How BLACKPINK's Rosé Makes Her Secret Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe

BLACKPINK's Rosé, who recently garnered over 70 million views for her single "Apt," has another passion that's capturing fans' attention - cooking. While she's preparing for her upcoming album "Rosie," set to release in December 2024, her unique take on kimchi fried rice has become a talking point among food enthusiasts.

Her recipe features an unexpected combination of traditional Korean ingredients with a controversial twist - she's an avid cilantro enthusiast, despite the herb's divisive nature among food lovers. In fact, her dedication to cooking runs so deep that she dreams of eventually owning a cilantro farm complete with a Michelin-starred menu. This personal connection to cooking shines through in her signature kimchi fried rice recipe, which includes a surprising ingredient that even her mother questioned - a dash of sugar that sets her version apart from the traditional preparation.

The Story Behind Rosé's Kitchen Adventures

During a candid interview with Vogue, Rosé unveiled her culinary passion through a cooking demonstration of her signature kimchi fried rice. The K-pop star's kitchen adventure began as she prepared this classic Korean dish alongside somaek, a traditional Korean beverage that combines beer and soju.

Initially, Rosé expressed concerns about cooking on camera, determined not to repeat past culinary mishaps. Subsequently, she shared an intriguing connection between her latest single "APT" and her cooking endeavors. The song, named after a popular Korean drinking game, emerged from casual studio sessions where she introduced her team to Korean drinking customs.

Furthermore, Rosé's journey to becoming a member of BLACKPINK adds depth to her cooking narrative. Before achieving stardom, she competed against 1,000 other contestants in an open audition. Following her selection, she underwent four years of intensive training before debuting with BLACKPINK at age 19.

The most fascinating aspect of Rosé's culinary story lies in her unconventional ingredient choices. She boldly incorporates Cheongyang chili pepper with mayonnaise to create a distinctive sauce. Additionally, her signature touch includes adding sugar to the recipe, notwithstanding her mother's disapproval.

Perhaps the most surprising element of Rosé's culinary journey is her profound love for cilantro. Despite acknowledging its controversial nature among food enthusiasts, she consistently adds generous portions to her dishes. This passion extends beyond mere cooking preferences - she envisions a unique retirement plan centered around cilantro cultivation.

Looking ahead, Rosé dreams of establishing "The Cilantro Farm," where she plans to collaborate with a Michelin chef to create an exclusive cilantro-based menu. She envisions herself relaxing in cilantro fields, sipping specially crafted cilantro cocktails. This ambitious vision perfectly illustrates how her culinary interests have evolved from simple kitchen experiments to grand gastronomic aspirations.

Essential Ingredients for Rosé's Secret Recipe

The secret behind Rosé's signature kimchi fried rice lies in her carefully selected ingredients, each contributing to the dish's unique flavor profile. At the heart of her recipe sits well-fermented kimchi, which forms the foundation of this Korean comfort food.

The star ingredient that sets her version apart is a can of diced Spam, bringing a savory depth to the dish. Alongside these main components, she incorporates gochujang (Korean chili paste), which adds a complex layer of heat and umami. A generous drizzle of olive oil ensures the perfect texture, while sesame oil introduces a nutty aroma that elevates the overall taste.

For an extra kick, Rosé creates a distinctive Cheongyang mayo sauce by combining Cheongyang chili peppers with mayonnaise. This innovative condiment adds a creamy heat that complements the other flavors perfectly. Moreover, she includes a controversial ingredient - a sprinkle of sugar - against her mother's advice, insisting it enhances the overall taste profile.

The base of the dish requires perfectly cooked rice, which serves as a canvas for absorbing all the flavors. Fresh eggs are also essential, as their rich yolks create a luxurious coating when mixed with the hot rice. To finish the dish, Rosé adds a generous portion of sesame seeds, which provide a subtle crunch and visual appeal.

Perhaps the most distinctive element of her recipe is the abundant use of fresh cilantro. Unlike traditional Korean fried rice recipes, Rosé incorporates what she calls "a whole size of cilantro" as a garnish. This unconventional addition reflects her personal philosophy that "cilantro makes everything beautiful".

To complete the dining experience, Rosé pairs her kimchi fried rice with somaek, a traditional Korean beverage that combines soju and beer. This combination creates a perfect balance, with the refreshing drink complementing the rich, spicy flavors of the fried rice.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Creating Rosé's signature kimchi fried rice begins with proper preparation of ingredients. First, the kimchi should be sliced into small, bite-sized pieces, ensuring each morsel carries maximum flavor. Simultaneously, the Spam requires dicing into uniform cubes for even cooking.

The cooking process starts by heating a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced Spam and stir-fry until each piece achieves a golden-brown, crispy exterior. This crucial step creates a savory foundation for the dish.

