Gyeran Bap (Korean Egg Rice)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Gyeran Bap, or Korean Egg Rice, is a humble yet comforting dish made with hot rice, a fried or poached egg, and a simple blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and seasonings. It’s quick, flavorful, and deeply satisfying—perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a late-night snack. With minimal ingredients and maximum comfort, it’s Korean home cooking at its best.

ingredients

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

cooked short-grain white riceeggs (fried or soft scrambled)soy saucesesame oilsesame seedsbutter (optional for richness)green onions (sliced)nori (seaweed, shredded or crumbled, optional)black pepper

directions

Prepare a bowl of hot, freshly cooked rice.

Fry an egg to your desired doneness—runny yolk is traditional, but scrambled works too.

Place the egg on top of the rice.

Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil to taste.

Add a pat of butter for extra richness, if desired.

Top with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, and nori.

Season with freshly cracked black pepper.

Mix everything together before eating and enjoy warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 1 serving.Preparation time: 5 minutesCooking time: 5 minutesTotal time: 10 minutes

Variations

Add kimchi or gochujang for extra spice and tang.

Top with shredded cheese for a fusion twist.

Include leftover veggies, canned tuna, or bulgogi for a heartier meal.

Use brown rice or quinoa for a different grain base.

Try it with a soft-boiled or poached egg for a runnier texture.

storage/reheating

Best enjoyed fresh for ideal texture and temperature.If needed, store components separately in the fridge for up to 2 days.Reheat rice and egg gently in the microwave; add fresh toppings just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rice?

Yes! Just reheat until steaming hot before assembling the bowl.

What kind of soy sauce should I use?

Regular Korean or Japanese soy sauce works best; adjust for saltiness.

Can I make it vegan?

Yes, skip the egg and butter, and top with sautéed tofu or mushrooms.

Is this spicy?

Not unless you add spicy toppings like gochujang or chili flakes.

Do I have to use sesame oil?

Yes, it adds the signature nutty aroma and flavor of Gyeran Bap.

Can I use other grains?

Yes, try barley, brown rice, or multigrain blends for variation.

What’s the best egg style for this?

A sunny-side up or over-easy egg is most common for the runny yolk.

Is this good for kids?

Absolutely—it’s mild, soft, and easy to customize.

Can I double the recipe?

Easily—just scale up rice, eggs, and toppings as needed.

What if I don’t have seaweed?

You can skip it, but it adds great umami and texture.

Conclusion

Gyeran Bap is a warm, nourishing dish that proves simple ingredients can create unforgettable flavor. Whether you’re short on time, craving comfort, or just want a taste of Korean home cooking, this egg rice bowl is quick, customizable, and deeply satisfying. Stir it up and dig in—sometimes the simplest meals are the best.

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