Gochujang Fried Rice: A Flavor-Packed, Spicy Delight

A quick and simple dish that adds the ideal harmony of savory, spicy, and somewhat sweet flavors to your table is gochujang fried rice. The main component that gives this dish its distinct and mouthwatering flavor is gochujang, or fermented Chile paste, which has its origins in Korean cooking. This dish is perfect you if you’re in the mood for a quick, filling, and powerful meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish can be whipped up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: You can add your favorite veggies, proteins, or even make it vegan.
• Bursting with Flavor: The gochujang paste gives a delightful combination of heat, sweetness, and umami.

What is Gochujang?

Red chili powder, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt are the ingredients of gochujang, a fermented chili paste from Korea. It gives dimension to any dish and has a deep, spicy, and sweet flavor profile. Gochujang can be found in specialty Korean stores or the Asian department of most supermarkets.

Gochujang Fried Rice Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old; any type will do, but jasmine or short-grain rice works best)
• 2 tbsp gochujang paste (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh; peas, corn, and carrots work well)
• 1/2 cup kimchi, chopped (optional, for extra flavor)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg (optional, for topping)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Sesame seeds and extra green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Rice: If using fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes to remove excess moisture.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
   • Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
   • Add diced onions, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir-fry until they soften, about 4-5 minutes.
   • Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Rice:
   • Add the cooked rice to the pan. Break up any clumps with a spatula and mix everything together.
4. Flavoring:
   • Add gochujang paste, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix thoroughly to ensure the rice is evenly coated.
   • If using, add kimchi and mixed vegetables. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Optional Egg Topping:
   • In a separate small pan, fry the egg sunny-side up (or scrambled) and set aside.
6. Finish and Serve:
   • Stir in the chopped green onions.
   • Serve hot, topped with the fried egg, sesame seeds, and extra green onions for garnish.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 tbsp gochujang paste
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup mixed vegetables
• 1/2 cup kimchi, chopped (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg (optional)
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the rice by letting it cool.
2. Heat oil, add onions, carrots, bell peppers, and stir-fry until softened.
3. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Stir in rice, breaking up clumps.
5. Mix in gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Add optional kimchi and vegetables. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
6. Top with a fried egg, garnish, and serve hot.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on the exact ingredients and amounts used.

Tips for the Perfect Gochujang Fried Rice

1. Use Day-Old Rice: This helps prevent the rice from becoming too mushy. If you only have fresh rice, let it cool down before using.
2. Cook on High Heat: High heat gives the rice a nice texture and prevents it from sticking.
3. Customize the Ingredients: Feel free to swap or add vegetables based on what you have at home. Mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach can all be great additions.

Gochujang fried rice is an incredibly versatile and delicious dish that can be tailored to suit your taste buds. Whether you’re a fan of spicy foods or looking for a new way to use leftover rice, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy!