Vegan Kimchi Fried Rice

Vegan kimchi is a delicious and nutritious twist on the traditional Korean fermented dish. Made without fish sauce or other animal products, vegan kimchi typically consists of fermented napa cabbage, radish, scallions, and a flavorful blend of spices like Korean red pepper flakes, garlic, and ginger. This plant-based version offers all the tangy, spicy, and umami flavors characteristic of kimchi, perfect for adding a punch of probiotics to buddha bowls, tacos, or even grilled sandwiches. Enjoyed for its complex taste and gut-boosting properties, vegan kimchi is a versatile condiment that can elevate any meal with its unique blend of savory and tangy notes.

I can find vegan kimchi in most of the bigger grocery stores around me. It is usually found in the produce section near the wonton wrappers. You’ll know it’s vegan if it’s labeled vegan or vegetarian. The ingredients will not show any fish or fish sauce. Even if I wasn’t vegan I would get the vegetarian kimchi because I hate fish, fish sauce, fish flavor and even anything that tastes like the ocean.

Vegan kimchi fried rice is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the tangy and spicy flavors of traditional kimchi with the comforting goodness of fried rice. This plant-based version ensures a delicious meal that is both hearty and full of umami taste. The fermented kimchi adds a depth of flavor and a probiotic punch, while ingredients like rice, vegetables, and soy sauce provide a balanced and nutritious base. Vegan kimchi fried rice is a versatile dish that can be easily customized with additional ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, or edamame. Whether enjoyed as a quick weeknight meal or as part of a weekend feast, vegan kimchi fried rice is sure to delight taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.

A lot of kimchi fried rice recipes include bacon grease for added flavor. I don’t use bacon grease of course but I do make a vegan version of it. You can skip this part if you prefer to.

For the vegan bacon grease you will need the following ingredients:

• 1/4 C of coconut oil

• 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke

• 1/4 teaspoon of imitation beef bullion

• 1/2 teaspoon of salt

Melt the coconut oil i n a pot over medium to low heat and whisk in the other ingredients until fully combined. Set it aside to cool. you should store it in your refrigerator in a closed container.

For the fried rice recipe you will need:

• 2 T vegan bacon grease or other cooking oil

• 1 1/2 C vegan kimchi

• 1/2 T sugar

• 2 C cooked day old rice

• 1/4 C chipped green onion

• 2 T sesame oil

• salt to taste

• chopped green onion for garnish

Saute the kimchi in the vegan bacon grease along with the sugar for a few minutes on medium to low heat. Add the other ingredients in. If you have any of the juice from the kimchi to spare from the jar add that in too.

Saute everything together stirring and mixing until every piece of rice appears coated. Plate and sprinkle with chopped green onions.

This rice is great on it’s own or as part of a more complete meal. I love to have a bowl of rice as a quick meal or snack. It’s savory and filling, always hitting the spot.

Like a lot of my recipes this one is good for meal prep because It freezes well and reheats nicely in the microwave.