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Korean-style serving of Kimchi fried rice

김치볶음밥 · Kimchi fried rice

Kimchi fried rice

김치볶음밥

What exactly is it?

Kimchi-bokkeumbap stir-fries cooked rice with chopped, well-fermented kimchi. The kimchi's chili seasoning and acidity cut through the richness of the fried rice, while a little kimchi juice adjusts color and seasoning. Pork, tuna, ham or a fried egg may be added, but none is mandatory.

Main ingredients

Aged kimchi, cooked rice, kimchi juice, cooking oil and green onion; pork, tuna, ham or egg are optional

Ordering and serving

Check whether ham, bacon or tuna is included. Removing meat does not remove fermented seafood that may be in the kimchi. If you want a firm fried egg rather than a runny one, say so when ordering.

Origins and changes

It brings ripe kimchi and already-cooked rice together in a stir-fry, using the kimchi’s acidity to balance the oil. Its identity is this combination rather than an exclusive regional origin. Casual restaurants also offer egg, cheese and ham variations.

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Dish to compare

Kimchi fried rice

김치볶음밥

Main ingredients
Aged kimchi, cooked rice, kimchi juice, cooking oil and green onion; pork, tuna, ham or egg are optional
Flavor and character
Kimchi-bokkeumbap stir-fries cooked rice with chopped, well-fermented kimchi. The kimchi's chili seasoning and acidity cut through the richness of the fried rice, while a little kimchi juice adjusts color and seasoning. Pork, tuna, ham or a fried egg may be added, but none is mandatory.
How to eat it
Check whether ham, bacon or tuna is included. Removing meat does not remove fermented seafood that may be in the kimchi. If you want a firm fried egg rather than a runny one, say so when ordering.
Read about this dish →

Shrimp fried rice

새우볶음밥

Main ingredients
Shrimp, cooled rice, finely diced onion, carrot and green onion, egg, cooking oil, salt and pepper; soy or oyster sauce is optional
Flavor and character
Shrimp fried rice stir-fries shrimp and finely diced vegetables before mixing in rice so the grains separate evenly. Plump shrimp, egg and vegetables provide the main texture and flavor. It may be seasoned simply with salt and pepper or with a little soy or oyster sauce; hot chili sauce and laver are not defining ingredients.
How to eat it
The rice may be mild while the accompanying jjamppong broth is spicy. Removing visible shrimp does not make the dish safe for a shellfish allergy: sauces and shared pans also matter.
Read about this dish →
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