If you’re craving something cozy, quick, and utterly satisfying, then Gyeran Bap (Easy Korean Egg Rice with Leftover Rice) is about to become your new best friend! This comforting Korean classic transforms yesterday’s rice, a humble egg, and a drizzle of seasoned magic into a bowl full of flavor that you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lightning-Fast Comfort: From fridge to table in just five minutes, this recipe is a life-saver on the busiest days – but nourishing enough you’ll crave it even on slow mornings.
- Budget-Friendly Hero: Leftover rice and a single egg can transform into a bowl that feels special, no extravagant groceries required.
- Customizable to Infinity: Gyeran Bap (Easy Korean Egg Rice with Leftover Rice) welcomes endless toppings and add-ins, so you can make it your own every single time.
- Deeply Satisfying: The dreamy blend of rich yolk, buttery grains, and nutty sesame is proof that simple flavors can be absolutely sensational.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Gyeran Bap (Easy Korean Egg Rice with Leftover Rice) is how brilliantly simple the ingredient list is – yet each element packs so much flavor, aroma, and comfort! Here’s what goes into making that homestyle magic happen, and why each component matters:
- Cooked Rice (1 serving/1 cup): Using yesterday’s rice? Even better – it soaks up the seasonings perfectly! Warmed rice gives that fluffy, toothsome base.
- Egg (1 large): The star of the show, fried just the way you like – sunny side up turns every bite creamy and luscious.
- Oil (1/2 tbsp): Just a touch in the pan, ensuring your egg fries up golden and tender without sticking.
- Butter (1/2 tbsp, optional): As it melts on the hot rice, butter adds a silky richness that makes the whole dish feel extra luxurious, even though it’s so simple.
- Soy Sauce (2 tsp): This brings salty-savory goodness and that essential depth that ties everything together.
- Sesame Oil (2 tsp): Just a drizzle of toasted sesame oil adds irresistible aroma and nuttiness.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds (2 tsp): That final sprinkle gives subtle crunch and a nutty finish – don’t skip them!
Variations
The beauty of Gyeran Bap (Easy Korean Egg Rice with Leftover Rice) is how easily you can put your own twist on it. Whether you’re cleaning out the fridge or craving bolder flavors, every bowl can be different! Here are some irresistible ideas to get you inspired:
- Double Egg Delight: Use two eggs per bowl for extra creaminess and a bigger protein boost – truly the breakfast of champions.
- Seaweed & Avocado: Add crumbled roasted seaweed (gim) and sliced avocado for a delicious contrast of crisp and creamy textures.
- Spicy Kick: Swap out the soy sauce for a spoonful of gochujang (Korean chili paste) or top with chili crisp for a punchier, fiery flavor.
- Meaty Upgrade: Toss in some leftover bulgogi, thinly sliced beef, or even sauteed mushrooms for a heartier meal.
- Egg Style Switch: Prefer scrambled or soft-boiled eggs? Go for it! This dish is all about your preferences.
How to Make Gyeran Bap (Easy Korean Egg Rice with Leftover Rice)
Step 1: Fry the Egg
Start by heating oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Crack in your egg and let it fry until the whites are just set and the yolk is runny, or cook it longer if you prefer. The key is to get those edges a little crispy while keeping the yolk gloriously creamy – it ties the whole bowl together once mixed!
Step 2: Prepare the Rice and Assemble
Place a serving of warm rice into your favorite bowl. If you’re using butter, slip a thin sliver on top so it starts to melt right away. Carefully top the rice with your freshly fried egg, letting it nestle in so the heat does its melty magic. Drizzle the soy sauce and sesame oil over everything, then finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
Step 3: Mix, Garnish & Enjoy
Grab your spoon! Break the yolk so it flows over the rice, and stir the egg and rice together until every grain glistens with buttery, yolky goodness and savoriness from the sauces. Top with any extra garnishes or kimchi on the side – then dig in while it’s piping hot for the ultimate comfort.
Pro Tips for Making Gyeran Bap (Easy Korean Egg Rice with Leftover Rice)
- Rice Revival: If your leftover rice is cold and clumpy, just sprinkle a few drops of water over it and give it a quick microwave – this brings it back to perfect, fluffy life.
- Egg Perfection: Don’t rush the egg! Medium heat lets you control doneness and prevents over-browning while keeping those yolks dreamy.
- Customize Your Sauces: Taste as you go when drizzling soy sauce and sesame oil – some like it saltier, some lighter, and the joy is discovering what feels “just right” for you.
