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Kimchi-Fried Grains

This vibrant kimchi fried grains recipe is a nutritious and punchy twist on traditional fried rice. Using a blend of hearty cooked grains like spelt or barley, the dish offers a satisfying, nutty texture that pairs perfectly with the spicy, fermented notes of the kimchi. It’s a wonderful way to brighten up a weekday lunch or dinner, providing a sophisticated balance of heat, acidity, and savoury depth that feels both light and restorative.

As a balanced nutrition dish, this meal is packed with fibre and probiotics, making it as good for your gut health as it is for your palate. The addition of a crispy-edged fried egg provides a rich source of protein and a silky yolk that acts as a natural sauce for the grains. Serve it immediately while the edges of the egg are still crunchy for the ultimate quick and healthy homemade meal.

Continue reading below

Ingredients for Kimchi-Fried Grains

  • 120ml kimchi, plus 3 tablespoons juice from jar

  • 4 spring onions

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 2 large eggs

  • Kosher salt

  • 1 medium carrot, peeled, cut into matchsticks

  • 475ml cooked grains (such as farro, spelt, quinoa, or barley)

  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce

  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

How to make Kimchi-Fried Grains

Squeeze kimchi over a small bowl to catch juices. Add juice from jar and set aside. Chop kimchi; set aside. Cut dark green tops from spring onions and thinly slice; set aside. Thinly slice white and pale green parts and set those aside too. (Whenever you make a stir-fry, you should prep your ingredients in advance, but it doesn’t have to be a whole thing; just scoot these things into their own piles on your cutting board.)

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Crack eggs into pan; season with salt. Cook, shaking occasionally to prevent sticking, until whites are golden and crisp around edges and puffing up and set near yolks, about 4 minutes. Transfer eggs to a plate.

Return skillet with oil to medium-high heat, add carrot, and cook, tossing often, until slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Add reserved white and pale green parts of spring onions and kimchi and cook, tossing often, until spring onions are just golden, about 3 minutes. Add grains, soy sauce, sesame oil, and reserved kimchi juices; cook, tossing, until grains are slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Season with salt; divide between plates. Top with eggs, then nori, sesame seeds, and reserved spring onion tops.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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