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Pork and Kimchi Fried Rice with Sesame Oil

Elina James
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner
Servings 4 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Fried Rice
  • 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old, cold rice)
  • 1 cup kimchi, chopped
  • 1/2 cup kimchi juice (from the jar)
  • 200g (7 oz) ground pork or finely sliced pork belly
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar (optional, balances acidity)
  • 2 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil or neutral oil for frying
  • Optional Toppings
  • 1 fried egg (per serving)
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Nori (seaweed strips)
  • Extra gochujang or chili flakes for spice lovers

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prepare Ingredients : Use cold, leftover rice — this prevents clumping. Chop kimchi into small bite-sized pieces and reserve some kimchi juice. Slice green onions and mince garlic.
  • Step 2: Cook the Pork : Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook until browned and slightly crispy (about 4–5 minutes). Season lightly with salt and pepper, then push to one side of the pan.
  • Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Kimchi : Add chopped onion and garlic to the pan; sauté until fragrant. Add kimchi and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly caramelized — this deepens the flavor. Stir in gochujang, soy sauce, and sugar, mixing well with the kimchi and pork.
  • Step 4: Add Rice and Combine : Add the cold rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Pour in the kimchi juice and mix thoroughly until the rice is evenly coated with sauce. Drizzle sesame oil over the rice and toss well to incorporate all the flavors.
  • Step 5: Finish and Serve : Stir in sliced green onions and cook for another minute. Taste and adjust seasoning — add more gochujang or soy sauce if desired. Serve hot, topped with a fried egg, sesame seeds, and seaweed strips.