Korean Kimchi Fried Rice Bowl (Kimchee Bokkeum Bap) – Hot and spicy fried rice bowl filled with bacon bits, kimchi, and topped with a fried egg. This is one of my favorite meals to eat! You’ve got to try this!
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and is in partnership with my on-going work with KitchenAid. All opinions expressed here are 100% my own.
Yesterday, I did the unthinkable.
I slept in until 6:35am.
On the weekdays, I usually wake up at 5:50am. And I didn’t post anything new here on the blog on Monday. We have 9 days until Christmas and I’m living on the edge.
Last weekend, we hosted two parties. One for my daughter and her friends. – who, by the way, are all 7 years old – and my husband swears he heard talk of boys and kissing. . WHAT?!!! I’m so not ready for this. I know my daughter doesn’t even like boys yet . . or so I think . . . let’s hope he overheard something out of context. Parents with older kids, help me out here. . does it start at this age? I didn’t like boys until at least 5th grade.
And then we hosted a small dinner party (tapas night!) for some friends on Sunday night. We had so much fun! I was introduced to this fabulous singing group, Pentatonix. Have you seen these guys on youtube? oh my gawd, I love them. Especially their Evolution of Beyonce.
Anyway, I’m fighting off a semi-cold and trying my best not to get sick right now. I have a school field trip, doctors appointments, deadlines and most importantly, girls night out, this week. I’ve got to catch up on my sleep and still have a million and five things to do before next Thursday.
Delicious Korean Kimchi Fried Rice Bowl
So, what do I do when I’m feeling sick? I drink Emergen-C like there’s no tomorrow AND I eat kimchi. My husband swears there are healing powers in kimchi and I believe it. Kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew) is like our chicken noodle soup. And so I always like to make a big batch of kimchi jjigae, Korean kimchi fried rice (kimchee bokkeum bap) or some kind of rice bowl filled with kimchi when I’m starting to feel a little under the weather.
Sick or not, this is one of my all time favorite things to eat and make. This rice bowl is so easy to make – and next year, I’m finally going to make my own kimchi! I’m so excited! Growing up, my mom always made ours and now, I kind of like supporting the Korean small business owners and buying my kimchi from these local Korean markets (we have 2 small ones in Madison) but I just want to do it. I kind of feel like I need to do this to celebrate my heritage. Kimchi party anyone?
HOW TO MAKE KOREAN KIMCHI FRIED RICE
This is my I don’t have a lot of time, I’m hungry and want to eat now, fast version of Korean kimchi fried rice (kimchee bokkeum bap)… and it’s still absolutely delicious. You’ll love my easy take on this classic fried rice recipe!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE MY KIMCHI FRIED RICE RECIPE
- Bacon
- Cooked brown or white rice – rice that is day-old works best to really absorb all the flavors!
- Sesame oil
- Kimchi
- Gochunjang – Korean hot pepper paste
- Soy sauce
- Fish sauce
- Eggs for frying
- Green onions
- Roasted sesame seeds
- Gim – dried seaweed
Use leftover bacon and rice you’ve got on hand, and many of the other ingredients you’re likely to have ready to go. And if not, don’t worry . . . top your fried rice bowl with what you’ve got!
HOW TO MAKE KOREAN KIMCHI FRIED RICE BOWLS
- Firstly, cook the bacon in a heavy skillet until nice and crispy.
- While cooking your bacon, in a bowl combine cooked rice, sesame oil, and sesame seeds.
- Once the bacon is done, set to dry on paper towels, drain the pan of most of the oil. Immediately add your rice, additional sesame oil, chopped kimchi and kimchi juice, gochujang, soy sauce, and fish sauce.
- Continue to cook over medium high heat for several minutes until all of your ingredients are incorporated, and allow the rice to sit and become fried slightly crispy throughout.
- Serve your bowls of kimchi fried rice with a fried egg on top, sesame seeds, scallions, and dried seaweed.
I hope you enjoy this delicious dish!
LOOKING FOR MORE CLASSIC KOREAN DISHES?
