Ingredients:

  • 2 cups jasmine or short-grain rice, rinsed
  • 2.5 cups water
  • 1 cup kimchi, chopped (plus some juice from the jar)
  • 1 small carrot, julienned
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
  • 1/2 cup cooked chicken, beef, or tofu, diced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • (Optional: sesame oil for drizzling at the end)
  • (Garnish: Chopped green onions for serving)
  • (Garnish: Sesame seeds for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Rice: Rinse your rice under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This will help keep your rice fluffy.
  2. Combine Ingredients in Rice Cooker: In your rice cooker pot, combine the rinsed rice and water. Add the chopped kimchi along with any juices from the jar to enhance flavor. Stir in julienned carrots and frozen peas if using. If you are adding protein, include it now as well.
  3. Seasoning Addition: Pour in soy sauce over everything and gently stir to mix all ingredients without breaking up too much of the rice.
  4. Cook the Mixture: Close the lid of your rice cooker and set it to cook according to its specific settings for white or jasmine rice (usually about a standard cooking cycle of approximately 30 minutes).
  5. Final Fluffing & Resting Period: Once cooking is complete and your cooker switches off, let it sit with the lid closed for an additional five minutes to allow steam absorption.
  6. Serve It Up! Open up your rice cooker carefully; fluff everything gently with a fork or wooden spoon. Drizzle sesame oil if desired before serving.
  7. Garnishing & Plating: Transfer portions into bowls or plates; sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before enjoying!