Come and experience the deliciousness of my Kimchi Chicken Fried Rice recipe, crafted for easy home cooking! This delightful fusion of flavors brings together juicy chicken, zesty kimchi, and Korean-inspired seasonings in a comforting homemade fried rice dish. With its quick preparation and authentic taste, this recipe promises to satisfy every palate, making it a surefire hit for any mealtime gathering!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
My Kimchi Chicken Fried Rice recipe is the best because it’s incredibly easy to whip up, bursting with delicious flavors, and truly hearty enough to stand as a meal on its own! It’s my own creation, just like in my Lime Chicken Fried Rice, where we take traditional Korean-inspired flavors, add chicken and bring them together in a homemade fried rice dish, creating a delightful kimchi-packed meal!
We use my proven at-home fried rice secret technique, perfected in my Garlic Chicken Fried Rice and Spam Fried Rice recipes, to ensure a mouthwatering result every time! If you’re someone who enjoys homemade fried rice and wants to explore Korean cuisine at home, this recipe is perfect for you!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Chicken – boneless and skinless chicken thigh. Can substitute with chicken breast if preferred.
- Neutral Oil – no taste or flavor with high cooking temperature. Some choices are sunflower oil, peanut oil, sallower oil, vegetable oil, and canola oil.
- Salt – sea salt preferred.
- Black Pepper – ground.
- Rice – rice of choice. If using white rice, best to use leftover rice or day old cooked rice for best texture.
- Kimchi – chopped and can include a little bit of kimchi juice for extra flavor.
- Toasted Sesame Oil – 100% Toasted Sesame Oil that should have a dark brown color.
- Onion – yellow or brown onion.
- Green Onion – finely chopped green onion scallions.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds – optional garnish.
Additional Add Ins
Consider incorporating additional ingredients like Frozen Peas, Carrots, Corn, or a Fried Egg for extra flavor and nutrition.
🍚 Rice Note
For optimal results, use Leftover Cold Rice or Day-Old Cooked Cold Rice. This technique efficiently reduces excess moisture, making it easier to get the proper fried rice texture with home cooking.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
- Wok or Deep Large Skillet
Directions
☑ Before Getting Started
To make fried rice at home, Prep Your Ingredients in advance for efficiency and use a roomy Wok or Deep Skillet. Opt for High-Temperature Cooking Oil to achieve that signature sizzle and pop.
Step 1 Preheat cooking oil in a wok or large skillet. Add cubed chicken, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until it achieves a delightful golden brown color. Once cooked, set the chicken aside.
Step 2 Add rice to the same wok, along with the chopped onion, and stir-fry until the rice is tender, about 2-3 minutes.
🍚 Fried Rice Cooking Pro Tip
Avoid Overcrowding the pan to ensure there’s enough space for all the rice to cook evenly under high heat and within the correct temperature range. If making a large serving, it’s better to Cook in Batches instead.
Step 3 Once the rice is cooked, reintroduce the cooked chicken and combine it with chopped kimchi. Drizzle toasted sesame oil over the mixture, then add the green onions and optional sesame seeds. Toss everything together to combine thoroughly.
🧂 Flavoring Pro Tip
For optimal flavor adjustment, consider incorporating additional Salt and Kimchi Juice to enhance the taste profile of your fried rice. For an extra kick of flavor, you can also include a dollop of Gochujang Patse.
🍽️ Serving Pro Tip
Serve your fried rice Piping Hot. Heating the dish thoroughly enhances its flavors and textures.
Recipe Variations
Utilize the same cooking method but vary the seasoning to craft different fried rice versions such as Japanese Beef Fried Rice, Garlic Butter Vegetable Fried Rice, and Japanese Ketchup Fried Rice. For an authentic Japanese style fried rice like the ones you get at ramen restaurants, check out my Japanese Pork Fried Rice recipe!
Pairing Recommendations
Complement this recipe with simple vegetable Korean-inspired side dishes like Korean Spinach Salad or Korean Pickled Vegetables. These dishes offer a refreshing contrast to the bold flavors of the fried rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh rice instead of leftover rice?
Yes, you can, but keep in mind that using fresh rice may result in a softer, wetter texture in the fried rice.
What type of kimchi works best for this dish?
Any type of kimchi will work well. Pick a kimchi that suits your preference, whether it's spicy, mild, or extra tangy.
Can I use other proteins besides chicken?
Absolutely! You have the flexibility to use different proteins such as eggs, beef, or even shrimp to customize your fried rice to your liking.
How do I prevent the rice from becoming mushy?
To prevent the rice from becoming mushy, use leftover rice if possible. Additionally, cook the fried rice over high heat in a large pan and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper frying and texture.
Storage Tips
Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they can be safely kept for 5 to 7 days.
Other Recipes You Might Like
- Korean BBQ Short Ribs Marinade
- Korean BBQ Marinated Chicken
- Korean BBQ Garlic Pork Belly
- Pan Seared Korean BBQ Brisket
Watch How To Make It
Kimchi Chicken Fried Rice
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3 oz Chicken Thigh can sub with chicken breast
- 1 tbsp Cooking Oil neutral, no flavor or taste
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Black Pepper
Fried Rice
- 2 Cups Rice rice of choice
- 1/4 Cup Kimchi
- 1/2 tbsp Cooking Oil neutral, no flavor or taste
- 1/2 tbsp Toasted Sesame Oil
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Onion chopped
- 1/2 Stalk Green Onion
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Finely dice green onions, onions, chicken (about 1/4 x 1/4 inch cubes) and kimchi then set aside. Note - make sure to keep the kimchi jucies.
- In a frying pan, add neutral cooking oil on high heat. Once oil is up to preheated, add chicken, sprinkle salt and black pepper and cook for 2-4 minutes until you get a nice brown crust on the chicken. Transfer to holding bowl.
- In the same frying pan, add rice and onions and cook for 2-3 minutes or until preferred tenderness is attained.
- After 2-3 minutes, add chicken, salt, black pepper and chopped Kimchi. Mix well and continue to cook for an additional 1 minute.
- Lastly, add in toasted sesame oil and mix in the green onions, transfer to serving bowl.
Nutrition
*Values Based Per Serving
