Looking to take your chicken fried rice to the next level? Phumlani Ngwenya, Chef De Partie at The Maslow, Sandton, has shared his irresistible kimchi and chicken fried rice recipe. This dish combines the savoury richness of chicken fried rice with the bold, spicy kick of kimchi, creating a truly unforgettable meal.
Why kimchi?
“I enjoy the tangy flavour of kimchi, which adds a spicy kick,” says Ngwenya. “In moderation, it also provides beneficial probiotics, fibre, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help your body ward off illness and maintain good health.”
Kimchi, a traditional Korean dish made from fermented vegetables (usually cabbage), is known for its tangy, spicy taste and health benefits. While typically served as a side dish, it takes centre stage here as a key ingredient to add depth and richness to the fried rice. You can easily find kimchi in most supermarkets, so make sure to keep an eye out for this flavourful ingredient.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
– 4 Tbsp Olive Oil
– 2 Tbsp Crushed Garlic
– 1 Tbsp Minced Ginger
– 2 Cups Cooked Cold Basmati Rice
– 0.4g Frozen Peas
– 0.4g Frozen Corn
– 0.15g Chicken Breast
– 4 Eggs
– 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
– 0.01g Chives
– 0.07g Kimchi
– 0.02g Parsley
– 0.02g Salt
– 0.01g Pepper
– 0.05g Carrots
– 0.05g Chicken Stock
– 0.4g Red Onions
Method:
1. Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by heating olive oil in a medium-sized pan. Add the crushed garlic, minced ginger, and chopped red onions. Fry them over medium heat until the onions soften and the garlic and ginger are fragrant.
2. Add the Rice: Stir in the cooked, cold basmati rice along with the soy sauce. Keep stirring to combine the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the rice is well-coated with the soy sauce and the flavours blend together.
3. Cook the Chicken and Eggs: In a separate pan, fry the chicken breast and scramble one egg. Once cooked, chop the chicken into small pieces and add both the chicken and scrambled egg to the rice mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and a touch of chicken stock for added flavour.
4. Add Vegetables: Add the frozen peas and corn to the rice, cover the pan, and let it steam for about 5 minutes to allow the vegetables to cook through.
5. Shape the Kimchi Dish: While the rice and veggies steam, take your kimchi and gently shape it to your liking. Add it to the rice mixture once it’s ready to serve.
6. Make the Tornado Omelette: Crack the two eggs and make a tornado-style omelette, a fun and eye-catching way to serve the eggs. Once cooked, place the omelette on top of the fried rice.
7. Finish with Egg Yolk: For an extra touch, separate the yolk from one egg and place it on top of the tornado omelette. This adds richness to the dish and an attractive finishing touch.
8. Garnish and Serve: Finally, garnish your dish with fresh chives and parsley for a pop of colour and flavour.
This kimchi and chicken fried rice recipe is a delightful fusion of flavours that brings new life to a classic dish. The combination of savoury fried rice, protein-packed chicken, and the spicy tang of kimchi is sure to impress your taste buds. Not only does this dish taste incredible, but it also offers health benefits thanks to the probiotics and nutrients in the kimchi. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.