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Kimchi "Fried" Rice

Perfectly cooked Kimchi Fried Rice made and served in the glass Anyday dish, providing a spicy and flavorful rice dish. This method ensures evenly cooked rice with kimchi, ideal for a quick and delicious meal.
Kimchi "Fried" Rice
PT5M PT5M

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

5-6 mins

Free Time

to watch some funny cat videos

Kimchi Fried Rice is a super versatile Korean dish that’s studded with kimchi, a spicy mix of fermented cabbage and vegetables. Although the traditional preparation incorporates smoky bacon or pork, we kept this version vegetarian. (That being said, if you’d like, bacon, smoked pork, or even ham would be a delicious addition.) This version comes together in minutes thanks to pre-cooked rice and the microwave. Give this dish some extra color by mixing egg yolks into the rice for flavor, color, and texture.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work—, and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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What You’ll Need

What You’ll Need

The Medium Shallow Dish

Look no further for making poached eggs, desserts, dips, and small portions of meat or fish.

The Medium Deep Dish

The best dish for 1-2 portions of grains, veggies, mac and cheese, ramen, and more.

The Anyhand Mitts

Handle hot Anyday dishes with care with these microwave mitts that double as trivets!
Try Anyday

Select your serving size and microwave wattage in the dropdown. The recipe will change accordingly.

1-2
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Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

[[video-wattage]]

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

700w

Recommended 

Dish

The Medium Shallow Dish

Ingredients

  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon ginger, minced
  • ½ cup (50g) grated carrot
  • ½ (75g) kimchi, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon soy sauce
  • ¼ teaspoon gochujang
  • ⅛ teaspoon white pepper
  • 1½ teaspoons sesame oil
  • salt, to taste
  • 1½ cups (270g) cooked rice
  • 3 egg yolks

Preparation

  1. Add all ingredients except the rice and egg yolks to the Anyday dish. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
  2. Cook in the microwave for 3 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
  3. Add the cooked rice and mix thoroughly. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until rice is very hot.
  4. Add egg yolks to the hot steaming rice, then mix quickly and thoroughly to evenly coat the rice. The yolks will gently cook from the steam.

Serving suggestions & tips

  • Bacon kimchi rice: Add some cooked bacon or pork for extra flavor.
  • Tofu kimchi rice: Add firm tofu for extra plant-based protein.
  • Classic kimchi fried rice: Top with scallions and sesame seeds for freshness.

Recipe notes

  • Make sure to use cooked rice, whether it's fresh, day-old, or frozen, as this ensures the best texture for your kimchi fried rice.
  • Keep it vegan by removing the egg yolks.
  • Use leftover egg whites to make easy egg bites.
  • Make it less spicy by reducing the amount of gochujang.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

All you need to know about making kimchi fried rice in the microwave

Can you make kimchi fried rice in the microwave?

Certainly! You can indeed prepare kimchi fried rice in the microwave, which is a quick and convenient method. To make it start with pre-cooked rice.  Make sure to cover the Anyday dish with the lid, lifting the knob to allow steam to escape. After the first few steps are completed, add the egg yolks to the hot rice, stirring quickly and thoroughly. The heat from the rice will gently cook the yolks, giving your kimchi fried rice a creamy texture.

What is kimchi?

Kimchi is a staple side dish in Korean cuisine, made from salted and fermented vegetables, primarily Napa cabbage and Korean radishes. It is seasoned with various spices including chili pepper (gochugaru), garlic, ginger, and scallions, which gives kimchi its characteristic spicy and tangy flavor. The fermentation process not only enhances its flavor but also produces beneficial probiotics that are good for digestion. Kimchi can be enjoyed on its own or used as an ingredient in numerous Korean dishes, from stews to pancakes, adding a vibrant, savory taste and texture.

Why do we use cooked rice in this recipe?

Using cooked rice ensures that the rice has the right texture and is ready to absorb the flavors of the other ingredients during the cooking process. Be sure to start with cold rice, which ensures that the starch in the grains will not get mushy and overcooked once mixed with the other ingredients.

How do I save leftover kimchi fried rice?

Leftover kimchi fried rice can be stored in an Anyday dish with the lid on in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can I freeze kimchi fried rice?

Yes, you can freeze kimchi fried rice to enjoy later. Once the fried rice is cold, portion it into Anytime Freezer Trays, cover, and freeze for up to 1 month for the best quality.

What's the best way to reheat kimchi fried rice?

To reheat refrigerator-cold kimchi fried rice, simply sprinkle some tap water over the rice, then cook at full power with the lid on for 1-4 minutes, depending on serving size, or until heated through. If using frozen rice, place the pucks of rice in the Anyday dish, sprinkle with some tap water, and heat for about 1 minute per puck, or until heated through.