Gochujang Fried Rice

Gochujang Fried Rice is a vibrant and spicy dish that brings the bold flavors of Korean cuisine to your table. This recipe combines leftover rice with gochujang, a Korean chili paste, to create a dish that’s both savory and slightly sweet with a delicious kick of heat. Stir-fried with vegetables and topped with a perfectly cooked fried egg, this dish is not only quick and easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a way to use up leftovers, Gochujang Fried Rice is sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • If the rice is clumped together, gently break it apart with your hands or a fork.
   • Mix the gochujang with soy sauce in a small bowl to create a sauce.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
   • In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic, diced carrot, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
   • Add the frozen peas and cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Add the Rice and Sauce:
   • Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the other side.
   • Add the rice to the skillet and stir-fry for a few minutes until it’s heated through.
   • Pour the gochujang and soy sauce mixture over the rice and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the sauce.
   • Drizzle with sesame oil and mix in the sliced green onions. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Fry the Eggs:
   • In a separate non-stick pan, heat a little oil over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the pan and cook until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Serve:
   • Divide the gochujang fried rice into bowls and top each with a fried egg.
   • Garnish with sesame seeds and additional green onions if desired.

Enjoy your Gochujang Fried Rice, a spicy and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any time of day!