Gyeran Bap is a savory, comforting Korean dish that features a bowl of hot, buttered rice topped with a perfectly fried egg. The dish is seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. This simple, satisfying meal comes together in just 10 minutes, making it the perfect quick fix for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Gyeran Bap is the epitome of comfort food with its rich, buttery rice and the warm, runny yolk of a fried egg. It’s incredibly easy to make, customizable, and can be enjoyed any time of the day. This dish doesn’t require fancy ingredients, making it a budget-friendly choice that’s perfect for using up leftover rice. Plus, the egg’s runny yolk blends perfectly with the rice, enhancing the flavors with each bite.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups cooked short grain rice (or jasmine rice)

• 1 egg

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• ½ teaspoon sesame oil (toasted)

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (adjust to taste)

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (toasted)

• 1 tablespoon green onion (finely chopped)

• ½ teaspoon vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare Rice: Heat your leftover rice in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or, if using freshly cooked rice, transfer it to a large bowl. Mix in the butter while the rice is hot to ensure it melts evenly.

2. Cook the Egg: Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Fry the egg sunny side up or over-easy, depending on your preference. For a sunny side up egg, cook until the whites are nearly set, but the yolk remains runny.

3. Assemble the Bowl: Transfer the buttered rice into a large serving bowl. Place the fried egg on top of the rice.

4. Season the Rice: Drizzle sesame oil and soy sauce over the egg and rice, then sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

5. Mix and Serve: Break the egg over the rice and mix everything together until the yolk blends with the rice. Serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 1

• Preparation Time: 5 minutes

• Cooking Time: 5 minutes

• Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Egg Variations: If you prefer crispy edges on your egg, add more oil during frying. For a fully cooked egg, lower the heat and cover the pan. Scrambled eggs can be added by beating the egg beforehand and stirring it gently over low heat.

• Toppings: Customize your Gyeran Bap with additions like kimchi, avocado, sautéed vegetables (carrots, zucchini, or spinach), or even canned tuna or cooked meat for extra protein.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the rice in the microwave for 2-3 minutes. If you don’t have a microwave, you can reheat the rice in a non-stick pan over medium heat until warm.

• Freezing: This dish is not recommended for freezing, as the rice may become hard once thawed.

FAQs

1. Can I use brown rice for Gyeran Bap?

While short grain white rice is preferred, you can substitute it with jasmine rice. Brown rice is not recommended due to its different texture and cooking time.

2. Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

Yes, you can substitute regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content.

3. How can I make the egg crispy?

To make the egg crispy, use more oil when frying it and allow the edges to crisp up in the pan.

4. What if I don’t have sesame oil?

If you’re out of sesame oil, you can use chili oil or any other mild oil, although the flavor may differ slightly.

5. Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable oil?

It’s better to avoid using olive oil as it has a strong flavor. Neutral oils like vegetable, canola, or avocado oil work best.

6. Can I make Gyeran Bap in advance?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the rice and egg mix together perfectly when hot. However, leftovers can be stored for a few days and reheated.

7. Can I make Gyeran Bap with scrambled eggs?

Yes, you can scramble the eggs if you prefer a different texture. Just beat the egg and cook it gently in the pan over low heat.

8. Is Gyeran Bap gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, simply use tamari sauce or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute.

9. What are good side dishes to serve with Gyeran Bap?

Pair it with kimchi, Korean cucumber salad, or sautéed vegetables like spinach or zucchini for a complete meal.

10. How can I adjust the spice level?

To spice things up, add a drizzle of chili oil or a dollop of gochujang (Korean red pepper paste).

Conclusion

Gyeran Bap is the perfect dish for when you want something simple yet flavorful. With minimal ingredients and a quick cooking time, it’s an excellent meal for busy days, and the best part is that it can easily be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you enjoy it with a runny yolk or scrambled eggs, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.