Love our recipes? Show your support by following us — pretty please!🥺
FOLLOW ON PINTEREST
Hi! I’m Kate, the face behind KateFi.com—a blog all about making life easier and more affordable.
Kimchi Fried Rice (Kimchi Bokkeumbap) is a simple, spicy, and flavor-packed Korean dish made with leftover rice, kimchi, and a few basic ingredients. It’s one of the most affordable and satisfying meals you can make for just $2!
🌟 Why You’ll Love Kimchi Fried Rice
- Ridiculously Cheap: Costs less than $1 per serving.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 15 minutes.
- Customizable: Add protein or veggies to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Works great with day-old rice.
Learn more about Korean cuisine from Korean Bapsang.
📋 Ingredients (Serves 2, Cost: $2.00)
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old) ($0.50)
- 1/2 cup kimchi, chopped ($0.60)
- 1 tbsp kimchi juice (from the jar) (Free)
- 1 green onion, chopped ($0.20)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce ($0.10)
- 1 egg (optional, for topping) ($0.30)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional, for flavor) ($0.30)
For a more authentic recipe, check out this Kimchi Fried Rice recipe from Maangchi.
🍳 Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop kimchi and green onion. Beat the egg if using.
- Cook the Rice: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add kimchi and cook until slightly caramelized (3-4 minutes).
- Add Rice & Seasonings: Add rice, kimchi juice, soy sauce, and green onion. Stir-fry until rice is heated through (5 minutes).
- Top with Egg (Optional): Fry the egg separately and place on top of the rice before serving.
- Finish & Serve: Drizzle with sesame oil (if using) and garnish with more green onions.
Looking for more tips? Read this guide from Serious Eats.
📊 Cost Breakdown
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cooked Rice | $0.50 |
| Kimchi | $0.60 |
| Green Onion | $0.20 |
| Soy Sauce | $0.10 |
| Egg (Optional) | $0.30 |
| Sesame Oil (Opt.) | $0.30 |
| Total Cost | $2.00 |
🌟 Tips for Perfect Kimchi Fried Rice
- Use day-old rice for better texture.
- Adjust spice level by adding gochujang (Korean red chili paste) if you prefer it spicier.
- Serve with a fried egg on top for extra richness.
For more Korean recipes, visit Korean Bapsang.
📖 More Budget-Friendly Recipes You’ll Love
- The Lazy Girl’s Guide to Financial Independence – No Budgeting Required
- 15 Easy Ways to Save Money on Groceries Without Sacrificing Quality
- Extreme Frugality: The Wildest Ways People Save Money and What Actually Works
📌 Final Thoughts
Korean Kimchi Fried Rice is a cheap, quick, and incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy days or when you’re craving something spicy and comforting. Give it a try!
For more cheap and delicious recipes, keep visiting KateFi.com!
