[Korean Food Recipe] Kimchi Bokkeumbap (Kimchi fried rice)

What is Kimchi Bokkeumbap?

Kimchi fried rice, or "Kimchi Bokkeumbap" in Korean, is a popular Korean dish known for its spicy and savory flavors. Here's an explanation of what Kimchi fried rice is:

Kimchi fried rice is a stir-fried rice dish that incorporates kimchi, a traditional Korean fermented cabbage dish, as a key ingredient. The dish typically consists of cooked rice, kimchi, and various vegetables and proteins. Fresh and tangy kimchi adds a distinct flavor and texture to the fried rice, giving it a spicy and slightly sour taste.

The dish is seasoned with a mixture of condiments such as gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, sesame oil, and sometimes a bit of sugar for balance. These seasonings are added to the pan and combined with the other ingredients, coating the rice and giving it a rich and savory taste.

Kimchi fried rice is often garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added aroma and visual appeal. It can be enjoyed on its own as a satisfying one-dish meal or served as a side dish with other Korean dishes. The spicy and robust flavors of the kimchi and seasonings make Kimchi fried rice a popular and delicious choice for Korean food lovers worldwide.

 

Kimchi Bokkeumbap Recipe (for 2 servings)

Ingredients:

• Rice: 2 servings (about 1-1.5 cups per serving)
• Fresh Kimchi: about 1 cup
• Salted pork or bacon: about 100g
• Onion: 1/2
• Carrot: 1/2
• Green onion: 1 stalk
• Cooking oil: about 2 tablespoons
• Sesame oil: 1 tablespoon
• Gochujang (red chili pepper paste): 1 tablespoon
• Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
• Sugar: 1 teaspoon (optional)
• Black pepper: a pinch

 

Cooking order:

1. Prepare the rice:
   • Use cooled, day-old rice. It works better than freshly cooked rice.
2. Prepare the ingredients:
   • Finely chop the kimchi.
   • Dice the onion and carrot into small pieces.
   • Chop the green onion into small slices.
   • Cut the salted pork or bacon into small pieces.
3.  Heat the pan and add oil:
   • Heat a pan over medium heat and add cooking oil, making sure it spreads evenly.
4. Cook the pork/bacon:
   • Add the salted pork or bacon to the pan and cook until it's well done and any unpleasant odor is gone.
5. Stir-fry the vegetables:
   • Add the diced onion and carrot to the pan and stir-fry until they're cooked to a desirable texture. They should become tender.
6. Add the kimchi:
   
   • Add the chopped kimchi to the pan and stir-fry until its flavor enhances. Keep stirring until it's well mixed with the other ingredients.
7. Add the seasoning:
   • Add gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the pan. Mix well with the ingredients. If you prefer a slightly sweet taste, you can add sugar.
8. Add the rice:
   • Add the prepared rice to the pan and mix everything together. Stir-fry until the rice is well coated with the seasoning and heated through.
9. Season with black pepper:
   • Sprinkle a pinch of black pepper over the fried rice and give it a final mix.
10. Serve hot:
    • Transfer the kimchi fried rice to serving plates and garnish with chopped green onions.