- Jajangmyeon: Korean Noodles with Black Bean Sauce + VIDEO
- Bibim Grain Bowl
- Fall Inspired Vegetarian Bibimbap
- Spicy Korean Chicken Stew
- Korean Food: Homemade Dumplings
- Korean Style Cauliflower Rice
Korean Kimchi Fried Rice Bowl (Kimchi Bokkeum Bap)
Ingredients
- 5 to 6 strips thick cut bacon chopped into pieces
- 4 cups cooked brown or white medium grain rice 1 to 2 day old rice works best
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil split
- 2 heaping cups kimchi chopped (plus 2 tablespoons reserved kimchi juice from jar)
- 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons gochujang Korean hot pepper paste
- 2 teaspoons low sodium soy sauce + more if needed
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- Fresh green onions diced for garnish
- 4 Fried eggs
- roasted sesame seeds
- Finely shredded gim dried seaweed, optional
Instructions
- Using a heavy bottomed pot or large pan, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until browned and crispy, for about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Prep the rice: While the bacon is cooking, mix the cooked rice with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and set aside.
- When the bacon is cooked, crispy and finished, remove the bacon from the pan and onto a paper towel lined plate. Drain a little of the bacon fat if desired, but keep some of it and all of the browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Immediately add the kimchi, sauté for a few minutes and then add in the rice, remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, the kimchi juice, gochujang, soy sauce and fish sauce.
- Mix everything together for about 3 to 4 minutes, making sure everything gets incorporated, and then let the rice sit, untouched, for a few minutes so the rice can start to get a little browned and crispy on the bottom. Repeat the process one more time: Mix everything together for about 1 to 2 minutes and then let the rice sit, untouched for a couple of minutes.
- Add in the crispy bacon bits, green onions and mix together. Let cook for another minute or two, tossing as needed. Taste, and adjust any ingredients if needed. Serve with a fried egg on top and garnish with more green onions, roasted sesame seeds and some finely chopped gim if desired. Enjoy immediately.
Video
Give this recipe a try, and leave a comment to let me know what you think!
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Candice
Hi Alice,
Sorry to hear you’re under the weather. Get well soon! =) Thanks for posting this recipe. I love kimchi and have been wanting to make kimchi fried rice for quite some time.
Nicole+~+Cooking+for+Keeps
I have yet to try kimchi. It’s been on my list for forever, but I’ve just never gotten around to it! I’ve been battling the flu, so now might be the perfect time!
Shashi+Runninsrilankan
Kimchi fried rice with bacon??? – YES PUHLEEZ!!! This looks so delicious!
I did not know about kimchi’s cold fighting properties till just now – thanks Alice! Wow – you have your hands full – colds have a bad habit of making themselves felt when you have a bazillion things on your plate – makes sure you grab an extra bowl and de-stress! Btw – 7 year olds talking about boys??? What???? When my daughter was in 4th – there were quite a few girls who were “boy crazy” – but that was almost 6 years ago! Good Luck – hope you feel better!
XXS
Runninsrilankan
Kimchi fried rice with bacon??? – YES PUHLEEZ!!! This looks so delicious!!
I did not know about kimchi’s cold fighting properties till just now – thanks Alice! Wow – you have your hands full – colds have a bad habit of making themselves felt when you have a bazillion things on your plate – makes sure you grab an extra bowl and de-stress! Btw – 7 year olds talking about boys??? What???? When my daughter was in 4th – there were quite a few girls who were “boy crazy” – but that was almost 6 years ago! Good Luck – hope you feel better!
XXS
Linda+|Brunch+with+Joy
Kimchi party? Count me in! This recipe came in time, just went I’m searching for quick dinner idea and you know I never say no to kimchi, right?
Meghan @ Spoonful of Flour
Aww hope you are feeling better soon! This kimchi looks like the perfect meal for being under the weather!
