Gyeran Bap – Korean Egg Rice

Eggs and rice   two of my absolute favorite ingredients. You really can’t go wrong when you combine them, right? Well, Gyeran Bap (Korean Egg Rice) takes this simple combo to the next level. I often have rice and eggs, but I recently added a knob of butter and sesame oil to the mix, and trust me   it’s a game-changer. I even threw in some Maggi seasoning (because why not?) for an extra umami kick. Top it off with homemade kimchi and nori, and you have yourself a perfect meal! It’s comfort food at its best.

Method

Fry the Egg

Start by frying the egg to your preferred doneness. For this dish, I love a crispy fried egg with a runny yolk, but you can cook it however you like! Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat, add a little oil or butter, and crack your egg into the pan. Let it cook until the edges become crispy, but be careful not to overcook the yolk. If you prefer a fully cooked egg, just let it cook a bit longer until the yolk firms up. Once it’s ready, remove it from the pan and set it aside.

Cook the Rice

While your egg is cooking, get the rice going. I prefer using freshly cooked rice for this dish, as it’s the best texture to pair with the butter and sesame oil. If you’re cooking rice from scratch, use your usual method or a rice cooker for convenience. Once the rice is cooked, keep it warm so it stays fluffy and steamy, which will help melt the butter and blend in all the flavors later on.

Assemble the Gyeran Bap

Once the rice is ready and your egg is fried, it’s time to bring everything together. In a bowl, add the hot rice and toss in a knob of butter. The heat from the rice will melt the butter and make the dish rich and flavorful. Next, drizzle in the light soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing it well to coat the rice evenly. At this point, add your fried egg on top. If you want some extra flavor, you can sprinkle sesame seeds for a little crunch and nutty flavor.

Add the Garnishes

For that extra punch of flavor, sprinkle in some minced spring onion for freshness. Then, add a small portion of homemade kimchi to bring in a tangy and spicy kick that complements the richness of the rice and egg. For the final touch, garnish your Gyeran Bap with strips of nori or seaweed sheets. The nori adds a nice texture and savory flavor, tying everything together beautifully.

Necessary Tools

• Non-stick frying pan
• Spoon or bowl for serving
• Knife and chopping board (for spring onion)
• Rice cooker or pot for cooking rice

Serving Suggestions

• Serve your Gyeran Bap with a side of kimchi for that spicy, tangy kick that balances the richness of the egg and butter.
• Pair it with a light salad or some pickled veggies to add freshness to the meal.
• If you’re feeling extra adventurous, serve with a warm bowl of miso soup!

Fun Fact

Did you know that Gyeran Bap is one of Korea’s go-to comfort foods? It’s often enjoyed for breakfast or as a quick meal when you’re in need of some comforting, filling food. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something amazing.

Conclusion

There you have Gyeran Bap, Korean Egg Rice, a simple yet delicious meal that’s perfect for any time of day. It’s quick, comforting, and you can totally customize it to your liking. Whether you’re having it on its own or with some tasty sides, this dish will never disappoint. Enjoy every bite of this egg-and-rice goodness!