21 Totally Delicious Recipes With Kimchi

ByViolet Parker

Kimchi, the fiery fermented staple of Korean cuisine, has taken the global food scene by storm. This spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet side dish is not only packed with probiotics but also bursting with flavour, and it’s of huge cultural significance in Korea.

Hyungsoo Yim, a chef at the Institute of Traditional Korean Food, told the BBC that kimchi isn’t “just food—it’s a kind of Korean soul“.

Traditionally made from napa cabbage and a variety of seasonings, including gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes), garlic, ginger, and fish sauce, kimchi adds a kick to any meal.

I’ve almost always got a jar of kimchi in my fridge, and I’ve discovered that it’s a passport to transforming such a wide range of everyday dinners. From quick and healthy lunches to satisfying dinners with a depth of beautiful Korean flavors, I’ve put together this collection of 21 of the very best recipes with kimchi…

delicious recipes with kimchi

1. Kimchi Pancakes

kimchi pancakes on a plate

Kimchi pancakes are savory and crispy, making them a perfect appetizer or snack. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup chopped kimchi
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup chopped scallions
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix flour, water, egg, salt, and scallions until smooth.
  2. Add chopped kimchi and mix well.
  3. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
  4. Pour batter into the pan and spread it out thinly.
  5. Fry until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  6. Serve hot with dipping sauce.

2. Spicy Kimchi Fried Rice

kimchi fried rice

This spicy kimchi fried rice is quick, easy, and perfect for using up leftover rice. Kimchi adds a tangy and spicy flavor, while the vegetables provide extra nutrients.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup chopped kimchi
  • 2 tablespoons kimchi juice
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup chopped carrots
  • 1/2 cup peas
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped scallions

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add carrots and peas, and sauté until tender.
  3. Add kimchi and cook for another 2 minutes.
  4. Push the vegetables to the side and add beaten eggs, scrambling until cooked.
  5. Add rice, kimchi juice, gochujang, and soy sauce, mixing everything together.
  6. Cook until heated through, then garnish with scallions and a fried egg, if you like.

3. Kimchi Grilled Cheese Sandwich

kimchi grilled cheese sandwich

This kimchi grilled cheese sandwich combines the creamy texture of melted cheese with the spicy kick of kimchi.

Ingredients:

  • 2 slices of bread
  • 1/2 cup chopped kimchi
  • 2 slices of cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions:

  1. Spread butter on one side of each bread slice.
  2. Place one slice of bread, butter side down, in a skillet over medium heat.
  3. Layer cheese and kimchi on the bread, then top with the second slice of bread, butter side up.
  4. Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  5. Serve hot.

4. Kimchi Cauliflower Tacos

cauli kimchi tacos

These kimchi cauliflower tacos are a delicious vegetarian option, with the spicy kimchi complementing the roasted cauliflower.

Ingredients:

  • 1 small head of cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1 cup chopped kimchi
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 8 small tortillas
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, cumin, paprika, and salt.
  3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and golden.
  4. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet.
  5. Fill each tortilla with roasted cauliflower and kimchi, then garnish with fresh cilantro.
  6. Serve immediately.

5. Kimchi Stew

kimchi stew

Kimchi stew, or kimchi jjigae, is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for cold days. It’s rich in probiotics and packed with flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups chopped kimchi
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1/2 pound pork belly or tofu, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 block of tofu, cubed
  • 2 scallions, chopped

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, sauté pork belly or tofu until browned.
  2. Add onion and garlic, and cook until fragrant.
  3. Add kimchi, broth, gochujang, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.
  5. Garnish with chopped scallions before serving.

6. Kimchi Pasta

kimchi pasta

Kimchi pasta is a fusion dish that combines the tangy flavor of kimchi with the creaminess of pasta. It’s a unique and delicious meal.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz pasta
  • 1 cup chopped kimchi
  • 1/2 cup kimchi juice
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  3. Add kimchi and kimchi juice, and cook for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
  5. Add cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese, tossing to combine.
  6. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

7. Kimchi Burger

kimchi burger

Add a spicy twist to your classic burger with kimchi. This kimchi burger is flavorful and full of probiotics.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup chopped kimchi
  • 4 burger buns
  • 4 slices of cheddar cheese
  • Lettuce and tomato slices
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix ground beef with 1/2 cup of chopped kimchi, then form into 4 patties.
  2. Cook patties on a grill or skillet until desired doneness.
  3. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise with sriracha.
  4. Toast burger buns and spread with sriracha mayo.
  5. Assemble burgers with patties, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and remaining kimchi.
  6. Serve immediately.

