Gyeran Bap (Korean Egg Rice)

Short Description

Gyeran Bap, which translates to “egg rice” in Korean, is a beloved comfort food made with steamed rice, a fried or soft-cooked egg, and simple seasonings like soy sauce, sesame oil, and butter. It’s a quick and flavorful dish commonly enjoyed for breakfast or a light meal, especially when time or ingredients are limited.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients
• Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a late-night snack
• Customizable with your favorite toppings or add-ins
• Offers warm, savory, and deeply satisfying flavors
• A nostalgic and comforting meal for many
• Easily scalable to serve one or more
• Uses pantry staples you likely already have
• Delicious fusion of creamy, salty, and nutty notes
• Great way to use up leftover rice
• Requires no special cooking skills

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1½ cups cooked short-grain rice
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
• ½ teaspoon neutral oil (like vegetable or canola oil) for frying

Optional Add-ins:

• Kimchi
• Roasted seaweed flakes
• Sautéed vegetables (such as spinach, carrots, or mushrooms)
• Avocado slices
• Leftover cooked meat (chicken, beef, or tuna)
• A sprinkle of cheese

Directions

1. Heat the cooked rice in a bowl if it’s not freshly made. Add butter and mix until melted and well combined.
2. In a non-stick skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Crack the egg into the pan and fry until the white is set and the yolk is still runny (or cook longer if desired).
3. Place the egg over the buttered rice. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil.
4. Sprinkle green onions and sesame seeds on top.
5. Mix everything together before eating to distribute the flavors evenly. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 1
• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Gyeran Bap: Add gochujang or chili oil for a kick of heat.
• Cheesy Gyeran Bap: Mix in grated cheese with the hot rice for a creamy texture.
• Protein-Rich Version: Top with leftover grilled chicken, beef, or tofu.
• Veggie Boost: Stir in sautéed spinach, zucchini, or carrots for added nutrition.
• Seafood Twist: Add canned tuna or a sprinkle of furikake for an umami lift.
• Garlic Butter Flavor: Use garlic butter instead of plain for deeper flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating: To reheat, microwave until hot, or warm in a skillet over low heat. If the egg was already mixed in, consider adding a fresh fried egg on top after reheating to revive the dish.

FAQs

What type of rice is best for Gyeran Bap?

Short-grain rice like Korean or Japanese varieties is preferred for its sticky texture, but any cooked rice will work.

Can I use leftover rice?

Yes, leftover rice is ideal. Just make sure to reheat it until hot before adding other ingredients.

Is this dish eaten for breakfast only?

While commonly enjoyed for breakfast, it’s also perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a late-night snack.

Can I make this dish vegan?

Yes, substitute the butter with vegan butter or oil and use a plant-based egg substitute.

What can I use instead of soy sauce?

You can use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free option or reduced-sodium soy sauce for less salt.

Is it okay to mix everything together?

Yes, that’s actually how it’s traditionally eaten—mixing the egg, rice, and seasonings makes for a cohesive flavor.

How can I make it spicier?

Add gochujang, red pepper flakes, or chili oil for more heat.

Can I add meat or fish?

Absolutely—tuna, shredded chicken, beef, or even bacon can be added for extra protein.

What other toppings go well with it?

Roasted seaweed, kimchi, green onions, and sesame seeds are all great additions.

Is this suitable for kids?

Yes, its mild flavor and simple ingredients make it very kid-friendly.

Conclusion

Gyeran Bap is a humble yet deeply comforting dish that proves delicious meals don’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re short on time, ingredients, or energy, this Korean egg rice will satisfy your hunger with minimal effort. Try it once, and it may just become your new go-to comfort food.

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