10-min. Easy Korean Egg Rice (Gyeran Bap)

Steaming hot rice topped with a perfectly fried egg, melted butter, and savory seasonings creates the ultimate comfort food in just minutes. This Korean Egg Rice (Gyeran Bap) transforms humble pantry staples into a satisfying meal that's as suitable for a quick breakfast as it is for dinner after a long day. The magic happens when you break that golden, runny yolk and mix everything together, coating each grain of rice with rich, savory goodness.

I discovered this dish during my busiest semester in college when elaborate cooking wasn't an option. What started as a necessity quickly became my favorite comfort meal. Years later, whenever life gets hectic, this is still my go-to recipe that never disappoints. The simplicity belies just how incredibly satisfying each bite can be.

Essential Ingredients

• Short Grain Rice: Sushi rice or Calrose rice creates the most authentic texture—their stickiness helps incorporate the flavors perfectly
• Farm-Fresh Eggs: The fresher your eggs, the more vibrant the yolks and better the flavor—aim for local or organic eggs whenever possible
• Unsalted Butter: A small amount adds incredible richness that transforms plain rice into something special
• Sesame Oil: This aromatic oil provides that distinctive nutty flavor—a little goes a very long way
• Soy Sauce: Adds essential umami depth and saltiness—use regular or low-sodium based on your preference
• Green Onions: Fresh chopped scallions add brightness, color, and a mild onion flavor that cuts through the richness
• Toasted Sesame Seeds: These tiny seeds add subtle texture and nutty flavor that enhances the sesame oil notes

Cooking Method

Prepare The Rice:

Begin with hot steamed short-grain rice—either freshly cooked or leftover rice that's been properly reheated. If using leftover refrigerated rice, microwave it covered for 2-3 minutes until steaming hot. Transfer the hot rice to a large serving bowl with ample space for mixing.

Add Richness:

While the rice is still hot, add a pat of unsalted butter and stir until completely melted and incorporated. The heat from the rice will melt the butter, distributing rich flavor throughout every grain. This simple step elevates the entire dish from basic to sublime.

Cook The Perfect Egg:

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a small amount of neutral cooking oil. Once hot, crack in your egg and cook until the whites are set but the yolk remains runny. For perfectly cooked whites without burning, you can spoon some of the hot oil over the top of the egg white areas that need more cooking.

Assemble With Care:

Gently slide the fried egg directly on top of your buttered rice. The presentation at this stage is particularly beautiful, with the vibrant yellow yolk centered on the white rice canvas. Drizzle sesame oil and soy sauce around the edges, then sprinkle with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Mix To Enjoy:

Before eating, break the egg yolk and mix everything together thoroughly. This is the crucial moment when all flavors combine—the runny yolk creates a silky sauce that coats each grain of rice while incorporating the soy sauce, sesame oil, and butter into one harmonious flavor.

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The first time I made this for my roommate in college, she looked skeptical about something so simple. After one bite, she immediately asked for the recipe and now makes it regularly for her own family. The look of surprise on people's faces when they taste how complex and satisfying such a simple dish can be is always priceless.

Perfect Companions

Elevate this humble dish with thoughtfully paired side dishes. Kimchi provides the perfect tangy, spicy contrast to the rich, savory rice bowl while adding probiotic benefits. A simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar, salt, and a touch of sugar offers refreshing crunch that balances the soft textures of the rice and egg. For a more substantial meal, include a small bowl of miso soup whose gentle umami notes complement the egg rice without overwhelming it.

Flavor Variations

Customize this versatile dish to create exciting new versions. Add a drizzle of gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a spicy kick that transforms the flavor profile completely. Create a heartier meal by topping with sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini that add nutrition and texture. For a more substantial protein boost, include small pieces of cooked spam, bacon, or leftover chicken that integrate beautifully with the egg and rice while making the dish more filling.

Storage Wisdom

Maintain flavor and freshness with proper storage techniques. While best enjoyed immediately after preparation, leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, sprinkle a few drops of water over the rice before microwaving covered for 2-3 minutes to restore moisture. For best results when planning ahead, store cooked rice separately from cooked eggs and assemble fresh portions as needed. Note that freezing is not recommended as the texture of both rice and eggs deteriorates significantly.

I've prepared this dish hundreds of times over the years, and it never fails to provide comfort no matter what life throws my way. What makes it special is how it transforms the most basic ingredients into something that feels nurturing and satisfying. On particularly difficult days, there's something meditative about the ritual of frying the perfect egg and watching the yolk create that golden sauce as it mixes with the rice. This recipe reminds me that good food doesn't need to be complicated or expensive—sometimes the simplest dishes provide the greatest pleasure.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why is this dish called Gyeran Bap?

Gyeran Bap translates literally to "egg rice" in Korean (gyeran = egg, bap = rice). It's a beloved comfort food in Korea, especially popular as a quick meal when you don't have much time or ingredients.

→ What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Short-grain rice is traditional for Korean dishes because it's stickier, but you can substitute jasmine rice if that's what you have available. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

→ Can I make this dish more substantial?

Absolutely! The recipe suggests several add-ins like kimchi, canned tuna, roasted seaweed flakes, avocado, or sautéed vegetables to make it heartier. Many Koreans customize this basic dish with whatever they have on hand.

→ Is there a substitute for sesame oil?

Sesame oil has a distinctive flavor that's hard to replace, but in a pinch, you could use a neutral oil with a few drops of soy sauce for depth. The dish won't have the same nutty aroma but will still be tasty.

→ How long does it take to make if I don't have cooked rice?

If you need to cook the rice first, it will take about 30-45 minutes total. The recipe provides detailed instructions for cooking rice on the stovetop, including a 20-30 minute soaking time and 12-14 minutes of cooking.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the egg texture changes when refrigerated and reheated. However, you can prepare the rice ahead of time and just fry the egg fresh when you're ready to eat.