Allie+|+Baking+a+Moment
Alice this looks like pure comfort in a bowl! I’m sorry you’re under the weather, especially with all the fun stuff you have going on right now. I hope this rice bowl gets you back on your feet asap!
laurasmess
Aw Alice! You must’ve really needed the extra rest! This time of year is so busy, I think that we often forget how much we are packing in until something makes us stop (I’m also fighting off a dratted cold!). This kimchi rice bowl looks deliciously restorative though – quick to make, full of good stuff. Get better soon lovely, rest up if you can (nothing worse than being stuck in bed at this time of year!). Only a week until Christmas! xxxx
Jocelyn+(Grandbaby+cakes)
So a few things: 1. Boys? I am soo not ready to hear you telling me the girls are into boys. Not ready at all haha. 2. I am glad you are living a bit on the edge because you need to take a break. 3. I hope you start to feel better soon and lastly 4. I am so glad I had my first kimchi experience with you! This looks so sensational!
Mira
I love this Kimchi fried rice and with the egg on top it looks amazing! Pinned and will definitely try it!
Sorry to hear you are under the weather, you probably need more rest 🙂 Have fun at the girls night out!
My+Inner+Chick
What a fun life you have.
Parties! Food! Boys!
just kidding.
This dish looks marvelous!
Hope you feel better. xx
Sarah
Hope you feel better soon from the soup! The one good part about being sick is getting to drink lots of yummy soup, like your kimchi jjigae. This kimchi fried rice looks delicious, warm and spicy perfect for winter!
Melanie+|+Melanie+Makes
Hoping you feel better ASAP! We started using essential oils and I swear it’s helped us stay healthier! Love learning about all things kimchi through you. 🙂
Kathy+@+Food+Wine+Thyme
Hope you’re felling better Alice. I am a sucker for kimchi fried rice with an egg on top. This looks so good. Pinned!
Shinee
Totally digging this kimchi rice!
And as for girls/boys thing, my sister told me that my 3-year-old niece was blushing when she was asked if she has a boyfriend at the daycare! Whaha
Lisa @ Healthy Nibbles & Bits
Oh my gosh, you wake up at 5:50!!!! I can’t function any earlier than 6:45. Ugh, so sorry that you are under the weather, but I do hope you feel better soon!
I have a jar of kimchi fermenting away in my fridge, and it’s waiting for a recipe like this. It look sooo yummy! Pinned!
Kelly
So glad to hear you’re living on the edge, you deserve a break but sorry you’re feeling under the weather 🙁 Kimchi is awesome and hopefully you feel better soon! Your kimchi fried rice looks absolutely perfect! Totally wish I could come to your kimchi party!:)
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health
I hope you feel better soon..this fried rice esp with that eggs sounds pretty comforting..
Zainab
I LOVE pentatonix! They were in a christmas accapella (?) competition not so long ago and that’s where I first met them. Love they are getting lots of attention these days. OK so I had to laugh out loud at the 7 year old girls conversation. He probably just overheard lol! They too young hahha
You seriously make me want all things kimchi!! Fell better soon girl!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice
Sounds like you had a wonderful weekend of Christmas parties! I can’t believe that Christmas is almost here…yikes! This fried rice bowl looks amazing, Alice! Fried rice is one of my go-to foods, I could eat it every day! I love the addition of bacon, kimchi, and eggs…yum!
Jeanette+|+Jeanette's+Healthy+Living
Seriously I could eat this for breakfast any day of the week – I love kimchi fried rice! And a kimchi party – how funny, never heard of one before. Hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
Tori@Gringalicious.com
Wow, this looks so yummy, Alice! I really, really wish I could just grab a pair of chopsticks and dig in right now. Pinned!
p.s. I love those bowls!
taylor @ greens & chocolate
I hope you start to feel better soon! I absolutely LOVE kimchi and fried rice is one of my favorite ways to eat it! I’ve never added bacon, though. This NEEDS to happen!
Ash-foodfashionparty
Totally in love with this combination.
Yes, it shocks me too kids talking about boys and girls..I have two boys and I’m not ready for dating or anything of that for now.
Take care.
Min
Wow talks of kissing at age of 7? I can understand why you’re not ready! Feels like kids are growing up faster and faster with time..eeks! And Pentatonix is amazing!! so so incredible.
I hope you feel better soon! You know I believe in the healing powers of kimchi!
Alyssa+(Everyday+Maven)
I love Kimchi in all forms – I usually have a couple of tablespoons with my breakfast. I am with your husband – I think it has magic powers!
