Vegan Kimchi Fried Rice

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This vegan kimchi fried rice is spicy, savory, and packed with flavors! An easy Korean meal that is simple to prepare and ready in 30 minutes.

Stirring a bowl of kimchi fried rice with a pair of chopstciks with kimchi and soy sauce beside.

If you love kimchi, this recipe is right up your alley! It is fragrant, umami, and incredibly satisfying to have. I love serving this vegan kimchi fried rice with gochujang tofu or stir-fry vegetables.

However, if you are looking for non-spicy Korean meals, give my vegan japchae or vegetable kimbap a try!

💚Why you will love this recipe

Savory and umami with a nice kick coming from the kimchi
A healthier alternative that is lower in fat and calories than traditional kimchi fried rice
An easy weeknight dinner that is ready in 30 minutes
A versatile dish that goes well with other Asian main or side dishes

🤔What is kimchi fried rice

Kimchi fried rice is a popular Korean dish that consists of rice stir-fried with kimchi (especially over-ripened kimchi). Vegetables and aromatics like garlic and green onion are frequently added to give the dish more substance in flavor.

In some variations, meat like tuna, beef, bacon, or spam is also added. A fried egg is commonly served on top to complete the dish.

To make this dish vegan, we will replace the meat with pan-fried tofu and omit the fried egg (You can also make vegan fried egg if you want to!) Do also use vegan kimchi as fish sauce and shrimp paste are usually added in the regular ones.

🧄What you will need

Ingredients needed like rice, carrot, peas, garlic, green onion, and onion.

Ingredients needed like kimchi, soy sauce, kimchi juice, garlic, sesame oil, and gochujang.

Ingredients needed like salt, tofu, and cornstarch.

📃Ingredient notes and substitutions

Rice - I am using medium-grain brown rice, but Jasmine rice and short-grain rice (sushi rice) will also work.
Kimchi - Make sure to use vegan kimchi, as fish sauce and shrimp paste are traditionally added. You can also use homemade kimchi.
Soy sauce - Tamari or shoyu can be used in place.
Gochujang - An optional ingredient, but I highly recommend adding it if you love spicy foods!

🔪How to make

Start by combining all seasonings and kimchi juice and mix well. Set your sauce aside.

Sauce for kimchi fried rice in a bowl with a spoon beside.

Place tofu cubes, cornstarch, and salt in a container. Place the lid on, and toss until tofu cubes are well coated.

Heat ½ tablespoon of oil in a pan, and place tofu cubes in one layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until most sides are golden.

Tofu coated in cornstarch in a rectangular container with a blue striped teacloth beside.

Pan-fried tofu in a cast iron pan on a grey background.

Heat another ½ tablespoon of oil in a cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high. Once heated, add onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent.

Add garlic and kimchi next. Fry until fragrant.

Cooked onion in a cast iron pan with kimchi and garlic beside.

Onion, garlic, and kimchi in a cast iron pan with 2 empty sauce dishes beside.

Add carrot to the pan, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Now, add peas and corn kernels. Cook for another 1-2 minutes or until veggies are cooked.

Cooked onion, garlic, kimchi, and carrot in a cast iron pan with peas and corn kernels beside.

Corn kernels, peas, and cooked carrot in a cast iron pan with 2 empty ramekins beside.

Add rice and sauce to the pan, and toss until everything is well combined. Turn off the heat, and stir in green onion. Your kimchi fried rice is ready to be served.

Pouring sauce into a pan of cooked veggies and rice with green onion beside.

Adding pan fried tofu and chopped green onion into a pan of kimchi fried rice.

✅Helpful tips

Ideally, use slightly ripened kimchi at least 2 weeks old to give this dish the most flavor.
Gently squeeze the excess juice out of the kimchi before using - this allows kimchi and aromatics to caramelize nicely and prevent fried rice from being too wet.
Use a large enough skillet or wok to make this recipe. This ensures that all ingredients cook properly.
Leftover vegan kimchi fried rice can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.

✨Variations

Tofu - Instead of tofu, you can use other plant-based proteins like tempeh, vegan chicken, or slices of seitan steaks. Or, simply omit it.

Veggies - Feel free to use other vegetables, like cabbage, mushrooms, or frozen veggie mix. Use up to 2 cups of vegetables.

Lower-carb - Substitute parts or all of the rice with cauliflower rice instead.

Extra spicy - Add a spoonful of gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) or chili flakes.

A pan of kimchi fried rice with a wooden stirrer with soy sauce and kimchi beside.

🥗How to serve

This kimchi fried rice is best paired with below dishes -

Side dishes - gochujang tofu, vegetable stir-fries like this cabbage carrot stir-fry

Korean banchan - Seasoned bean sprouts, Oi Muchim (spicy cucumber salad), or more kimchi

Toppings - More chopped green onion, toasted sesame seeds, seaweed seasoning, nori strips, vegan fried egg

Soups - gochujang stew, doenjang jigae

❔Commonly asked questions

What kind of kimchi is the best for making kimchi fried rice?

Mature and ripe kimchi works best in kimchi fried rice. Due to their longer fermentation period, the kimchi is more flavorful and umami.

Is kimchi vegan?

Most kimchi is not vegan due to the addition of fish sauce and shrimp paste. Hence, it is recommended that you choose a brand of kimchi labeled vegan or read the ingredient list before purchasing.

Why is my kimchi fried rice wet and soggy?

If your kimchi fried rice turns out soggy, there is too much moisture in the dish, like kimchi juice or water. To prevent it, squeeze excess liquid out of your kimchi before adding it to the pan, and make sure to drain your veggies properly after washing.

Alternatively, you might have used freshly cooked rice that is still warm or overcooked rice, which further contributes to the moisture content. Using a pan that is too small will also make mushy fried rice. Moisture released from the ingredients in the form of steam will be trapped, preventing the fried rice from drying.

A bowl of kimchi fried rice with a pair of chopsticks, kimchi, and soy sauce in the background.

🍽More vegan Korean recipes

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