Korean Recipe Guide
A hearty one-pan Korean comfort meal made with well-fermented kimchi and leftover rice. Crispy Spam, a soft egg, cheese, or milk add a creamy, savoury finish that makes this dish extra satisfying.
Why Creamy Kimchi Fried Rice?
Kimchi fried rice is one of the easiest and most comforting Korean home-cooked dishes. Recently, creamy or cheesy versions have become popular online, with additions such as cheese, mayonnaise, milk, and soft egg giving the classic dish a smoother and richer finish.
This version brings together the tangy depth of well-fermented kimchi, the salty crispness of pan-fried Spam, and the richness of egg and cheese. It is easy to make, practical for using leftover rice and kimchi, and perfect as a satisfying one-bowl meal.
2 servings
About 10 minutes
About 10 minutes
One-pan recipe
Why This Recipe Is Popular
Turn leftover rice from the fridge into a delicious and satisfying meal.
Well-fermented kimchi gives the fried rice its signature tangy and savoury depth.
Creamy toppings soften the spice and add a rich, comforting finish.
Quick, simple, and easy to make without complicated steps.
Ingredients
For 2 servings:
- 2 bowls cooked rice
- 1 cup well-fermented kimchi
- 2 tbsp kimchi juice
- 120 g Spam, diced
- 2 scallions, sliced
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp gochujang
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise or 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Seaweed flakes and sesame seeds, to taste
- Mozzarella cheese, optional
Tip: Chop the kimchi finely and add the kimchi juice little by little while stir-frying for a deeper flavour.
Flavour Balance
A pleasant kick from kimchi and gochujang.
Well-fermented kimchi balances the richness of the dish.
Kimchi, Spam, and soy sauce create a deep savoury flavour.
Mayonnaise, milk, cheese, and egg add a smooth, rich finish.
How to Make Creamy Kimchi Fried Rice
Step 1: Prep Ingredients
Finely chop the well-fermented kimchi, dice the Spam, and slice the scallions.
Step 2: Crisp the Spam
Add the Spam to a pan and cook until lightly browned and crisp. Add the scallions to build aroma. Crisping the Spam first gives the fried rice a better texture.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Kimchi
Add kimchi, kimchi juice, gochujang, and sugar. Stir-fry until some of the moisture evaporates and the kimchi becomes deeper in flavour.
Tip: Stir-frying the kimchi well first helps soften its sharpness and creates a richer savoury taste.
Step 4: Add Rice and Make It Creamy
Add cooked rice, soy sauce, mayonnaise or milk, and stir-fry evenly. Cold rice works especially well because the grains stay separate.
Tip: Add milk or kimchi juice gradually so the rice does not become too wet.
Step 5: Finish with Toppings
Turn off the heat, drizzle with sesame oil, and finish with seaweed flakes, sesame seeds, mozzarella cheese, and a soft egg.
Suggested Toppings and Variations
Creamy kimchi fried rice tastes great on its own, but toppings can turn it into an even more satisfying bowl.
What to Serve With It
Health Notes
Kimchi is a fermented food that adds tanginess, savoury depth, and appetite-boosting flavour. Adding egg, tofu, or tuna can help increase protein, while extra vegetables can make the bowl feel more balanced.
Processed meats such as Spam and rich toppings such as cheese add great flavour, but they can also be salty and higher in fat, so they are best enjoyed in moderation.
Eco Notes
Kimchi fried rice is a smart way to use leftover rice and well-fermented kimchi. Reusing ingredients already in the fridge can help reduce food waste.
It is also a one-pan dish, which means less washing up. You can add leftover vegetables or proteins to make the meal more practical and sustainable.
Nutrition Balance at a Glance
Rice
Egg, tofu, tuna, Spam
Scallions, onion, carrot, corn
Kimchi
Why This Recipe Works
Creamy kimchi fried rice is one of the best ways to make leftover rice and kimchi taste exciting again. The tanginess of kimchi, the salty crispness of Spam, and the richness of egg and cheese come together in one comforting, satisfying spoonful.
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