Ingredients
- 450g (2 cups) cooked rice (preferably day-old)
- 200g (1 cup) mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn)
- 100g (3.5 oz) boneless chicken, diced (optional)
- 50g (3 tbsp) gochujang paste
- 30ml (2 tbsp) soy sauce
- 15ml (1 tbsp) sesame oil
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 30g (1/4 cup) sliced green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by ensuring all your ingredients are ready and within reach. Dice the chicken if you’re using it, chop your vegetables into bite-sized pieces, and prepare the rest of your ingredients accordingly. A little bit of mise en place goes a long way in making the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 2: Cook the Eggs
Heat a large wok or frying pan over medium heat and add a small amount of cooking oil. Crack the eggs and scramble them, stirring continuously until they’re fully cooked. Remove the scrambled eggs from the pan and set them aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, then add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant but not browned, ensuring that it releases its aromatic oils into the pan. If you’re using chicken, add it now and cook until the pieces are browned and cooked through.
Step 4: Stir-fry the Vegetables
Add the mixed vegetables to the pan. Stir-fry them for 2-3 minutes on high heat until they are vibrant and heated through. Maintaining a high heat ensures that the vegetables retain their texture and color.
Step 5: Incorporate the Rice
Lower the heat slightly, then add the cooked rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps as you mix it with the vegetables. Make sure the rice is evenly heated through.
Step 6: Flavoring the Dish
Add the gochujang paste and soy sauce to the rice and vegetable mixture, tossing everything together to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed. The gochujang provides a complexity of flavors that will define this dish, so be thorough in your mixing.
Step 7: Final Touches
Return the cooked eggs to the pan and toss them with the rice, breaking them up into smaller pieces if necessary. Drizzle sesame oil over the top and sprinkle with sliced green onions. Stir everything together one last time to combine all elements.
Step 8: Season to Perfection
Taste your fried rice and season with salt and pepper as desired. Adjust the spice level by adding more gochujang if you prefer. Once you’re satisfied, remove the pan from heat and prepare to serve.
Conclusion
Congratulations on crafting a colorful and flavor-rich bowl of Fried Rice with Gochujang! This dish not only satisfies your immediate hunger but also transports you into the heart of Korean-inspired cuisine with its distinctive tastes and aroma. Whether you’re enjoying this creation solo or sharing it with friends, it is sure to leave a lasting impression. Remember, the beauty of fried rice lies in its adaptability—feel free to experiment with different proteins or vegetable combinations in future renditions. Happy cooking and enjoy the exquisite tapestry of flavors that this recipe provides!
