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Savory Fried Rice with Kimchi and Crispy Bacon

savory fried rice with kimchi and crispy bacon - featured image

A quick and easy fried rice recipe combining the smoky crunch of crispy bacon with the spicy tang of kimchi, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (about 800g) day-old cooked white rice
  • 68 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 cup (150g) chopped kimchi
  • 3 stalks green onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (canola or sunflower)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic, slice the green onions, and roughly chop the kimchi. Beat the eggs lightly and set aside.
  2. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the bacon pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes until crispy, stirring occasionally. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  3. In the same pan with bacon fat, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the chopped kimchi and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until softened and aromatic.
  4. Crumble the cold rice with your hands or a spoon to break up any clumps, then add it to the pan. Stir-fry continuously for about 5 minutes, ensuring the rice grains get evenly coated and heated through.
  5. Push rice to the side and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble gently until just set.
  6. Combine the scrambled eggs with the rice and kimchi mixture. Add soy sauce and freshly ground black pepper, mixing thoroughly.
  7. Return the crispy bacon to the pan and stir it in. Remove from heat, drizzle sesame oil over the top, and sprinkle on the sliced green onions.
  8. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

Use day-old rice for best texture to avoid mushiness. Cook bacon low and slow for maximum crispiness. If you want gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari. For vegetarian version, omit bacon and add mushrooms or tofu with smoked paprika for smoky flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: fried rice, kimchi, bacon, quick dinner, easy recipe, Korean food, comfort food, spicy fried rice