Make Korean kimchi fried rice in 4 simple steps
Kimchi fried rice is a Korean staple, traditionally featuring kimchi and rice with meats or seafood. This guide presents a vegan version, making it suitable for plant-based diets. Originating from Korea, the dish is known for its bold flavors and nutritional benefits. It offers a creative way to repurpose leftover rice into something special. Let's start cooking.
Gather the following ingredients
To make vegan kimchi fried rice, you'll need two cups of cooked rice (preferably day-old), one cup of vegan kimchi (chopped), two tablespoons of kimchi juice, one tablespoon of soy sauce, one teaspoon of sesame oil, half an onion (diced), two cloves of garlic (minced), one carrot (diced), half a cup of frozen peas, green onions for garnish, and sesame seeds for garnish.
Preparing the vegetables
Begin by preparing your vegetables. Dice the onion and carrot into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly throughout. Finely mince the garlic to allow its flavor to permeate the dish without overpowering it. This crucial step is essential for establishing the foundational flavors that are key to creating the perfect vegan kimchi fried rice, ensuring a balanced and flavorful meal.
Cooking the aromatics
Heat a large pan or wok on medium and add sesame oil. Once hot, add diced onions and minced garlic. Saute until they become translucent and fragrant, about three minutes. This process starts to build the base flavor for your fried rice, infusing it with a rich aroma that is essential for the dish's overall taste profile.
Adding vegetables and kimchi
Add diced carrots and frozen peas to the sauteed onions and garlic, cooking for about five minutes until they begin to soften yet retain some crunch. Then, mix in chopped vegan kimchi and kimchi juice, introducing acidity and depth to the fried rice. This step enriches the dish with varied textures and flavors, enhancing its overall taste profile.
Mixing in rice and seasoning
Add the cooked rice and soy sauce to the pan for seasoning. Thoroughly yet gently mix to avoid breaking the grains, aiming for an even distribution of ingredients. Cook for another five minutes until everything is heated through. Then, serve your vegan kimchi fried rice garnished with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, enhancing both flavor and visual appeal.
