Fermented Cabbage Kimchi Bowl (Printable)

Bold kimchi fried rice topped with a sunny-side-up egg.

# What You Need:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 2 cups cooked jasmine or short-grain rice (preferably day-old, cold)
02 - 1 cup fermented napa cabbage kimchi, chopped
03 - 2 green onions, sliced
04 - 1 small carrot, julienned
05 - 1/2 cup firm tofu, cubed (optional, for protein)
06 - 2 eggs
07 - 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
08 - 1 tbsp soy sauce
09 - 1 tsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste), optional
10 - 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
11 - 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

→ Garnish

12 - Extra green onions, sliced
13 - Nori strips or seaweed flakes (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
02 - If using tofu, add cubes and cook until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.
03 - Add the remaining oil to the pan. Sauté carrots and white parts of green onions for 1-2 minutes.
04 - Add chopped kimchi and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
05 - Stir in the rice, breaking up clumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, mixing thoroughly so the rice absorbs the kimchi juices.
06 - Add soy sauce and gochujang (if using). Stir well. Return tofu (if using) to the pan.
07 - Drizzle in sesame oil and scatter over sesame seeds. Toss to combine and taste for seasoning.
08 - In a separate non-stick skillet, fry eggs sunny-side-up (or as desired).
09 - Divide fried rice into bowls. Top each with a fried egg, extra green onions, and nori strips if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick preparation and cooking time for a flavorful meal under 30 minutes.
  • Bold and spicy notes from fermented kimchi balanced with savory soy and optional gochujang.
  • Vegetarian-friendly and easily adaptable to vegan or protein-added versions.
  • The comforting, crispy texture of day-old rice enhanced by aromatic sautéed vegetables.
  • A perfectly fried egg elevates the dish with creamy, rich yolk.
02 -
  • Use cold, day-old rice to prevent clumping and achieve ideal texture.
  • Toast sesame seeds lightly to boost their aroma before adding.
  • Adjust gochujang cautiously, as it can be quite spicy for some palates.
  • Fry eggs in a non-stick pan for perfect sunny-side-up with runny yolks.
  • Ensure tofu is pressed dry before frying for a better sear.
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