Kimchi & Vegetable-Fried Black Rice
Kimchi is a probiotic-packed superstar, full of good-for-your-gut bacteria. As well, the cabbage in the kimchi, the green onions, mushrooms, ginger, garlic and snow peas all promote a healthy environment in which good bacteria can flourish in the digestive tract — so it’s a win-win.
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This recipe features black rice – a good source of fiber and antioxidants – and more veggies than the fried rice you’ll find in a takeout container. Cooking can dampen the benefits of probiotics, so a bit of uncooked kimchi is added as a boost just before serving.
Tip: Black rice is also known as “forbidden rice” — a name you’ll see on some packages. We suggest adding a 2-inch piece of dried kombu (seaweed) to the cooking water to help with digestion.
Fun Fact: Ninety-five percent of your body’s serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in your brain-gut communication, is housed in your gut. Not only does serotonin play a role in mood regulation, but it also helps in the regulation of bowel movements, which explains why you may experience gastrointestinal distress when you are stressed.
Ingredients
1/4 cup avocado oil, divided
3 cups thinly sliced shiitake mushroom caps
3/8 tsp sea salt, divided
6 green onions, white and light green parts only, sliced diagonally
8 oz snow peas, trimmed and halved diagonally
¼ tsp ground black pepper
1 2-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and minced
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
3/4 cup drained kimchi, chopped, divided
2 cups cooked black rice (see tips, below), warm
2 tbsp reduced-sodium tamari or coconut aminos
1/2 tsp raw honey
2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
Preparation
1. In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tbsp avocado oil on medium-high. Add mushrooms; season with ¼ tsp salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to turn golden, about 8 minutes. Add remaining 2 tbsp avocado oil, green onions and snow peas; season with remaining 1/8 tsp each salt and 1/8 tsp pepper. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Add ginger, garlic and ½ cup kimchi; cook, stirring often, until ginger and garlic are softened and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
2. Stir in rice, ¼ cup water, tamari and honey and cook, stirring, until well combined and heated through, about 1 minute. Season with remaining 1/8 tsp pepper. Drizzle with sesame oil. Divide among bowls. Top with reserved ¼ cup kimchi.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size 1/4 of recipe
- Calories 352
- Carbohydrate Content 33 g
- Cholesterol Content 0 mg
- Fat Content 22 g
- Fiber Content 4 g
- Protein Content 7 g
- Saturated Fat Content 3 g
- Sodium Content 654 mg
- Sugar Content 5 g
- Monounsaturated Fat Content 13 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat Content 5 g