- Garnish with Flair: Beyond sesame seeds, try a pinch of black pepper, sliced scallions, a sprinkle of chili flakes, or crumbled seaweed for extra flavor and color.
How to Serve Gyeran Bap (Easy Korean Egg Rice with Leftover Rice)
Garnishes
This is a bowl that just begs for a little sparkle on top! You can keep it classic with lots of toasted sesame seeds and a few shreds of seaweed (gim), or get creative with chopped scallions, a sprinkle of chili flakes, or even a spoonful of kimchi juice for extra zing and color.
Side Dishes
Korean meals love their banchan (small side dishes), and Gyeran Bap is dreamy with a bit of crunchy, tangy kimchi on the side. For a heartier meal, add a few slices of pickled radish, a handful of sautéed spinach, or a little bowl of simple miso soup to round things out beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the rice and toppings in a glass bowl for a color-popping breakfast parfait look, or pack everything into a mason jar or small lidded container for a portable lunch. Hosting brunch? Serve Gyeran Bap (Easy Korean Egg Rice with Leftover Rice) in individual mini bowls and let everyone add their own garnishes – it’s cozy food with a little bit of flair!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra rice or fried eggs, store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Gyeran Bap is definitely best when freshly mixed, but prepping components ahead for quick assembly is a great time-saver.
Freezing
Rice freezes surprisingly well! Portion leftover rice into freezer bags and reheat as needed. However, skip freezing the eggs – cooked eggs can turn rubbery when thawed. For the best Gyeran Bap, freeze portions of plain rice and prepare the egg fresh each time.
Reheating
To reheat rice, add a splash of water and steam in the microwave until it’s fluffy and hot. If you want to cook your egg ahead and fridge it, give it a quick, gentle reheat in a covered pan or microwave at low power, just until warmed through – but nothing beats a fresh-fried egg for that gooey yolk!
FAQs
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Can I use brown rice or other grains for Gyeran Bap?
Absolutely! While classic Gyeran Bap (Easy Korean Egg Rice with Leftover Rice) uses short or medium-grain white rice, brown rice, mixed grains, or even quinoa work wonderfully. Just make sure they’re warm and slightly sticky for the best texture.
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Do I have to add butter?
Butter is optional but highly recommended for its rich, silky flavor. If you’re dairy-free or prefer a lighter version, skip it – the sesame oil and soy sauce still give plenty of taste!
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Can I make Gyeran Bap (Easy Korean Egg Rice with Leftover Rice) vegan?
Yes! Swap the fried egg for a soft tofu scramble or a vegan egg substitute, use plant-based butter or simply omit it, and choose vegan-friendly toppings. The flavors and comfort will still be fantastic.
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What’s the best side dish to serve with this?
Kimchi is the hands-down favorite; its spicy, crunchy tang is made for Gyeran Bap. But any Korean banchan, pickled veggies, or a simple green salad makes an excellent, well-rounded side.
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about the simplest comfort foods, and Gyeran Bap (Easy Korean Egg Rice with Leftover Rice) embodies that magic perfectly. Whether you’re whipping it up for a quick breakfast, a midnight snack, or a lazy lunch, I hope this recipe brings that cozy Korean warmth right to your table. Give it a try, customize it with your favorite toppings, and let every bite remind you how deliciously easy a homemade meal can be!
Print
Gyeran Bap (Easy Korean Egg Rice with Leftover Rice) Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Description
Gyeran Bap is a delicious Korean dish that translates to ‘egg rice’. Made with simple ingredients like egg, rice, soy sauce, and sesame oil, this dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a quick meal.
Ingredients
For Gyeran Bap:
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tbsp (7 ml) oil
- 1 serving (about 1 cup / 200 g) cooked rice, warmed
- 1/2 tbsp (7 g) butter (optional)
- 2 tsp (10 ml) soy sauce, preferably low sodium
- 2 tsp (10 ml) sesame oil
- 2 tsp (6 g) toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Heat oil in a non-stick skillet: Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the egg: Crack an egg and fry it to your desired doneness.
- Assemble the dish: In a bowl, add warm rice. Place a thin sliver of butter over the rice and place the fried egg on top. Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the egg, and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds.
- Serve: Break the egg yolk with a spoon and break up the egg white into chunks. Mix the egg and rice together until well combined. Serve with kimchi on the side and enjoy!
Notes
- Typically, one egg is used per serving, but you can increase it to two eggs if you prefer a creamier and richer taste.
- Try adding toppings like crumbled roasted seaweed, avocado, fish roe, gochujang sauce, chili crisp, and ground beef bulgogi to enhance the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 215mg
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