Gyeran Bap (Korean Egg Rice) Recipe
Gyeran Bap (Korean Egg Rice) is the ultimate comfort food—simple, nourishing, and ready in the blink of an eye. Imagine a steaming bowl of fluffy rice, its grains glistening with rich sesame oil and savory soy sauce, crowned with a perfectly fried egg that oozes golden yolk into every bite. This beloved Korean classic is as cozy as your favorite blanket and as quick as your busiest morning, making it a staple in kitchens everywhere. Whether you’re craving breakfast, lunch, or a midnight snack, Gyeran Bap (Korean Egg Rice) offers satisfaction in every spoonful and endless room for personal twists. If you’ve never tried it, you’re in for a real treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Gyeran Bap (Korean Egg Rice) lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is humble, yet essential for creating layers of flavor and comfort. Don’t let the short list fool you: every item here brings something special, from the aromatic sesame oil to the sprinkle of nutty sesame seeds.
- Cooked short-grain white rice (1 cup, warm): The heart of the dish, short-grain rice offers a wonderfully sticky texture that holds everything together.
- Large egg (1): A runny yolk adds creamy richness and blends beautifully with the rice.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Delivers a toasty, fragrant aroma and depth of flavor that’s unmistakably Korean.
- Soy sauce (1 teaspoon): Provides the salty, umami punch that seasons the whole bowl.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 tablespoon): Adds silky smoothness and a subtle sweetness to the eggs.
- Toasted sesame seeds (1/2 teaspoon): Give a nutty crunch and visual appeal to the finished dish.
- Green onion, finely chopped (1): Offers a pop of color and mild oniony freshness.
- Ground black pepper (pinch): Lends a gentle warmth and rounds out the flavors.
How to Make Gyeran Bap (Korean Egg Rice)
Step 1: Fry the Egg in Butter
Begin by heating a small skillet over medium heat and adding the unsalted butter. Once the butter is melted and just starting to sizzle, crack in your egg. Fry it until the whites are set but the yolk is still gloriously runny—or cook it to your personal liking! The butter gives the egg a velvety edge that really elevates the whole bowl.
Step 2: Season the Rice
While your egg is cooking, scoop the warm, fluffy rice into your favorite bowl. Drizzle the sesame oil and soy sauce over the rice, then gently mix everything together with a spoon. You’ll notice the grains glisten and take on a savory aroma—this is where the magic begins for Gyeran Bap (Korean Egg Rice).
Step 3: Top with the Fried Egg
Carefully slide your freshly fried egg onto the seasoned rice. Don’t worry if the yolk breaks a little—it’ll just mix in better later!
Step 4: Add Garnishes
Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped green onion over the top. Finish with a pinch of ground black pepper. These finishing touches add crunch, freshness, and a bit of gentle heat, making each spoonful memorable.
Step 5: Mix and Enjoy
Serve immediately. Right before eating, break the yolk and mix everything together so the creamy yolk, savory seasonings, and hot rice become one harmonious bite. That’s the true joy of Gyeran Bap (Korean Egg Rice)—customized to your taste, every single time.
How to Serve Gyeran Bap (Korean Egg Rice)
Garnishes
Personalize your bowl with creative garnishes! Try a drizzle of gochujang for a spicy kick, scatter some roasted seaweed flakes for extra umami, or top with more sliced green onions. Each garnish brings its own personality, making your Gyeran Bap (Korean Egg Rice) uniquely yours.
Side Dishes
Pair your egg rice with classic Korean banchan (side dishes) like kimchi, pickled radish, or sautéed spinach. These sides add brightness, crunch, and a burst of flavor that balance the creamy comfort of Gyeran Bap (Korean Egg Rice).
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this humble dish into a showstopper by serving it in a hot stone bowl, or add a sprinkle of furikake for Japanese flair. For a heartier meal, top with sautéed mushrooms, avocado slices, or a spoonful of leftover bulgogi. There’s no limit to how you can present and enjoy Gyeran Bap (Korean Egg Rice)!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Gyeran Bap (Korean Egg Rice), let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to two days. The rice may firm up slightly, but it’s still delicious when reheated.
Freezing
While freshly made is always best, you can freeze the seasoned rice (without the egg) for up to one month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the rice in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat and top with a freshly fried egg for that signature Gyeran Bap (Korean Egg Rice) experience.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle a few drops of water over the rice and microwave covered until steaming hot. Fry a new egg and assemble as usual. This method revives the texture and flavor, making your leftovers taste almost as good as the first bowl.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber. Just make sure it’s warm and slightly sticky so the seasonings and egg blend in nicely. Gyeran Bap (Korean Egg Rice) is all about making the most of what you have.
Is it okay to use a poached or scrambled egg instead of fried?
Definitely! While the classic uses a fried egg, poached or softly scrambled eggs work beautifully and still provide that creamy, comforting bite. Play around and see what version of Gyeran Bap (Korean Egg Rice) you love best.
What can I add for extra protein?
For a heartier meal, add a handful of sautéed tofu, a scoop of leftover chicken, or even some crispy bacon bits. This dish is endlessly adaptable—the basic Gyeran Bap (Korean Egg Rice) is just the beginning!
Is Gyeran Bap (Korean Egg Rice) gluten-free?
It can be! Simply swap the regular soy sauce for a gluten-free version or use tamari. Double-check your other ingredients, and you’re good to go for a tasty gluten-free meal.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, with a few tweaks. Replace the egg with a tofu scramble, use plant-based butter, and check that your soy sauce is vegan-friendly. Even as a vegan dish, Gyeran Bap (Korean Egg Rice) is still just as satisfying.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that’s quick, cozy, and endlessly customizable, Gyeran Bap (Korean Egg Rice) is sure to become a favorite. Don’t be shy—give it a try, and let this simple Korean comfort food add a little warmth and joy to your day.
Print
Gyeran Bap (Korean Egg Rice) Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Gyeran Bap, or Korean Egg Rice, is a simple yet comforting dish that combines warm short-grain rice with a perfectly fried egg, seasoned with sesame oil, soy sauce, and a touch of butter. This quick and easy recipe brings out the rich flavors of Korean cuisine in a single bowl, making it perfect for a satisfying breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Ingredients
Rice Base
- 1 cup cooked short-grain white rice (warm)
Egg and Seasoning
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- Pinch of ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the skillet and butter: Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add the unsalted butter. Allow it to melt and coat the pan evenly to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Cook the egg: Crack the egg into the skillet and fry it until the whites are fully set but the yolk remains runny, or cook according to your preferred doneness for the perfect texture.
- Season the rice: While the egg is cooking, place the warm cooked rice into a serving bowl. Drizzle the sesame oil and soy sauce over the rice and gently mix to combine and evenly distribute the flavors.
- Assemble the bowl: Carefully place the fried egg on top of the seasoned rice. This layering allows the rich yolk to mix with the rice when eaten.
- Add garnishes and serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onion, and a pinch of ground black pepper over the top for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately, breaking the yolk and mixing the ingredients together just before eating.
Notes
- For an extra kick of flavor, add a dash of gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sprinkle roasted seaweed flakes on top.
- This dish is highly customizable—try adding a drizzle of oyster sauce or a spoonful of kimchi for a more robust taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