Nora @ Savory Nothings
First of all: GET WELL SOON! There really is no time to be sick around Christmas! Second: I’m scared of how fast kids seem to be growing up these days! I HATED boys at that age! And finally: This kimchi fried rice bowl of yours makes me want a second dinner! AMAZING!
Laura @ Laura's Culinary Adventures
This looks so delicious! Most people wouldn’t think that was sleeping in!
Brooks
My word, you can plate up a terrific looking meal―even when you’re not feeling up to your best. Girls at seven, talking about boys and kissing? Yup, I’ve heard talk along those lines when my daughter was 7. I’m confident talk is all it was because like you, I’m not ready for *the* talk. Suppose I’d better ready for it. Take care, Alice.
Ala
Feel better, Alice!! Kimchi really is a cure-all, though–I’m in love with the stuff, and I LOVE kimchi in a fried rice bowl. Stay warm during this crazy holiday season!
Ashley+|+Spoonful+of+Flavor
Way to go for living on the edge : P It sounds like you had a great weekend. I hope that you fight off that cold. There is no need to get sick before the holidays! I need to add this rice bowl to my dinner menu soon. Heading over to check out the rest of the recipe!
Justine@CookingandBeer
Girl, you know the way to my heart. Especially with that beautiful egg on top! I hope you are feeling better soon! Kick that cold’s butt! Pinned! xo
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet
Fell better soon, Alice! We just got over an awful flu. Not fun at all! This kimchi fried rice looks heavenly! I’m loving the egg on top!
Thalia+@+butter+and+brioche
I love rice bowls like this.. they always make great easy and delicious dinners. I definitely will be making your kimchi rice bowl, thanks for the recipe and idea Alice!!
Marissa+|+Pinch+and+Swirl
Sleeping in until 6:30? You rebel! 😉 I agree that Kimchi has healing powers and hooray for healing foods that are also delicious! And your fried rice bowl looks incredible!
Hope you’re feeling better and have a wonderful Christmas! xo
hipfoodiemom
haha, I know, right?! I’m crazy!! 🙂 feeling better. . thank you so much Marissa!!
Alice
Hey Alice! Happy nearly Christmas! We’re only four days away till the big event here and I’m definitely sending you happy get well vibes from (sunny Sydney) here! I really miss spicy foods and your Kimchi fried rice is the most delicious cure all 😉
Nora (A Clean Bake)
I’m sorry you aren’t (weren’t?) feeling well but any excuse to eat as much kimchi as your stomach can possibly hold sounds like it can’t be all bad! I can’t wait for you to make your own homemade version…tutorial please? And/or can I come to your kimchi party!? I’m sorry…I’m more than a little obsessed with this perfect condiment.
Michell Sanglez
Do you cook the kimchi? or where do you get it? I have seen it in korean dramas, and looks tasty, but I only can wonder “how does it taste?”
hipfoodiemom
Hi Michell, I grew up eating kimchi so love it. . it’s spicy and tastes better when fermented and older . . I actually buy my kimchi from a local Korean market .. depending on where you live (major city?), you can even find decent tasting kimchi at CostCo. . but your best bet is buying it from a Korean grocery store or market .. do you know if you have one close to you?
Michell Sanglez
I don’t think so :(, I live in Parral, Chihuahua (México). It’s a miracle that we could know japanese and chinese food is different -.-‘ (people here use to think is the same!!! I know, what a shame!). Korean stuff are all must impossible to get here :(, so, is there a way to cook it? ’cause i won’t be able to buy it in a can.
Kathleen | HapaNom
So one of my favorite breakfast items is fried rice with an egg on top, but I’ve never had it with kimchi! I LOVE kimchi, so I know I would love this combination – what a fabulous idea!
John T.
Kimchi is a versatile food! Alice, I love kimchi and this recipe!!! ?
lyn
I lived in South Korea for a while and I’m always trying to re-create what my host family would make for me at their restaurant, but I can never get it quite right! Your recipes are a great alternative-dishes that incorporate easy to find ingredients with a healthy spin. Love it!
hipfoodiemom
Thank you so much!!!