Gyeran Bap (Korean Egg Rice)
Description:
Gyeran Bap (계란밥) is a comforting Korean dish made with hot steamed rice topped with a fried or scrambled egg, seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil. It’s quick, simple, and budget-friendly—perfect for breakfast, a lazy lunch, or a late-night snack. While traditionally minimal, it can be customized with toppings like seaweed, scallions, or kimchi for extra flavor and texture.
Ingredients (1 serving):
1 cup hot cooked short-grain white rice (preferably Korean or Japanese rice)
1 large egg
1 tsp soy sauce (Korean soy sauce for soup is common, but regular light soy sauce works)
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 tsp unsalted butter (optional but adds richness)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings:
Toasted seaweed (gim/nori), crumbled
Chopped scallions
Sesame seeds
Kimchi (as a side)
Chili flakes or gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
Instructions:
Cook the rice
Prepare 1 cup of hot steamed rice. Use freshly made or reheat leftover rice until hot and fluffy.
Fry the egg
Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat with a small amount of oil or butter.
Crack the egg into the pan. Fry sunny-side up or over-easy, depending on your preference. The runny yolk adds richness to the dish.
Assemble the bowl
Place the hot rice in a serving bowl.
Top with the fried egg.
Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the top.
Add a small knob of butter if using.
Garnish (optional but recommended)
Sprinkle toasted seaweed, sesame seeds, and chopped scallions.
Serve with kimchi on the side for a tangy contrast.
Mix & enjoy
Break the egg yolk and stir everything together so the rice is coated with the egg, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving):
Nutrient Amount
Calories 350–400 kcal
Protein 9–12 g
Carbohydrates 45–50 g
Fat 15–18 g
Fiber 1–2 g
Sodium 600–800 mg (depends on soy sauce used)
Note: These values can vary based on the amount of butter, soy sauce, and toppings used.
Total Time:
Preparation: 5 minutes
Cooking: 5 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I use brown rice or other grains instead?
A: Yes! While short-grain white rice is traditional, you can substitute with brown rice, quinoa, or multigrain blends for added nutrition.
Q2: Is Gyeran Bap suitable for vegetarians?
A: Yes, as long as you use a plant-based butter or skip it altogether and use vegetarian-friendly soy sauce.
Q3: What can I add for extra protein?
A: Add tofu, a second egg, or leftover meat like chicken, beef bulgogi, or even spam.
Q4: Can I scramble the egg instead of frying it?
A: Absolutely. Scrambled or soft-boiled eggs work just as well.
Q5: Is this safe for kids?
A: Yes, it’s kid-friendly. Just moderate the soy sauce and spice levels.
Q6: Can I meal prep Gyeran Bap?
A: You can pre-cook rice and store it in the fridge. Just reheat and fry the egg fresh
when serving.