Korean Fried Rice Recipe
Introduction
Korean fried rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender steak strips with spicy chili sauce and crunchy vegetables. Quick to prepare, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal bursting with bold, satisfying flavors.

Ingredients
- 250g white basmati rice
- 2 frying steaks (approx 200g/7oz), sliced into strips
- 3 tbsp chili sauce (such as sriracha), plus extra to serve
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, finely sliced
- 6 spring onions, finely sliced
- 1-2 red chillies, finely sliced
- ½ large Savoy cabbage, shredded
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the rice following the package instructions until tender and fluffy. While the rice cooks, place the sliced steak strips in a bowl and mix them with 3 tablespoons of chili sauce to marinate.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large frying pan or wok over high heat. Stir-fry the marinated steak strips for about 2 minutes until they start to brown but remain slightly pink inside. Remove the steak and set aside.
- Step 3: Add the sliced garlic, most of the spring onions, and most of the chillies to the pan, reserving some for garnish. Stir-fry these for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add the shredded Savoy cabbage to the pan. Cook gently for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cabbage begins to soften.
- Step 5: Return the cooked rice and steak to the pan. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Step 6: Sprinkle the sesame seeds over the mixture, then garnish with the reserved spring onions and chillies. Drizzle extra chili sauce over the top to serve as desired.
Tips & Variations
- For more heat, add extra chili sauce or fresh chillies to taste. You can also swap frying steaks for chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
- Using day-old cooked rice helps to achieve a better texture for fried rice by preventing clumping.
- Try adding a fried egg on top to make the dish even more satisfying and authentic.
Storage
Store any leftover Korean fried rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave until warmed through. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of rice for this recipe?
Yes, you can use long-grain rice or jasmine rice as alternatives. The key is to use rice that is slightly dry or day-old to prevent the dish from becoming mushy.
What if I don’t have chili sauce like sriracha?
If you don’t have chili sauce, you can substitute with any hot sauce or even a mix of chili flakes and a bit of tomato paste to create a similar spicy flavor.
Print
Korean Fried Rice Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful and spicy Korean fried rice recipe featuring tender marinated steak strips, aromatic garlic, fresh spring onions, red chillies, and crunchy Savoy cabbage, all stir-fried with sesame oil and chili sauce for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 250g white basmati rice
- 2 x frying steaks (approx 200g/7oz), sliced into strips
- 3 tbsp chili sauce (such as sriracha), plus extra to serve
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, finely sliced
- 6 spring onions, finely sliced
- 1–2 red chillies, finely sliced
- ½ large Savoy cabbage, shredded
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the rice: Prepare the basmati rice according to the package instructions until fully cooked and fluffy. Set aside once done.
- Marinate the steak: In a bowl, combine the sliced steak strips with 3 tablespoons of chili sauce. Mix well to ensure the meat is evenly coated and allow to marinate briefly while preparing other ingredients.
- Stir-fry the steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large frying pan or wok over high heat. Add the marinated steak strips and stir-fry for 2 minutes until they start to brown but remain slightly pink in the center. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the aromatics and vegetables: In the same pan, add the garlic, along with most of the spring onions and red chillies, reserving some for garnish. Stir-fry these for 2 minutes until fragrant. Then add the shredded Savoy cabbage and cook gently for 10-12 minutes until it softens and reduces in volume.
- Combine everything: Return the cooked rice and steak strips to the pan with the vegetables. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly and heat through.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the sesame seeds along with the reserved spring onions and chillies over the top. Drizzle with extra chili sauce to taste and serve immediately.
Notes
- Do not overcook the steak during stir-frying; a slightly pink center ensures tenderness.
- Adjust the amount of chili sauce and fresh chillies to control the level of spice according to your preference.
- If basmati rice is unavailable, jasmine rice can be used as an alternative.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the steak and add firm tofu or more vegetables.
- Using a wok or a large frying pan with a high heat source will help achieve a good stir-fry texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Keywords: Korean fried rice, steak fried rice, spicy rice, stir-fry recipe, Korean cuisine

