A simple yet deeply satisfying Korean comfort food, Gyeran Bap combines fluffy rice topped with perfectly fried eggs and savory seasonings. This humble dish translates literally to “egg rice” and has been warming the hearts and filling the bellies of Koreans for generations as an easy go-to meal that delivers on both flavor and satisfaction.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is the epitome of simple comfort food that delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort. You’ll love Gyeran Bap because it takes just 10 minutes to prepare yet offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The runny egg yolks create a natural, rich sauce when mixed with the sesame oil-infused rice, while the green onions and sesame seeds add freshness and nutty depth. It’s an ideal quick lunch, late-night meal, or anytime comfort food that requires just a handful of pantry staples. Even better, this dish is endlessly customizable – add kimchi, seaweed, or other toppings to make it your own Korean rice bowl experience.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cooked white rice forms the foundation of this dish, providing a fluffy, starchy base that absorbs all the delicious flavors. Short-grain rice works best for its slightly sticky texture, but any rice you have on hand will do in a pinch.
Eggs are the star of this show, cooked until the whites are set but the yolks remain deliciously runny to create a natural, rich sauce when broken into the rice.
Sesame oil adds that distinctive nutty, aromatic flavor that’s essential to many Korean dishes. Just a small amount transforms the entire dish with its toasty depth.
Soy sauce brings umami and saltiness that seasons the rice perfectly. Low-sodium versions work well if you’re watching your salt intake.
Sesame seeds contribute a pleasant crunch and enhance the nutty notes from the sesame oil. Toasting them briefly before sprinkling intensifies their flavor.
Green onions provide a fresh, mild allium flavor and a pop of color. Both the white and green parts work beautifully in this dish.
Salt and pepper are simple but essential seasonings that help tie all the flavors together and can be adjusted to your personal preference.
Directions
- Heat the sesame oil in a large pan over medium heat. This creates a flavorful base for cooking the eggs.
- Crack the eggs directly into the heated pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the whites are fully set but the yolks remain runny. The runny yolks will create a luscious sauce when mixed with the rice.
- While the eggs are cooking, place the cooked rice in a bowl and drizzle with soy sauce. Toss gently to ensure the rice is evenly seasoned.
- Once the eggs are cooked to perfection, carefully transfer them on top of the seasoned rice.
- Finish the dish by sprinkling sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately while the eggs are still warm and the yolks are runny for the best experience.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 2 generous servings, perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. The preparation is remarkably quick:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, making it a reasonably light meal that can be complemented with side dishes for a more substantial dining experience.
Variations
Spicy Gyeran Bap: Add a tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) or a drizzle of chili oil for heat lovers.
Protein-Packed Version: Mix in some cooked, diced chicken, tofu for extra protein.
Veggie-Forward: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini beneath the egg for more nutrients and texture.
Kimchi Gyeran Bap: Mix in some chopped kimchi with the rice for a tangy, spicy twist.
Nori Topped: Sprinkle crumbled roasted seaweed on top for an umami boost and added minerals.
Avocado Addition: Place slices of ripe avocado alongside the egg for creaminess and healthy fats.
Brown Rice Substitute: Use brown rice instead of white for a nuttier flavor and more fiber.
Breakfast Style: Add a side of breakfast sausage for a Korean-inspired breakfast dish.
Storage/Reheating
While Gyeran Bap is best enjoyed fresh to experience the perfect runny egg yolk, you can store leftover components separately:
Rice Storage: Cooked rice can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheating Rice: Sprinkle a bit of water over refrigerated rice before microwaving to restore moisture. Heat until steaming hot.
Egg Preparation: It’s best to cook fresh eggs rather than storing cooked eggs with runny yolks for food safety reasons.
Quick Assembly: If you have leftover rice, you can quickly prepare fresh eggs and assemble a new bowl in just minutes.
Meal Prep Tip: Prepare extra rice and portion it into containers, then quickly cook fresh eggs when you’re ready to eat for a speedy meal.
FAQs
What is Gyeran Bap?
Gyeran Bap (계란밥) literally means “egg rice” in Korean. It’s a simple comfort food dish consisting of cooked rice topped with fried eggs and seasoned with sesame oil, soy sauce, and simple garnishes.
What type of rice works best for Gyeran Bap?
Short or medium-grain white rice is traditionally used in Korean cuisine for its slightly sticky texture. However, you can use any type of rice you have available, including brown rice for a healthier option.
Can I make Gyeran Bap with leftover rice?
Absolutely! In fact, many Koreans make this dish specifically to use up leftover rice. Day-old refrigerated rice works perfectly and actually helps the grains maintain their integrity when mixed with the other ingredients.
How do I get the perfect runny egg yolk?
Cook the eggs over medium heat until the whites are completely set but the yolks are still soft, usually about 3-4 minutes. You can cover the pan briefly to help set the top of the whites without overcooking the yolk.
Is Gyeran Bap typically eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner?
This versatile dish is enjoyed at any time of day in Korea. It makes a quick breakfast, light lunch, simple dinner, or late-night snack when you need something satisfying but easy to prepare.
Can I make this dish vegan?
While the egg is central to traditional Gyeran Bap, you can create a vegan version by replacing the egg with pan-fried tofu and using tamari instead of soy sauce to ensure it’s completely plant-based.
What side dishes pair well with Gyeran Bap?
Kimchi is the most common accompaniment. Other traditional Korean side dishes (banchan) like cucumber salad, spinach namul, or simple soup also pair nicely with this dish.
Can I add hot sauce to Gyeran Bap?
Absolutely! Many Koreans enjoy adding gochujang (Korean chili paste) or other hot sauces for extra flavor and heat. Sriracha or any hot sauce you enjoy would work well.
How can I make this dish more substantial?
Add protein like cooked diced chicken, beef, tofu. You can also incorporate vegetables like sautéed spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots for more nutrients and bulk.
Is Gyeran Bap gluten-free?
Not in its traditional form due to the soy sauce, which typically contains wheat. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
Conclusion
Gyeran Bap showcases how the simplest ingredients can create deeply satisfying meals. This humble Korean egg rice dish exemplifies comfort food at its finest – quick to prepare, affordable, adaptable, and profoundly comforting. The magic happens when the runny egg yolk mixes with the sesame-infused rice, creating a creamy, savory sauce that elevates simple ingredients to something truly special. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or a satisfying late-night meal, Gyeran Bap delivers on all fronts. Make this dish part of your regular rotation, and you’ll understand why it has remained a beloved staple in Korean households for generations. Its beauty lies in its simplicity, proving that sometimes the most uncomplicated foods provide the greatest comfort.
Print
Gyeran Bap (Korean Egg Rice)
Gyeran Bap is a comforting and simple Korean egg rice dish, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat. Crack the eggs into the pan and cook until the whites are set but the yolks are still runny, about 3-4 minutes.
- In a bowl, place the cooked rice. Drizzle with soy sauce and toss to combine.
- Once the eggs are done, place them on top of the rice. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, green onions, and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the simplicity of this comforting dish.
Notes
- Use freshly steamed rice for the best flavor and texture.
- You can adjust soy sauce and sesame oil according to your taste preferences.
- This dish can easily be customized with additional toppings such as kimchi or seaweed.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg
