Go Back Email Link
+ servings

Easy Gochujang Fried Rice Recipe

This spicy gochujang fried rice recipe is a quick, customizable meal packed with bold Korean flavor. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, lunch, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian, Korean
Calories: 340

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons fresh ginger minced
  • 1 cup mixed color bell peppers thinly-sliced
  • 1/2 cup carrots diced
  • 1/4 cup onion diced
  • 4 cups white rice cooked and refrigerated
  • 2 tablespoons gochujang Korean hot and sweet pepper paste, or to taste
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons green onions sliced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds toasted

Method
 

  1. Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Add garlic and ginger, then cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add bell peppers, carrots, and onion, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until tender. Add a splash of water if the pan becomes too dry.
  3. Add rice, gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Mix well and stir-fry until the rice is heated through.
  4. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, then serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 340kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 6gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 347mgFiber: 2g

Notes

Rice Texture: I always use rice that has been chilled in the fridge overnight because fresh rice has too much moisture and often turns into a gummy mess in the pan.
Spice Level: If you are sensitive to heat, I suggest starting with just one tablespoon of gochujang and tasting the rice before adding more to find your perfect balance.
Vegetable Prep: I make sure to dice the carrots and peppers quite small so they cook through quickly during the short stir-fry time without losing their vibrant color.
Serving Suggestion: I highly recommend topping each bowl with a crispy fried egg since the rich yolk acts as a creamy sauce that mellows out the spicy kick of the rice.
Storage Tip: When I store leftovers in the fridge, I always add a tiny splash of water or soy sauce before reheating to prevent the grains from becoming too dry.
Heat Management: I keep the heat high and avoid overcrowding the pan because this allows the rice to actually fry and develop those slightly crunchy edges that I love.