash of oil to restore crispness, then add a freshly fried egg just before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Heinen's specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Heinen's focuses on easy, family‑friendly recipes that showcase products available at Heinen's supermarkets, emphasizing quick weeknight meals and seasonal cooking tips.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Heinen's' approach to Korean cooking differ from other Korean cooking channels?

A

Heinen's tailors Korean recipes to the ingredients stocked in their stores, offering simplified techniques and using readily available grocery items, whereas many Korean channels may use specialty pantry items or more traditional cooking methods.

channel

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