We must admit that most of the time, we are willing to explore foods from different cuisines, especially when you can easily replicate them at home. Korean cuisine is famous worldwide, and many admire its savory dishes and delicious desserts. One easy recipe to make is kimchi fried rice. It is so easy that it is a go-to meal for people busy at work or school.Â
Since this is a dish for the frying pan you can have olive oil as a sesame oil substitute. The other ingredients include Kimchi, a traditional Korean food product, and more to know once you continue reading this article.Â
1.Kimchi
Kimchi fried rice will not be complete without kimchi. It is a traditional Korean dish made of fermented vegetables. Most commonly, kimchi has cabbages, radishes, scallions, and other vegetables. Fermenting the vegetables in a brine of water, salt, and spices gives kimchi its tangy flavor. Kimchi is usually a side dish, but you can also find them in soups or stews. It is an essential part of the Korean diet and has numerous health benefits.
 Kimchi originated in ancient Korea, where it was a way to preserve vegetables during the winter months. Nowadays, kimchi is made the same way as it was centuries ago. In addition to the traditional vegetable-based kimchis, there are also versions made with shrimp, oysters, or even chocolate. Despite its small size, South Korea is home to a wide variety of regional cuisines.
2.Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is a type of vegetable oil extracted from sesame seeds. It has a nutty flavor and is found in most Asian dishes. In addition to being used as cooking oil, sesame oil can also be used as a flavor enhancer or used in cosmetic products. Sesame oil is high in polyunsaturated fats and has some health benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving heart health.Â
However, sesame oil is also high in calories, so anyone must consume it in moderation. Sesame oil is a versatile product that can be used in many different ways, especially in making kimchi fried rice more flavorful.
3.Rice
You can use any rice in whipping up kimchi fried rice, but the most commonly used type is short grain white rice. This rice is often used because it has a high starch content, which helps to thicken the kimchi sauce and gives the dish a heartier texture.Â
You can also use short grain brown rice, medium grain rice, and long grain rice. Whatever rice you have, it is important to rinse it thoroughly before cooking to remove any excess starch. Otherwise, your kimchi fried rice will be sticky and clumpy.
4.Pork Belly
Pork belly is a type of fatty pork popular in many East Asian cuisines. It is added in dishes such as kimchi fried rice, where the fat helps to add flavor and richness. Pork belly is cooked in many ways. But it is often slow-roasted or braised to help render fat. It can help to make the dish more balanced and prevent it from being too greasy.Â
When shopping for pork belly, look for a cut with a good fat to meat ratio. You should also ensure that the skin is intact, as this will help to keep the meat moist during cooking. Pork belly is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can help to add flavor and depth to many different dishes.
5.Spam
Your kids would most likely appreciate kimchi fried rice when they see Spam. Hormel Foods Corporation came up with this delicious canned good to extend the shelf life of pork. The name “spam” is a combination of the words “spiced” and “ham.” The product was available only to military personnel and made on the general public market in 1954.Â
Today, Spam is still a staple in many dishes worldwide. In Hawaii, Spam is part of a dish called loco moco. In Korea, it is commonly used in soups, stews, and kimchi fried rice. Then in the Philippines, Spam is grilled or fried and served with rice.
6.Enoki Mushrooms
Enoki mushrooms are long, thin mushrooms used in Asian cuisine. They have a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a crunchy texture. Enoki mushrooms are native to East Asia but now growing in other countries. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals and low in calories. Enoki mushrooms have several health benefits.Â
They boost the immune system, improve cognitive function, and protect against certain types of cancer. Enoki mushrooms can be eaten raw or cooked. Adding enoki mushrooms to kimchi fried rice can boost its flavor and crunch.Â
7.Furikake
Furikake is a Japanese seasoning used to top off rice dishes. It generally consists of a blend of dried fish, sesame seeds, seaweed, and spices. The most common furikake seasoning is made with salmon, tuna, shrimp, or other seafood.Â
In addition to being a rice topping, furikake is sprinkled on noodles, salads, or roasted vegetables. It is used as a flavoring for soup or other hot dishes. With its mix of umami-rich ingredients, furikake is an easy way to add flavor to any dish. And because it comes in such a wide variety of flavors, there is sure to be a furikake that will suit any taste.
Final Thoughts
Kimchi fried rice is indeed a delicious dish that everyone is craving to cook and eat. The ingredients mentioned above are the main ingredients to the perfect kimchi fried rice, but it is also up to you if you want to change things a bit. Visit Recipes.net for more international dish recipes.Â
