Kimchi Fried Rice with Crispy Tofu

Ingredients

• 14 ounces extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 4 cups cooked short-grain white rice, cold and day-old
• 1 1/2 cups kimchi, chopped
• 1/4 cup kimchi juice
• 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
• 3 scallions, sliced, plus more for garnish
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons gochujang
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste

Method

1. 1

   Press tofu between paper towels for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture, then cut into 3/4-inch cubes.

   10:00 · Press tofu
2. 2

   Toss tofu cubes with cornstarch in a bowl until evenly coated.

3. 3

   Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a 9-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add tofu in a single layer and sear until golden and crisp on all sides, turning occasionally, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.

   8:00 · Crisp tofu
4. 4

   Wipe out the skillet, add remaining 2 tablespoons oil, and heat over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.

   3:00 · Cook onion
5. 5

   Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

   0:30 · Cook garlic
6. 6

   Add chopped kimchi and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly caramelized at the edges, about 4 minutes.

   4:00 · Cook kimchi
7. 7

   Push kimchi mixture to one side of the skillet. Add cold rice, breaking up clumps with a spatula, and spread in an even layer.

8. 8

   Stir in kimchi juice, gochujang, soy sauce, and sugar, mixing everything together. Press rice into the skillet and let it sear undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop crisp bits before stirring again.

   2:00 · Sear rice
9. 9

   Continue frying rice, stirring occasionally, until heated through and lightly crisp in spots, about 4 minutes. Stir in sliced scallions and sesame oil, then remove from heat.

   4:00 · Finish frying rice
10. 10

    In a separate nonstick skillet, fry eggs in a splash of oil over medium heat to desired doneness, about 3 minutes for a runny yolk.

    3:00 · Fry eggs
11. 11

    Divide fried rice among bowls, top with crispy tofu and a fried egg, and sprinkle with sesame seeds and additional scallions.