This wet market has really gotten a lot bigger and better since we’ve gotten here. They moved the meat vendors and fish mongers to a newly expanded section, increased the number of vegetable sellers to keep prices reasonable, and added new vendors selling freshly-made dumplings, kimchi and other pickles, assorted braised meats, and fresh, flaky shaobing (烧饼). Smog aside, our wet market is definitely a big plus to living in Beijing. Korean immigrants are actually one of China’s 55 minority groups, and there are also a significant number of Koreans living in Beijing, so it’s not a surprise to see vendors here selling kimchi. Of course, the first thing that came to mind when I saw it was kimchi fried rice (this time with beef, and a luscious runny egg on top). I used brown rice, but feel free to use white rice!
Beef & Kimchi Fried Rice: Recipe Instructions
In a bowl, mix together the beef and marinade ingredients (cornstarch, sesame oil, soy sauce, sugar, and shaoxing wine), and set aside for at least 15 minutes.
Right before you’re ready to make your rice, cook the eggs sunny-side up in a pan, and keep them warm while you’re making the rice. Make sure the yolks stay runny! Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a wok over high heat. Once the wok starts to smoke, sear the beef and then set it aside on a plate.
Add another tablespoon of oil to the wok and cook the onion until it’s translucent. Add the peppers and cook for another minute…
…and then add the kimchi.
Stir everything together well, and add the cooked brown or white rice, stirring constantly. Add the cooked beef back to the wok, along with salt to taste, sesame oil, scallions, and a pinch of Korean chili flakes for extra heat.
Thoroughly mix everything together and serve a runny egg over this beef and kimchi fried rice!
