A bold and flavorful Korean-inspired fried rice featuring spicy kimchi, crispy bits of ham, fluffy scrambled eggs, and melty cheese. This umami-packed dish is topped with green onions and sesame seeds, creating a perfect balance of heat, savoriness, and creaminess. Ideal for a quick and satisfying meal, this dish is a must-try for lovers of bold flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Flavors – Spicy, savory, and cheesy, with a touch of smokiness from the ham.
Great Way to Use Leftover Rice – Day-old rice absorbs the flavors beautifully, preventing a mushy texture.
Quick & Easy – Ready in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for a busy day.
Customizable – Adjust the spice level, swap proteins, or add extra toppings.
Rich in Umami – Gochujang, kimchi, and soy sauce provide a deep, satisfying umami taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

cooked short-grain rice (preferably day-old)
kimchi, chopped
kimchi juice
gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
soy sauce
sesame oil
vegetable oil
eggs, lightly beaten
ham or spam, diced
shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
garlic, minced
green onions, sliced (for garnish)
black sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Base

Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add beaten eggs and scramble until just set. Remove from the pan and set aside.

2. Sauté the Kimchi & Ham

In the same pan, add the remaining vegetable oil and cook minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add diced ham (or spam) and stir-fry until crispy.
Stir in chopped kimchi and cook for 2-3 minutes to release its flavor.

3. Fry the Rice

Add cooked short-grain rice, breaking up any clumps.
Stir in kimchi juice, gochujang, and soy sauce.
Mix well and cook for about 3 minutes, ensuring the rice absorbs all the flavors.

4. Melt the Cheese

Lower the heat, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese over the rice, and cover the pan for 1-2 minutes until melted.
Stir in the scrambled eggs to combine.

5. Garnish & Serve

Drizzle with sesame oil and top with green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: Approximately 480 kcal per serving

Variations

Vegetarian Option – Omit the ham and add tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based version.
Extra Crunch – Top with crispy fried shallots or crushed seaweed for added texture.
Spicy Kick – Add more gochujang or a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat.
Protein Swap – Use bacon, ground beef, or shredded chicken instead of ham.
Brown Rice Option – Swap white rice with brown rice for a healthier alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze for up to 1 month in a sealed container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use freshly cooked rice?

Day-old rice works best because it is drier and absorbs the flavors better. If using fresh rice, spread it on a plate and let it cool before frying.

What kind of cheese works best?

Mozzarella provides a stretchy texture, while cheddar adds a sharp, savory flavor. Feel free to mix both!

Is this dish very spicy?

The spice level depends on the kimchi and gochujang. You can reduce the gochujang or use mild kimchi if you prefer less heat.

Can I use other types of rice?

Short-grain rice is ideal for its chewy texture, but medium-grain or jasmine rice can also work. Avoid long-grain rice, as it is too dry.

What can I substitute for gochujang?

If you don’t have gochujang, try using sriracha or a mix of red pepper flakes and miso paste for a similar depth of flavor.

How do I make the dish less salty?

Reduce the soy sauce and use low-sodium ham or spam. You can also add more rice to balance the flavors.

Can I make this without kimchi?

Kimchi is key to the dish’s flavor, but if unavailable, you can use sautéed cabbage with vinegar and red pepper flakes for a similar taste.

What’s the best way to make the rice crispy?

Press the rice into the pan and let it cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes to create a crispy bottom layer before stirring.

How can I make this dish healthier?

Use brown rice, swap ham for lean chicken or tofu, and reduce the cheese. Adding more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach also boosts nutrition.

Can I meal prep this recipe?

Yes! Make a batch and store it in portions for quick meals throughout the week. Just reheat and enjoy.

Conclusion

Cheese & Egg Kimchi Fried Rice is a satisfying, flavor-packed dish that brings together the spice of kimchi, the richness of eggs and cheese, and the savory bite of crispy ham. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or a comforting dish full of umami, this recipe delivers on every level. Give it a try and experience the ultimate fusion of Korean flavors and cheesy indulgence!

Cheese & Egg Kimchi Fried Rice

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A bold and flavorful Korean-inspired fried rice featuring spicy kimchi, crispy ham, fluffy scrambled eggs, and melty cheese. Topped with green onions and sesame seeds, this umami-packed dish is the ultimate comfort food!

Author: Asma
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-Frying
Cuisine: Korean Fusion

Instructions

Prepare the Base:
- Heat 1 teaspoon vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add beaten eggs and scramble until just set. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Kimchi & Ham:
- In the same pan, add the remaining oil and cook garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add ham (or spam) and stir-fry until crispy.
- Stir in chopped kimchi and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Fry the Rice:
- Add cooked rice, breaking up clumps.
- Stir in kimchi juice, gochujang, and soy sauce.
- Mix well and cook for 3 minutes, ensuring the rice absorbs all the flavors.
Melt the Cheese:
- Lower the heat, sprinkle shredded cheese over the rice, and cover for 1-2 minutes until melted.
- Stir in scrambled eggs.

Garnish & Serve:
- Drizzle with sesame oil, then top with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Use day-old rice for the best texture. Fresh rice can be slightly sticky.
Adjust spice level by adding more or less gochujang.
Swap out ham for bacon, tofu, or mushrooms for different variations.