The Zesty Skillet Rice with Gochujang, Beef & Kimchi Recipe

My weeknight dinner game completely changed when I discovered this crispy skillet rice packed with bold Korean-inspired flavors.

Sizzling beef and tangy kimchi create an irresistible combination that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Gochujang brings deep, spicy warmth to every delicious bite.

Home cooks can master this restaurant-quality dish without complicated techniques.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of crispy rice, savory meat, and complex seasonings.

Minimal ingredients and quick preparation make this recipe a total weeknight winner.

You’ll want to grab a skillet and start cooking right now.

What Makes Crispy Gochujang Skillet Rice Unforgettable

• Spice Up Your Mealtime: This Korean-inspired skillet dish delivers bold, exciting flavors that transform ordinary rice into a mouthwatering adventure.
• Master Impressive Cooking Techniques: The recipe teaches professional-level skills like creating crispy rice, perfectly browned beef, and beautifully curled scallions with minimal effort.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients like ground beef, kimchi, and mushrooms allow personalization based on family preferences or available pantry items.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking process make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks wanting restaurant-quality meals without complicated steps.

What Goes Into That Flavor-Packed Skillet Rice

• Rice: A staple grain that forms the crispy base of this skillet dish.
• Ground Beef: The primary protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the recipe.
• Gochujang: A spicy Korean chili paste that provides the signature bold and tangy taste.
• Kimchi: A traditional Korean fermented vegetable that brings a sharp and zesty element.

• Carrots, Mushrooms: Fresh vegetables that add texture and earthy depth to the dish.
• Scallions: A bright garnish that provides a fresh and mild onion-like flavor.

• Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil, Garlic: Aromatics that enhance the overall umami and depth of flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for cooking and creating a crispy rice base.
• Egg: Adds richness and creates a luxurious topping for the skillet rice.

• Sesame Seeds: A crunchy and nutty topping that completes the Korean-inspired dish.

Making Gochujang Skillet Rice Like a Pro

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Kitchen Station

Crank your oven to a blazing 500°F and adjust the rack to the bottom position. Grab your cast-iron skillet and kitchen tools for a delicious adventure.

Step 2: Create Scallion Garnish

Slice scallions and immerse them in ice water to create beautiful curls. Set aside for the final stunning presentation.

Step 3: Mix Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Gochujang
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Minced garlic

Step 4: Season Ground Beef

Combine ground beef with 3 tablespoons of gochujang sauce, ensuring even coating.

Step 5: Prepare Vegetable Medley

• Chopped carrots
• Kimchi
• Sliced mushrooms

Mix with 1 tablespoon of gochujang sauce.

Step 6: Build Rice Foundation

Heat vegetable oil in cast-iron skillet. Press cooked rice into skillet, creating an even layer.

Drizzle 1 tablespoon gochujang mixture over rice.

Step 7: Layer Vegetable and Meat Toppings

Spread vegetable mixture over rice.

Add spoonfuls of seasoned ground beef across the surface.

Step 8: Create Crispy Base

Cook on high heat for 6 minutes.

Transfer skillet to oven and bake 8 minutes until beef browns beautifully.

Step 9: Add Crowning Egg

Crack an egg in the center of the skillet.

Bake additional 5-6 minutes until egg sets perfectly.

Step 10: Finish with Flair

• Curled scallions
• Sprinkle of sesame seeds
• Drizzle remaining gochujang sauce

Serve immediately and enjoy your Korean-inspired rice feast!

Hot Tips for Crispy Gochujang Skillet Rice

• Curl scallions in ice water beforehand to create a beautiful, crisp garnish that adds visual appeal and fresh texture.
• Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution and achieving that perfect crispy rice bottom without burning.
• Mix ground beef thoroughly with gochujang sauce to ensure deep, consistent flavor throughout the meat.
• Layer ingredients carefully, starting with rice, then vegetables and beef, to create a balanced and visually stunning one-pan meal.
• Check egg doneness during final baking to maintain a soft, runny yolk that beautifully coats the rice when broken.

New Spins on Your Gochujang Skillet Favorite

• Vegetarian Korean Rice Bowl: Replace ground beef with tofu or tempeh, marinate in gochujang sauce for rich flavor. Add extra vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for more texture and nutrition.
• Seafood Korean Skillet: Swap beef with shrimp or salmon. Use similar gochujang marinade and maintain crispy rice base. Incorporate seaweed or nori flakes for oceanic depth.
• Chicken Korean Fusion: Use ground chicken instead of beef. Add ginger and green onions to marinade. Include water chestnuts for extra crunch and subtle sweetness.
• Spicy Vegan Korean Rice: Use plant-based protein crumbles seasoned with gochujang. Include roasted cauliflower and edamame. Top with cashew cream sauce for richness.