Next comes the incorporation of the chopped kimchi and gochujang. These ingredients should be stirred thoroughly with the crispy Spam, allowing the flavors to meld together. The gochujang adds depth and a spicy kick to the overall taste profile.

After the kimchi mixture has been well-combined, add the cooked rice to the pan. Mix everything together until each grain of rice is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce. For optimal results, use day-old rice, as it maintains better texture during stir-frying.

The finishing touches make this dish truly special. First, drizzle sesame oil over the rice mixture and sprinkle sesame seeds for added nutty flavor and visual appeal. Then, prepare the signature Cheongyang sauce by combining Cheongyang chili pepper with mayonnaise.

Rosé's controversial yet game-changing addition comes next - a sprinkle of sugar. Although her mother advised against it, this sweet element brings balance to the savory and spicy components.

For plating, arrange the fried rice on a serving dish and top it with a generous portion of fresh cilantro. As Rosé emphasizes, "Cilantro makes everything beautiful". The final touch involves creating the perfect bite by adding a fried egg on top, allowing the runny yolk to create a rich, creamy sauce when mixed with the rice.

For authentic presentation, serve immediately while hot, accompanied by the traditional Korean cocktail somaek. This combination creates an ideal balance between the rich, spicy flavors of the fried rice and the refreshing beverage.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

The perfect presentation of kimchi fried rice elevates this humble dish into a memorable culinary experience. For an authentic Korean dining experience, serve the dish piping hot with a runny egg yolk on top, allowing it to create a rich, creamy sauce when mixed with the rice.

A distinctive feature of Rosé's serving style includes a generous side of fresh cilantro, reflecting her deep appreciation for this aromatic herb. The vibrant green cilantro not only adds visual appeal but furthermore introduces a fresh, citrusy note that brightens the entire dish.

The traditional Korean cocktail somaek serves as the ideal beverage pairing for this hearty dish. This drink, crafted by combining soju and maekju (Korean beer), creates a harmonious blend that perfectly complements the spicy and savory elements of the kimchi fried rice. The name "somaek" itself derives from combining "so" from soju and "maek" from maekju.

For an enhanced dining experience, Rosé recommends serving the dish with her signature Cheongyang mayo sauce. This unique condiment, prepared by blending Cheongyang chili peppers with mayonnaise, adds an extra layer of creamy heat to each bite. As a thoughtful accompaniment, she suggests serving dried squid alongside the mayo sauce, creating a delightful contrast in textures.

The dish represents more than just a meal - it offers a gateway into Korean culture through food. Each element, from the traditional kimchi to the modern addition of Spam, tells a story of Korean culinary evolution. The combination of these ingredients creates what Rosé calls "the perfect bite" - a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that exemplifies Korean home cooking.

For those seeking to experience authentic Korean flavors, this dish provides an accessible entry point into the rich world of Korean cuisine. The straightforward preparation method, coupled with readily available ingredients, makes it an ideal choice for both novice cooks and experienced food enthusiasts exploring Korean culinary traditions.

FAQS

Curious fans frequently ask questions about Rosé's culinary journey and her unique approach to cooking. Here are some common queries about her kitchen adventures:

Q: What inspired Rosé to start cooking? Her cooking journey began primarily through her training years, specifically developing an affinity for Spam-based dishes. Furthermore, these kitchen experiments served as personal therapy sessions, helping her navigate challenging periods while working on her music.

Q: Why does Rosé add cilantro to her kimchi fried rice? Beyond mere garnish, cilantro holds a special place in Rosé's culinary heart. She consistently pairs her dishes with "a whole side of cilantro", believing this herb enhances both flavor and presentation.

Q: What is Rosé's ultimate culinary dream? Surprisingly, Rosé harbors a unique retirement plan - establishing "The Cilantro Farm". This ambitious vision includes collaborating with a Michelin-starred chef to create an exclusive cilantro-based menu, essentially creating a cilantro-themed establishment similar to a winery.

Q: How does Rosé handle cooking on camera? She openly acknowledges feeling nervous about cooking demonstrations. Nevertheless, she approaches each cooking session with authenticity, sharing both successes and potential mishaps.

Q: Does Rosé plan to share more recipes? Based on fan reactions across social media platforms, viewers eagerly anticipate more cooking content from Rosé. Many supporters express enthusiasm for a potential cooking show, particularly appreciating her casual, authentic approach to culinary content.

Q: How does cooking relate to Rosé's music career? Cooking serves as a creative outlet parallel to her music. She views both as forms of personal expression, often using kitchen time to decompress between studio sessions. This connection between culinary arts and music demonstrates how she balances her professional career with personal interests.

Q: What makes Rosé's cooking style unique? Her approach combines traditional Korean techniques with unexpected elements. Particularly, she's known for adding controversial ingredients against conventional wisdom, such as incorporating sugar into kimchi fried rice despite maternal disapproval.