Kimchi is a versatile dish that can be eaten on its own or cooked with almost anything. Here I share 14 delicious ways to eat kimchi!
Kimchi / Kimchee (김치) is Korean fermented cabbage and it’s an integral ingredient in Korean cuisine. Many Koreans eat kimchi every day if not at every meal! You get the picture?
It is a great side dish that accompanies many Korean meals. In it’s simplest form, one can eat their meal purely with steamed rice and kimchi. Yep! I’ve done that before.
But I think it’s more fun and tasty when we get to mix kimchi with some other ingredients. Because I believe that kimchi has like 50 shades of flavor!
It’s great with rice, noodles, soup, salad and even pizza! It seems that only the sky is the limit. 😉
So are you ready?
P.S. While we are at it, check my small but expanding collection of kimchi recipes. (Kimchi is not all about napa cabbage kimchi, although “kimchi” in general predominantly refers to spicy napa cabbage kimchi.)
What to Cook with Kimchi
You can make any of the below dishes with store bought kimchi or homemade kimchi.
1. Kimchi Dumplings (Kimchi Mandu, 김치만두)
One of the most popular Korean dumplings is this! Pair kimchi with minced pork/beef/tofu and wrap them in a dumpling wrapper. You can pan fry them or steam them as you like!
Get the recipe for kimchi dumplings
2. Kimchi Fried Rice (Kimchi Bokkeumbap, 김치 볶음밥)
This 15 minute easy kimchi fried rice is definitely a keeper! Kimchi and rice is stir fried with smoky bacon and spicy kimchi juice. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Get the recipe for kimchi fried rice
3. Kimchi Stew (Kimchi Jjigae, 김치찌개)
You simply cannot talk about kimchi without kimchi jjigae! This ultra comforting spicy stew is loaded with (fatty) pork, tofu and kimchi. It’s simply irresistible!
Get the recipe for kimchi jjigae
4. Kimchi Pancake (Kimchi Buchimgae, 김치 부침개)
Savory kimchi pancake paired with irresistible Korean pancake dipping sauce! A must try!
Get the recipe for kimchi pancake
5. Ham and Egg Cups with Kimchi
Like I said earlier, you can put kimchi in almost anything! Ham and egg cups with kimchi is a great way to sneak in some kimchi for those who are not used to it. (Don’t worry, the taste is very subtle!) This is perfect for breakfast, lunch or brunch!
Get the recipe for ham and egg cups with kimchi
6. Tofu Kimchi (Dubu Kimchi, 두부김치)
Tofu Kimchi is a popular appetizer and also a drink snack in Korea. But it goes very well as a side dish to your main meals too! Spicy flavor from kimchi, pork, and nutty aromas from sesame oil are simply marvellous!
Get the recipe for tofu kimchi
7. Kimchi Udon (김치 우동)
This is a super addictive 15 mins kimchi udon recipe. It’s loaded with smoky bacon, kimchi and ultra spicy and tangy sauce. This is a keeper!
Get the recipe for kimchi udon
8. Spicy Cold Kimchi Noodles (김치국수)
There’s no better way to beat the hot summer weather than having some addictively spicy cold noodles! Yes, these noodles are loaded with kimchi and covered with sweet, spicy and tangy sauce! It will be your new favourite noodle dish!
Get the recipe for cold kimchi noodles
9. Kimchi Spaghetti
Korean fusion kimchi pasta! It’s loaded with creamy mushrooms, crispy bacon, buttery kimchi and Korea’s secret sauce gochujang! The final touch from the roasted sesame seeds and green onions are just perfect!
Get the recipe for kimchi spaghetti
10. Bibim Guksu (비빔국수)
This bibim guksu is a light soba noodle salad dish. It’s loaded with leafy greens, not to mention kimchi, and seasoned with spicy, sweet and tangy Korean chilli dressing. Another popular dish during summer time!
Get the recipe for bibim guksu
11. Kimchi Pizza (김치 피자)
You might be surprised to find out how well kimchi goes in pizza! The key is the balance. Just sprinkle little kimchi pieces over thin pizza base then bake it. It will come out as a perfect entree dish that’s crispy and savory with a hint of kimchi flavor!
Get the recipe for kimchi pizza
12. Serve with Korean BBQ
This is not quite a recipe, but more of a serving suggestion. Serve your kimchi over your Korean BBQ lettuce wraps. It’s irresistible. You can even grill some kimchi as well. They are simply the best!
Get the idea for Korean BBQ
13. Slow Cooker Kimchi Stew with Beef
This will be your lazy way to make kimchi stew. Enter slow cooker Kimchi stew! It is a perfect comfort food on a cold wintry day!
Get recipe for slow cooker kimchi stew with beef
14. Kimchi Rice Bowl (Kimchi Deopbap, 김치덮밥)
Another perfect weeknight meal that can be ready in 10 mins (or under)! Simply stir fry your old pungent kimchi with some sesame oil and sesame seeds then serve over rice. Voila!
Get the recipe for kimchi rice bowl
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