Have you tried kimchi spam fried rice before?

Have you tried kimchi spam fried rice before? is a easy Korean recipe that serves 2. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by Jiny Maeng on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 14 min | Total: 30 min

Cost: $7.15 total, $3.58 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Cooked Rice (day‑old, chilled)
  • 1 cup Kimchi (very fermented, coarsely chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (softened)
  • 1 can Spam (diced; optional for extra protein)
  • 2 stalks Spring Onions (sliced thinly)
  • 1.5 tablespoons Garlic (minced (about 3 cloves))
  • 1.5 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil (toasted sesame oil for flavor)
  • 0.5 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded, low‑moisture)
  • 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce (optional, for extra umami)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Chop the kimchi into bite‑size pieces, dice the Spam, slice the spring onions, and mince the garlic.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Heat Fat

    Place the skillet over medium‑high heat and add the butter and sesame oil. Let the butter melt and the oil become shimmering.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Fry Spam

    Add the diced Spam to the skillet and fry until the edges turn lightly golden, about 2–3 minutes.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Add Aromatics

    Stir in the minced garlic and sliced spring onions. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Cook Kimchi

    Add the chopped kimchi and sugar. Stir‑fry for 2 minutes until the kimchi softens and the sugar caramelizes slightly.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Add Rice

    Add the day‑old rice, breaking up any clumps with the spatula. Stir‑fry for 4 minutes until the rice is heated through and begins to crisp at the edges.

    Time: PT4M

  7. Season

    Drizzle the soy sauce over the rice, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.

    Time: PT1M

  8. Melt Cheese

    Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the rice, cover the skillet with a lid, and let sit for 1 minute until the cheese melts.

    Time: PT1M

  9. Serve

    Remove the lid, give the rice a final toss, and serve hot straight from the pan.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
620
Protein
20 g
Carbohydrates
80 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Non‑vegetarian, Contains pork, Contains soy

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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Have you tried kimchi spam fried rice before?

Recipe by Jiny Maeng

A quick, comforting Korean-inspired fried rice using leftover rice, tangy fermented kimchi, buttery sesame oil, optional Spam, and melty mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a lazy lunch or a tasty dinner in under 30 minutes.

EasyKoreanServes 2

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

Source Video
9m
Prep
10m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
29m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.15
Total cost
$3.58
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Chopping kimchi and other aromatics uniformly.
  • Breaking up day‑old rice to avoid clumps.
  • Ensuring the cheese melts without overcooking.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil carefully to avoid burns.
  • Use a sharp knife and keep fingers tucked while chopping.

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 over‑ripe kimchi. It embodies Korean home‑cooking values of minimizing waste while creating a flavorful, comforting meal.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Kimchi Fried Rice in Korea?

A

In the southern regions, cooks often add gochujang for extra heat, while in the north, a splash of soy sauce and a sprinkle of toasted seaweed are common. Some families also include diced ham or pork belly instead of Spam.

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, a drizzle of sesame oil, and a side of pickled radish. It can be a main meal or a side dish alongside other banchan.

cultural
Q

On what occasions or celebrations is Kimchi Fried Rice traditionally associated in Korean culture?

A

Kimchi Fried Rice is a go‑to comfort food for everyday meals, but it also appears during late‑night gatherings after drinking (anju) because it’s quick, filling, and pairs well with soju.

cultural
Q

How does Kimchi Fried Rice fit into the broader Korean cuisine tradition?

A

It reflects the Korean principle of "banchan"—using small side dishes like kimchi to flavor a larger staple such as rice. The dish showcases the balance of spicy, sour, and umami flavors central to Korean cooking.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Kimchi Fried Rice versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include day‑old white rice, well‑fermented napa cabbage kimchi, sesame oil, and often pork (Spam or belly). Substitutes can be quinoa for rice, sauerkraut with chili for kimchi, and ham or tofu for pork.

cultural
Q

What other Korean dishes pair well with Kimchi Fried Rice?

A

It pairs nicely with Korean pancake (Pajeon), a simple miso‑style soup, or a side of seasoned spinach (Sigeumchi Namul). A cold barley tea (bori‑cha) balances the heat.

cultural
Q

What makes Kimchi Fried Rice special or unique in Korean cuisine?

A

Its uniqueness lies in turning leftovers into a bold, spicy dish where the fermented kimchi’s tang meets the toasted rice’s crunch, often finished with melted cheese for a modern twist.

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), overcrowding the pan (steams instead of fries), and adding the cheese too early, which can make it rubbery. Keep the heat high and work in batches if needed.

technical
Q

Why does this Kimchi Fried Rice recipe use butter and sesame oil instead of just vegetable oil?

A

Butter adds a rich, creamy mouthfeel while sesame oil contributes the signature nutty aroma of Korean cooking. The combination creates depth that plain oil cannot provide.

technical
Q

Can I make Kimchi Fried Rice ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prep the kimchi, garlic, and spring onions ahead and keep them refrigerated. Cooked fried rice is best eaten fresh, but leftovers store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in a hot skillet to restore crispness.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Jiny Maeng specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Jiny Maeng focuses on quick, family‑friendly Korean comfort dishes, often using pantry staples and leftovers to create flavorful meals with minimal fuss.

channel
Q

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

A

Jiny Maeng emphasizes practical, everyday cooking with a playful twist—like adding mozzarella cheese—while many traditional Korean channels stick to classic techniques and ingredients without modern shortcuts.

channel

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