Best Sides for Crispy Skillet Rice with a Kick

• Pair with Korean Soju: Crisp, clear spirit that perfectly complements the spicy and savory notes of the gochujang beef rice, cutting through the richness with its clean flavor profile.
• Enhance with Cucumber Banchan: Refreshing, cool side dish that provides a crisp contrast to the hot skillet rice, balancing the intense gochujang heat and adding a light, palate-cleansing element.
• Match with Light Wheat Beer: Smooth, slightly hoppy brew that helps temper the spiciness of the dish while maintaining the robust Korean-inspired flavor combinations.
• Serve with Pickled Radish Salad: Tangy, crunchy accompaniment that introduces a bright acidic note, helping to break up the richness of the beef and rice, and providing a palate-refreshing counterpoint.

Keeping That Crispy Rice Fresh and Tasty

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep rice and toppings separate to maintain crispiness.
• Freeze: Pack cooled dish in freezer-safe containers for maximum 2 weeks. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Microwave Reheat: Warm individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Add splash of water to prevent dryness and restore moisture.
• Skillet Reheat: Restore original crispiness by reheating in lightly oiled cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping once to ensure even warming.

Common Questions About Gochujang Skillet Rice

• What ingredients give this rice dish its unique flavor?

The gochujang sauce and kimchi create a bold, spicy Korean-inspired taste with deep umami notes that make the rice incredibly delicious.

• Is this recipe considered spicy?

Yes, the gochujang sauce brings moderate heat, but you can adjust the spice level by using less sauce or choosing a milder gochujang brand.

• Can I use different types of meat?

Ground beef works best, but ground pork or chicken can be substituted while maintaining similar cooking techniques and flavor profiles.

• What cooking equipment do I need for this recipe?

A cast-iron skillet is essential for achieving the crispy rice base and even heat distribution during stovetop and oven cooking.

Crispy Skillet Rice with Gochujang, Ground Beef, and Kimchi Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 34-35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy Skillet Rice delivers Korean-inspired comfort with sizzling ground beef and tangy kimchi, creating a bold fusion of flavors. Spicy gochujang sauce and perfectly crisped rice invite you to savor each delicious, heat-packed bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) ground beef
• 1 large egg
• 4 ounces (113 grams) shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and cut into strips

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 2 large carrots, grated
• 4 scallions, green parts only, thinly sliced
• 1 clove garlic, finely grated
• 1 cup kimchi, chopped
• 1/4 cup gochujang (Korean red chile paste)
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil

Base and Cooking Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked long-grain rice
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare ingredients and preheat oven to 500°F (260°C), positioning rack at the bottom.
2. Submerge scallions in ice water to create curled garnish, then drain and set aside.
3. Create flavor base by whisking gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic into a cohesive sauce.
4. Combine ground beef with 3 tablespoons of the prepared gochujang sauce, mixing thoroughly.
5. Toss carrots, kimchi, and mushrooms with 1 tablespoon of gochujang sauce to coat evenly.
6. Heat cast-iron skillet with vegetable oil and carefully press cooked rice into an even, compact layer.
7. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of gochujang sauce over rice surface to enhance flavor and promote crispy texture.
8. Distribute vegetable mixture across rice and strategically place spoonfuls of seasoned beef on top.
9. Sear on high heat for 6 minutes to develop crispy bottom, then transfer skillet to preheated oven.
10. Bake for 8 minutes until beef browns and develops caramelized edges.
11. Gently crack egg in center of skillet and return to oven for additional 5-6 minutes until egg sets.
12. Finish by garnishing with curled scallions, sprinkle of sesame seeds, and drizzle remaining gochujang sauce.

Notes

• Curling scallions in ice water not only creates an appealing visual but also adds a crisp, fresh texture to the dish’s final presentation.
• Marinating ground beef in gochujang mixture helps infuse deep, spicy-sweet Korean flavors throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is packed with taste.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to maintain the umami profile while accommodating dietary restrictions.
• Vegetarian alternatives can replace ground beef with crumbled firm tofu or plant-based meat substitutes, keeping the recipe’s signature spicy and crispy essence intact.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 19-20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg