This Korean Fried Rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With a medley of fresh vegetables, savory garlic chili sauce, and a fried egg on top, it’s a simple yet delicious recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Aromatic: This fried rice is packed with a delicious combination of savory, spicy, and umami flavors, thanks to the garlic chili sauce, hoisin sauce, and soy sauce.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this dish is a breeze to prepare.
- Quick and Healthy: This recipe is ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It’s also a healthier option compared to takeout, as you can control the amount of oil and sodium.

Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Korean Fried Rice:
- Olive oil: For stir-frying the ingredients.
- Garlic: Minced, for aromatic depth.
- Ginger: Minced, adds a fresh and zesty flavor.
- Napa cabbage: Chopped, for texture and a slightly sweet flavor.
- Crunchy garlic chili sauce: Adds a spicy kick and a savory garlic flavor. You can substitute with Gochujang (Korean chili paste) if desired.
- Frozen peas and carrots: Adds color, sweetness, and convenience.
- Garlic salt: Enhances the savory flavors.
- Mushrooms: Baby Bella or white button, sliced, for a savory and earthy flavor.
- Cooked white rice: Short-grain rice is traditionally used, but you can use any type of cooked rice you like. Day-old rice works best for fried rice.
- Hoisin sauce: Adds a sweet and savory flavor with a hint of umami.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Adds a salty and umami flavor.
- Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma and flavor.
- Egg: Fried to sunny-side up, for a protein-rich topping.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Korean Fried Rice
Step 1: Stir-fry the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic, minced ginger, and chopped napa cabbage, and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Add the garlic chili sauce (or Gochujang), frozen peas and carrots, garlic salt, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Stir-fry until the mushrooms are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Stir-fry the Rice
Add the cooked rice to the skillet along with the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine and cook until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Fry the Egg
Remove the fried rice from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, fry an egg to your liking, preferably sunny-side up.
Step 5: Serve
Transfer the fried rice to a plate or bowl and top with the fried egg. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use day-old rice: Day-old rice has a drier texture that’s ideal for stir-frying, preventing the dish from becoming mushy.
- Customize the vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, such as diced bell peppers, chopped green onions, or bean sprouts, for added nutrition and flavor.
- Adjust the spice level: Adjust the amount of garlic chili sauce or Gochujang to your spice preference.
How to Serve Korean Fried Rice

- Main Course: This Korean Fried Rice is a complete and satisfying meal on its own.
- Side Dish: Serve it as a side dish with your favorite Korean-inspired main courses, such as bulgogi or Korean BBQ.
- Lunchbox Friendly: Pack leftovers for a delicious and convenient lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of oil?
Yes, you can use any neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or canola oil.
Can I add meat to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add cooked and diced chicken, beef, or pork to the stir-fry along with the vegetables.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the egg or use a vegan egg substitute.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more garlic chili sauce, Gochujang, or red pepper flakes to the dish while stir-frying.
There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Korean Fried Rice that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
Print
Korean Fried Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean-inspired
Description
This Korean Fried Rice is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal. It features a medley of vegetables, a savory sauce, and a fried egg on top, making it a satisfying and complete meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons minced ginger
- 1 cup chopped Napa cabbage
- 1 tablespoon crunchy garlic chili sauce
- 1 1/2 cups frozen carrots and peas
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms (baby Bella or white button)
- 2 cups cooked white short-grain rice (or substitute long-grain rice)
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Stir-fry Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add garlic, ginger, and cabbage; sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add Remaining Vegetables: Stir in garlic chili sauce, peas and carrots, garlic salt, and mushrooms. Sauté until mushrooms are tender, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Rice and Sauce: Add cooked rice, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil to the skillet. Stir-fry until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
- Fry Egg: Push the fried rice to one side of the skillet. Add the egg to the other side and fry to your desired doneness (sunny-side up, over easy, etc.).
- Serve: Slide the fried egg on top of the fried rice and serve immediately.
Notes
- Rice: Use short-grain or long-grain rice, cooked and cooled.
- Variations: Add kimchi, snow peas, spring onions, or bell peppers.
- Spice: Incorporate Gochujang (Korean chili paste) for extra flavor and heat, or substitute it for the garlic chili sauce.
- Serving Suggestion: Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 350kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg