Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where comforting classics get a fresh twist. Kimchi Cabbage Fried Rice transforms day-old rice with tangy kimchi, crisp cabbage shreds, and smoky bacon for spicy Korean comfort loaded with probiotics.
Ready in 15 minutes, it serves 4 with fried egg crowning crispy rice edges perfectly.
Why This Recipe Works
Fermented kimchi juice seasons rice deeply without sogginess. Shredded cabbage adds bulk and crunch mimicking bokkeumbap texture. Day-old rice fries crisp while absorbing flavors. Gochujang paste boosts heat. One-pan method extracts maximum kimchi essence.
Ingredients & Prep
Rice Base:
- 3 cups day-old cooked rice
- 2 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
- 1½ cups chopped kimchi
- ¼ cup kimchi juice
Aromatics & Protein:
- 4 oz bacon or spam, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
Sauce & Finish:
- 1 tbsp gochujang
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 eggs, fried sunny-side
- Green onions + sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat wok high; crisp bacon 3 minutes. Remove excess fat.
- Sauté onion, garlic 1 minute; add kimchi and cabbage. Stir-fry 3 minutes wilted.
- Add gochujang, soy; stir 30 seconds fragrant.
- Toss rice + kimchi juice; flatten and crisp bottom 2 minutes.
- Drizzle sesame oil; fold gently. Top with fried eggs, scallions, sesame.

Flavor Variations
| Variation | Key Add/Swap | Resulting Twist |
|---|---|---|
| Vegan | Tofu + mushrooms | Plant umami |
| Seafood | Shrimp + fish sauce | Oceanic spice |
| Cheese | Mozzarella melt | Korean corn dog fusion |
| Veggie | Carrots + zucchini | Rainbow crunch |
Storage Tips
Fridge airtight 3 days; reheat wok-crisp with egg refresh.
FAQs
Soggy rice?
Use cold day-old; high heat constant stir.
Too spicy?
Less gochujang; more cabbage bulk.
No kimchi juice?
Water + extra soy/gochujang.
Conclusion
Kimchi Cabbage Fried Rice spicy-hugs comfort crispy perfection.
PrintKimchi Cabbage Fried Rice Recipe
Kimchi Cabbage Fried Rice turns leftover rice and tangy kimchi into a spicy, umami-packed stir-fry with crispy cabbage edges and fried egg topping. Quick 15-minute meal using pantry staples.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked day-old rice (cold)
- 2 cups kimchi, chopped + 1/4 cup kimchi juice
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp gochujang or chili paste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 eggs (for frying)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in large wok or skillet over high heat. Add cabbage and onion; stir-fry 3-4 mins until softened and edges crisp.
- 2. Push veggies aside, add garlic and kimchi; stir-fry 1 min until fragrant. Mix together.
- 3. Add rice, kimchi juice, gochujang, and soy sauce. Break up rice clumps, stir-fry 4-5 mins until heated and slightly crispy.
- 4. Stir in sesame oil and green onions. Make wells, add remaining oil and fry eggs sunny-side up.
- 5. Serve rice topped with eggs and sesame seeds.
Notes
- Day-old rice prevents mushiness; freeze fresh rice first if needed.
- Adjust gochujang for spice level.
- Add spam, tofu, or shrimp for protein variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: kimchi cabbage fried rice, kimchi bokkeumbap, spicy kimchi fried rice

