Kimchi Rice in Instant Pot

Last Updated on April 24, 2024 by Babita

Kimchi Rice is a flavorful, one-pot dish designed for busy individuals on the go. If you’re in a hurry and seeking a simple, comforting rice recipe without compromising taste, this one is perfect for you. You can easily prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot or a rice cooker in no time.

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About the Recipe

This is an improvisation of the classic Kimchi Fried Rice recipe. One day my daughter was craving kimchi fried rice. I did not have cooked rice which is a must for the fried rice recipe. I combined kimchi with raw rice and cooked it in the Insta-pot. In less than 12 minutes from scratch, kimchi rice was ready for all of us to enjoy. I topped it off with a sunny side egg and a complete meal was ready in minutes.

Where to Buy Kimchi

I usually make kimchi at home. However, for this recipe, you can use store-bought kimchi. The best place to buy kimchi is from HMart or any Asian store. I have seen kimchi in Farmer’s Market and Walmart as well. If you cannot find kimchi in any stores search on Amazon.

How to make Kimchi

Ingredients and Substitute Notes for Kimchi Rice

Kimchi: for this recipe, I use the traditional cabbage kimchi known as Pogi kimchi in Korean. This kimchi is made with Napa cabbage.

Rice: I use par-boiled long-grain rice. This rice is hardy and holds its shape and I find it perfect for this recipe. However, you can use the rice of your preference.

Oil: I use 2 different kinds of oil for this recipe. The first one is canola oil in which I saute the kimchi. The second oil is roasted sesame oil. This oil is used sparingly to drizzle on top of the finished rice to add some flavor.

Egg: Traditionally kimchi fried rice is topped with a fried egg. This is an optional ingredient. If you want to save time you can skip the egg.

Other Ingredients: include salt, water, sesame seeds, and green onions (garnishing).

How to Make Kimchi Rice in Instant Pot (see video below)

• Rinse the rice 2 – 3 times under running water. Drain and set it aside.
• Place the kimchi on a cutting board and roughly chop it into bite-sized pieces.
• Select the “Saute” tab on the instant pot and allow the inner pot to heat.
• Add oil. Next, add kimchi and saute it for a minute.
• Add rice and salt. Mix well. Add water.
• Unselect the saute tab. Place the lid on the instant pot and select the “Rice” tab. It is usually done in 12 mins.
• Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.
• Serve it hot in a bowl. Top it off with a fried egg. Garnish it with some chopped green onion. Drizzle over some sesame oil and sesame seeds.

This recipe is easy, so even a kid, college student (away from home), or untrained cook can make it. You can watch the above video or check out my YouTube channel for step by step process.