Kimchi, available in the refrigerated section of many large grocery stores, is a flavor powerhouse. Often made with napa cabbage, the fermented Korean staple instantly adds layers of complex spice and tang to anything it touches. (Note that it often contains fish sauce or shrimp, so look for vegan versions if those ingredients don’t fit your dietary needs.) On top of its delicious taste, kimchi also provides nutritional benefits because “as a fermented food, it is a source of gut-friendly probiotics — good bacteria that are not only good for digestive health but also help the immune system in general,” Nourish columnist Ellie Krieger wrote.
I love to keep it in my kitchen to top bowls of grains and noodles, stir into soups and stews, and toss with stir fries. But its big, bold flavor can go into just about anything. If you’re looking for ways to put kimchi to good use, these recipes from our database are a good place to get started.
Korean Rice Cakes (Tteok) With Spicy Sausage and Kimchi
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Above. This warm, comforting dish features chewy rice cakes in a ragu of hot Italian sausage, gochujang, toasted sesame oil and kimchi. Get the recipe.
Sheet Pan Kimchi Noodles
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Soondubu Jjigae (Korean Soft Tofu Stew)
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This satisfying stew is easy to prepare any night of the week. It combines sauteed cabbage alongside kimchi for a double dose of the vegetable. Get the recipe.
Mac and Kimcheese With Mushrooms
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Kimchi adds spice and crunch to a comforting pan of macaroni and cheese with mushrooms and red bell pepper. Get the recipe.
Shrimp Burgers With Kimchi
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Shrimp, kimchi and a handful of aromatic ingredients pack these burger patties full of flavor. Get the recipe.
Gluten-Free Kimchijeon (Kimchi Pancakes)
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These savory pancakes are typically served as an appetizer, or you can make a meal of it with a vegetable side. Get the recipe.
Grilled Kimcheese
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Sliced pear or apple add sweet crunch to this grilled cheese sandwich from “Serve Yourself: Nightly Adventures in Cooking for One” by food and dining editor Joe Yonan. Get the recipe.
FAQs
Use our basic kimchi recipe to make fried rice, hot dogs, pancakes, co*cktails, braises — basically any dish — even better. As the national dish of South Korea, kimchi is a staple in kitchens around the world.
What does spicy kimchi go with? ›
Use our basic kimchi recipe to make fried rice, hot dogs, pancakes, co*cktails, braises — basically any dish — even better. As the national dish of South Korea, kimchi is a staple in kitchens around the world.
What can I do with a jar of kimchi? ›
Put that open jar of kimchi to delicious use with one of our recipes with kimchi. The funky fermented cabbage adds a complex flavour hit to all sorts of savoury dishes. Add a dollop to cheese toastie fillings, fold it into homemade slaw, parathas and fried rice, or stir it into hearty stews.
What is the most unique kimchi? ›
Here are 10 of the most interesting kinds of kimchi.
- Kkakdugi (Cubed Radish Kimchi) ...
- Ponytail Radish (Chonggak) Kimchi. ...
- Oi Sobagi (Cucumber Kimchi) ...
- Nabak (Red Water) Kimchi. ...
- Dongchimi (Radish Water Kimchi) ...
- Gat (Mustard Leaf) Kimchi. ...
- Bossam (Wrapped) Kimchi. ...
- Korean Buddhist-Style Baechu Kimchi. baechu kimchi.
How to eat kimchi for beginners? ›
Classic or Cucumber Kimchi
Whether you like them sunny side up, scrambled or somewhere in between, the kimchi will be a happy addition to your classic fried egg and toast. Slice toasted bread and top with your favorite eggs and kimchi and enjoy!
Is spicy kimchi inflammatory? ›
In summary, fermented vegetables such as kimchi, sauerkraut, fermented soy products, and beverages such as fermented teas are garnering attention as a source of natural anti-inflammatory bioactive compounds.
Can I eat kimchi straight from the jar? ›
Kimchi is a super versatile dish that can be eaten on its own - seriously, straight out of the jar - as a condiment, or worked into almost any recipe. It compliments many flavors in sometimes surprising ways and has enough flavor to stand out on its own.
Why does kimchi taste funky? ›
Kimchi spoilage and over-fermentation
It will continue to ferment at a cool temperature. If kimchi over-ferments, it will have a very vinegary odor and taste. It is not pleasant to eat raw, so it is often used for soups and stews. If any fermentation gets soft and slimy, then it is a sign of spoilage.
What is the #1 Kimchi brand? ›
Jongga has Industry leading Kimchi R&D center. Fermentation at perfect temperature for the perfect length of time, makes the quality of Kimchi constant and stable.
What is the new name for kimchi? ›
In 2021, South Korea's culture ministry made xinqi the official new Chinese name for kimchi, in an attempt to draw a clear distinction between Korean kimchi and Chinese pao cai. The reason a Chinese name was needed in the first place is because no Chinese character exists for the pronunciation of "kimchi."
Koreans love juicy, rich pork belly. In fact, they love it so much that there's even a pork belly day in Korea - March 3rd (as if we need an excuse…!). Simply BBQ the pork belly, wrap it in lettuce and serve it with a dipping sauce called ssamjang with kimchi on the side.
Should I eat kimchi cold or hot? ›
Kimchi can be eaten basically however you want. You can eat it cold straight from the container. You can use it as an ingredient in soups, noodles, Korean pancakes, and fried rice. You can even chop it up small, sautee it in butter and add it to things like hotdogs, quesadillas, or grilled cheese.
Can you eat kimchi every day? ›
However, there were a couple of downsides to eating too much kimchi, her team added. First, the popular side dish contains a lot of salt, which is never great for health. Secondly, beyond the one-to-three servings per day that did show a benefit, eating more kimchi was linked with obesity overall, the study found.
What is kimchi good to eat with? ›
Kimchi is the perfect topping for burgers — it works like pickled gherkin or red cabbage. Or you can mix the kimchi with some mayonnaise, sesame oil and sugar and brush your burgers with soy sauce to complement the kimchi tanginess.
Is spicy kimchi good for stomach? ›
The fiber and probiotics in kimchi can help you maintain a healthy digestive system. The probiotics in fermented food can help reduce the negative symptoms of many gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and colon inflammation.
Is kimchi supposed to be really spicy? ›
Is Kimchi Spicy? The bright red color of kimchi's signature seasoning, gochugaru, leaves many asking, "Is kimchi spicy?" The spice level of the kimchi depends on how much gochugaru went into the mix, with different versions available ranging from mild to very spicy.
Are you supposed to eat kimchi cold or hot? ›
Kimchi can be eaten basically however you want. You can eat it cold straight from the container. You can use it as an ingredient in soups, noodles, Korean pancakes, and fried rice. You can even chop it up small, sautee it in butter and add it to things like hotdogs, quesadillas, or grilled cheese.