Sausage Kimchi Fried Rice: A 10-Minute Quick & Easy Recipe

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A close-up of a container of Korean sausage and kimchi fried rice.


Sausage Kimchi Fried Rice( photo by easyn)

 If you’ve ever stood in front of your fridge wondering what to do with leftover rice, a bit of kimchi, and some sausages—this is the answer. Sausage kimchi fried rice is a spicy, savory, and satisfying meal you can whip up in just 10 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or even as a last-minute lunchbox idea. Best of all, it’s budget-friendly and requires only a handful of ingredients.

This simple dish brings together the bold flavors of fermented kimchi and the smoky saltiness of sausage, making it a crowd-pleasing one-pan meal that’s both comforting and energizing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

·         1 bowl of cooked white rice (preferably cold, 1 cup)

·         1/2 cup chopped kimchi (well-fermented for deeper flavor)

·         1 sausage (sliced or diced)

·         1 tsp sesame oil

·         1 tsp soy sauce (optional)

·         1 tsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)

·         (Optional) chopped green onions

·         (Optional) fried egg for topping

·         (Optional) sesame seeds for garnish

Why This Recipe Works So Well

The beauty of sausage kimchi fried rice lies in its balance—richness from sausage, heat and tang from kimchi, and a fluffy texture from leftover rice. The entire dish comes together in one pan, making cleanup minimal. The slight smokiness from pan-fried sausage pairs wonderfully with the sharp, fermented bite of kimchi.

Plus, the 10-minute cook time makes it a go-to when you’re short on time but still craving something delicious and satisfying.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1.   Prep Ingredients

Finely chop the kimchi and slice the sausage into bite-sized pieces. If you're using green onions or sesame seeds, prepare them ahead of time. Cold rice works best for fried rice as it separates easily during cooking.

2.   Fry the Sausage First

Heat 1 tsp of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sausage and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until it turns lightly golden. This enhances the savory, smoky flavor.

3.   Add Kimchi + Flavor Tip

Add the chopped kimchi to the pan and stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes with the sausage. At this stage, add 1 tsp of sugar to balance out the sourness of the kimchi and enhance its umami flavor.

4.   Add Rice and Combine

Add the cold rice and stir-fry thoroughly. Use a spatula to break up any clumps and ensure the kimchi and sausage are well incorporated with the rice.

5.   Final Seasoning + Pro Techniques

Push the rice mixture to one side of the pan, and pour 1 tsp of soy sauce into the empty side to slightly caramelize it before mixing. This step adds a smoky depth and boosts the overall aroma.
Drizzle 1 tsp of sesame oil for additional flavor.
For extra toasty texture, press the rice gently into the pan to create a light golden crust (nurungji) at the bottom.
Top with a fried egg, green onions, and sesame seeds if desired.

Tips for Better Flavor and Texture

·         Use well-fermented kimchi: The deeper the fermentation, the more intense and rich the flavor becomes. It adds authentic tang and complexity to the dish.

·         Use cold rice: Cold rice has lower moisture content, which prevents the fried rice from becoming soggy and helps each grain maintain its shape and texture during stir-frying.

·         Customize your protein: While sausage is classic, you can easily substitute with spam, bacon, tofu, or any leftover meat you have on hand.

·         Add some spice: To increase the heat level, mix in a spoonful of gochujang (Korean red chili paste) or a dash of Korean chili flakes (gochugaru).
For a cleaner, sharper spiciness, finely chopped Cheongyang chili peppers work great—they add a crisp and fiery kick without overwhelming the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your sausage kimchi fried rice hot, straight from the pan. It goes perfectly with a runny fried egg on top and a drizzle of extra sesame oil. For a full Korean-style meal, pair it with some seaweed soup or a simple side of pickled radish.

It’s also a fantastic dish to bring to picnics, potlucks, or to enjoy during camping trips—it’s hearty, flavorful, and reheats well.

Final Thoughts

So, go ahead—open your fridge and give this recipe a try! In just 10 minutes, you’ll have a hearty, flavorful dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to your table.

What’s your favorite ingredient to add to kimchi fried rice? Have you ever tried it with cheese, bacon, or something totally unexpected?

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