Sometimes, we all crave something that’s comforting but doesn’t take too much time to prepare. Gyeran Bap, or Korean egg rice, is a simple dish that hits all the right spots.
Picture this: a warm bowl of rice topped with a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg, seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sesame seeds. It’s satisfying, flavorful, and takes just minutes to make. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or a late-night snack, this dish has got your back.
I first came across Gyeran Bap while browsing through Korean recipes, and I was immediately drawn to how simple yet delicious it sounded. With just a few ingredients, I was able to create something that felt special and comforting.
Now, it’s a dish I turn to whenever I need a quick pick-me-up or a satisfying meal that doesn’t require a lot of effort. The blend of warm rice, creamy egg yolk, and savory seasonings is irresistible, and I can’t get enough of it.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This
Gyeran Bap is the type of dish you’ll want to make over and over again. It’s quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect choice for almost any time of the day.
- Simple and Quick – Ready in less than 10 minutes, this dish doesn’t require much prep. It’s the ultimate go-to for a speedy meal.
- Flavors That Work – The rich egg yolk mixes with the soy sauce and sesame oil, creating a savory, umami-packed bite in every spoonful.
- Endless Customization – Top it with kimchi, greens, or even avocado to make it your own.
- Comforting and Filling – Light enough for breakfast, but satisfying enough for lunch or dinner.
This dish is easy to prepare and a great way to enjoy the flavors of Korean cuisine in a way that feels homey and comforting.
What You’ll Need to Make Gyeran Bap
The best part about this dish is that it doesn’t require a lot of ingredients. In fact, you might already have most of these in your kitchen. Let’s break it down.
- Rice – You can use freshly cooked rice, but leftover rice works just as well. The rice serves as the base and soaks up all the flavor from the egg and seasonings.
- Egg – The star of the show, perfectly fried with a runny yolk that mixes into the rice, creating a creamy texture.
- Soy Sauce – A dash of soy sauce brings that savory, salty depth to the rice.
- Sesame Oil – A drizzle of sesame oil adds a warm, nutty richness that ties everything together.
- Sesame Seeds – These little seeds give a crunchy texture and add a nutty flavor.
- Green Onions (Optional) – Fresh and slightly peppery, they add a burst of freshness to balance the richness of the egg.
- Kimchi (Optional) – For a spicy, tangy contrast to the richness of the egg and rice.
Each of these ingredients brings something special to the dish, making it a flavorful and satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Gyeran Bap
Making Gyeran Bap is as easy as it sounds. With just a few steps, you’ll have a hearty, comforting bowl ready to enjoy.
- Cook the Rice – Start by cooking your rice. Freshly cooked rice is ideal, but day-old rice works well, too. If you’re using leftover rice, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stove with a little water to loosen it up.
- Fry the Egg – Heat a small amount of oil in a pan over medium heat. Crack an egg into the pan and fry it sunny-side-up. Cook it for about 3–4 minutes until the white is set and the yolk remains runny. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Prepare the Rice – While the egg is cooking, drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over your rice. Stir to combine and coat the rice evenly with the seasonings. The warm rice will absorb all the flavors and become deliciously savory.
- Assemble the Dish – Spoon the seasoned rice into a bowl, and then carefully place the fried egg on top. The hot rice will start to melt the creamy egg yolk, creating a rich, velvety texture.
- Garnish and Serve – Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions over the top. If you want some extra spice, add a side of kimchi. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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The key to perfect Gyeran Bap is ensuring that the egg is cooked just right. The runny yolk mixes with the rice, making each bite creamy and flavorful.
What to Serve Alongside
While Gyeran Bap is a satisfying meal on its own, adding a few sides can make it feel even more complete.
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Kimchi | Adds a spicy, tangy kick to balance the richness of the egg and rice. |
| Sautéed Greens | Light and nutritious, sautéed spinach or kale make a nice complement. |
| Cucumber Salad | Cool and refreshing, it adds a crisp contrast to the warm dish. |
| Roasted Sweet Potatoes | The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes balances the savory flavor of the egg. |
| Toasted Seaweed | Adds crunch and umami flavor, a nice contrast to the creamy rice and egg. |
| Pickled Vegetables | The acidity of pickled veggies balances the richness of the dish. |
| Steamed Veggies | Light, healthy vegetables like broccoli or carrots work well on the side. |
These sides round out the meal, offering a variety of textures and flavors that complement the Gyeran Bap.
How to Store and Reheat Gyeran Bap
If you have leftovers, storing and reheating Gyeran Bap is simple.
To store: Let the rice and egg cool before transferring them to an airtight container. The rice will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days, while the egg is best eaten fresh.
To reheat: Warm the rice in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little water to bring it back to life. You can reheat the egg in a pan or microwave, but the yolk may not stay runny. Alternatively, cook a fresh egg to top the reheated rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice works well, though it may take a little longer to cook.
2. Can I use scrambled eggs instead of a fried egg?
Absolutely! Scrambled eggs will work just as well in this dish.
3. Can I make this vegan?
Yes! You can replace the egg with a tofu scramble and still get a similar texture and flavor.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
The rice can be made ahead of time, but it’s best to fry the egg fresh right before serving.
5. How can I make this spicier?
Add more kimchi, chili flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce to bring some heat to the dish.
This Gyeran Bap is an easy, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any time of day. It’s simple to make, full of flavor, and customizable to your liking. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a delicious bowl of comforting rice topped with a perfectly cooked egg.
Gyeran Bap – Korean Egg Rice
Equipment
- Pan For frying the egg
- Spatula For stirring the eggs
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice steamed or day-old
- 1 large egg sunny-side-up
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce for seasoning the rice
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil for flavor
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds for garnish
- 1 teaspoon green onions for garnish
- 1 tablespoon kimchi optional, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the rice until warm. If using leftover rice, warm it up in the microwave or on the stove with a little water.
- In a pan, heat a little oil and crack the egg in. Cook it sunny-side-up until the whites are set, about 3-4 minutes.
- Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the warm rice, stirring to coat evenly.
- Spoon the rice into a bowl, and top with the fried egg. Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and a side of kimchi if desired.
Notes
- Add avocado or roasted vegetables for extra texture.
- For a spicy kick, add chili flakes or sriracha sauce.
- Use brown rice for a more nutritious base.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!