5 Minute Gyeran Bap (Korean Egg & Rice Breakfast)

Gyeran bap is a satisfying Korean egg rice dish made of fried eggs and rice. This Korean breakfast comes in handy when you are in a hurry in the morning because it’s a quick recipe to prepare. All you need is egg, leftover cooked rice, butter, soy sauce and sesame oil. In 5 minutes, you have a simple egg and rice breakfast bowl.

Back in the day, when I was just a little tot in Korea, my go-to Korean breakfast was gyeran bap – rice, fried egg, a splash of soy sauce, and sesame oil. This Korean rice and egg was so easy to make, even a child could do it!

And trust me, I did. No need for my dear mother to fix me up a meal when I could whip up a sunny-side-up egg myself in no time.

This fried egg with rice breakfast remains a beloved dish for me even as an adult. It was a staple during my college years when I needed a cheap and easy meal, and I continue to make it today when I’m short on time.

Along with Korean street toast, Gyeran bap brings back fond memories of my childhood, and I’m sure it does for many other Koreans as well.

What is Gyeran Bap?

Gyeran bap is a traditional Korean breakfast recipe that features steamed rice mixed with a fried egg, soy sauce, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds. Some people also add a thin slice of butter to bring extra richness to the dish.

It’s also known as Korean egg rice or fried egg with rice, but regardless of its name, the dish consists of the perfect combination of egg and rice. The topping can vary depending on personal preference.

This simple yet tasty meal is a popular breakfast or lunch item in Korea, as the combination of rice and egg provides a good balance of carbohydrates and protein to fuel the body.

Gyeran bap is not only delicious, but also a quick and easy dish to make, making it a great option for busy days when you need a satisfying meal in a hurry.

Topping options for gyeran bap

• Crumbled Roasted Seaweed: Adds texture and umami flavor to the dish. Try my Easy Homemade Roasted Seaweed Recipe if you are interested.
• Green Onion: Provides a fresh, crunchy taste and aroma to complement the richness.
• Kimchi: Cabbage Kimchi or other Types (Try with Green Onion Kimchi): Adds a spicy and tangy taste that pairs well with the dish.
• Gochujang Sauce: Try this Homemade Gochujang Sauce or Bibimbap Sauce. it adds a sweet and spicy flavor to the dish.
• Chili Crisp: Adds heat and texture to the dish. Check out my Chili Garlic Shrimp Recipe for an idea.
• Avocado: Provides a creamy and rich taste.
• Fish Roe or Fermented Pollock Roe (Myeongnan-jeot, 명란젓): Adds a salty and savory flavor.
• Ground Beef: Cooked Ground Beef Bulgogi adds a savory and meaty taste.

Recipe Tips and Advice

1. Egg: For the best results, use fresh organic eggs. I recommend cooking them sunny-side-up, as breaking the yolk and mixing it with the rice creates a creamy sauce that is utterly delicious.
   • If sunny-side-up is not your preference, you can cook to over-easy, but do not cook the yolk completely.
2. Rice: Freshly cooked rice is always the best, and you can use either white rice or multigrain rice (japgok bap) to make gyeran bap. If using leftover rice, be sure to reheat it in a microwave until hot.
3. Butter: Although optional, a thin sliver of butter adds richness and enhances the flavor in my humble opinion.

Ingredients list

• Egg: The main ingredient of gyeran bap, providing protein and flavor.
  • Typically, one egg is used per serving, but you can increase it to two eggs if you prefer a creamier and richer taste.
• Oil: Used to fry the egg and prevent it from sticking to the pan.
• Butter: Optional ingredient that adds richness.
• Soy sauce: Adds a savory taste and seasons the dish.
• Sesame oil: Adds a nutty fragrance to the aroma and enhances the overall flavor.
• Toasted sesame seeds: Provides a nutty taste and adds texture.

How to make Gyeran bap (Korean egg rice)

Step 1: Heat oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Crack an egg and fry it to your desired doneness. (I recommend sunny-side-up.)

Step 2: In a bowl, add warm rice. Place a thin sliver of butter and place the fried egg on top. The heat of the rice and egg will melt the butter instantly.

Step 3: Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the egg, and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds.

To serve, break the egg yolk with a spoon and break up the egg white into chunks. Mix the egg and rice together until well combined. Serve with kimchi on the side and enjoy!

More Egg Recipes to Try

• Simple Egg Fried Rice: makes a quick and easy meal for a busy weeknight.
• Korean Steamed Egg (Gyeran Jjim): a savory and fluffy side dish that accompanies any Korean main dish well.
• Healthy Seaweed Egg Drop Soup: perfect for breakfast or to serve with rice.
• Spicy Tofu and Egg in a Skillet: a spicy yet delicious one-pot dish.
• Korean Sauna Eggs (Instant Pot): a popular Korean spa snack that can be easily cooked in an instant pot.