8. Kimchi and Sausage Stir Fry

kimchi sausage stir fry

This kimchi and sausage stir fry is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. The kimchi adds a spicy and tangy flavor to the savory sausage.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound sausage, sliced
  • 1 cup chopped kimchi
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions:

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add sausage and cook until browned.
  3. Add bell pepper and onion, and cook until tender.
  4. Stir in kimchi and soy sauce, and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
  5. Drizzle with sesame oil before serving.

9. Kimchi Omelette

spicy kimchi omelette

Start your day with a flavorful kimchi omelette. This dish is high in protein and probiotics, making it a healthy breakfast option.

Ingredients:

  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup chopped kimchi
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped scallions
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, beat the eggs with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
  3. Pour in the eggs and cook until they start to set.
  4. Add kimchi, cheese, and scallions to one side of the omelette.
  5. Fold the omelette in half and cook until the cheese is melted.
  6. Serve hot.

10. Kimchi Quesadilla

kimchi quesadillas

This kimchi quesadilla is a fusion dish that combines the cheesy goodness of a quesadilla with the spicy kick of kimchi.

Ingredients:

  • 2 large tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 1/2 cup chopped kimchi
  • 1/4 cup chopped scallions
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions:

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter.
  2. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle with half of the cheese.
  3. Add kimchi and scallions, then top with the remaining cheese and the second tortilla.
  4. Cook until the bottom tortilla is golden brown, then flip and cook the other side until the cheese is melted.
  5. Cut into wedges and serve hot.

11. Kimchi Hummus

kimchi hummus

Add a spicy twist to your traditional hummus with kimchi. This kimchi hummus is perfect as a dip or spread.

Ingredients:

  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup chopped kimchi
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a food processor, combine chickpeas, kimchi, tahini, olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice.
  2. Blend until smooth, adding water if needed to reach desired consistency.
  3. Season with salt to taste.
  4. Serve with pita chips or vegetables.

12. Kimchi Ramen

easy kimchi ramen

Kimchi ramen is a quick and flavorful meal, perfect for a comforting lunch or dinner. The probiotics in kimchi support gut health.

Ingredients:

  • 1 package ramen noodles
  • 1 cup chopped kimchi
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup chopped scallions

Instructions:

  1. In a pot, bring broth to a boil.
  2. Add ramen noodles and cook according to package instructions.
  3. Stir in kimchi, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
  4. In a separate pot, boil an egg for 6-7 minutes, then peel and halve.
  5. Pour ramen into a bowl, top with the boiled egg and chopped scallions.
  6. Serve hot.

13. Kimchi Mac and Cheese

mac and cheese with kimchi

Kimchi mac and cheese is a delicious twist on a classic comfort food. The spicy kimchi pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz macaroni
  • 1 cup chopped kimchi
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
  2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and stir in flour to make a roux.
  3. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened.
  4. Add cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
  5. Stir in kimchi and cooked macaroni, mixing well.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve hot.

14. Kimchi Potato Salad

potato salad with kimchi

Kimchi potato salad is a tangy and spicy variation of the classic potato salad. It’s a perfect side dish for barbecues and picnics.

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 cup chopped kimchi
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup chopped scallions
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Boil potatoes until tender, then drain and let cool.
  2. In a large bowl, mix potatoes, kimchi, mayonnaise, scallions, and rice vinegar.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving.

15. Kimchi Avocado Toast

kimchi avocado toast

Kimchi avocado toast is a healthy and flavorful breakfast option. The creamy avocado pairs well with the spicy kimchi.

Ingredients:

  • 2 slices of bread
  • 1 avocado, mashed
  • 1/2 cup chopped kimchi
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions:

  1. Toast the bread until golden brown.
  2. Spread mashed avocado on each slice of toast.
  3. Top with chopped kimchi and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve immediately.

16. Kimchi Dumplings

kimchi dumplings

Kimchi dumplings are a delicious appetizer or snack, packed with spicy and tangy flavors.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup chopped kimchi
  • 1/2 pound ground pork or tofu
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 package dumpling wrappers

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, mix kimchi, ground pork or tofu, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic.
  2. Place a small spoonful of filling in the center of each dumpling wrapper.
  3. Fold the wrapper in half and seal the edges with water.
  4. Steam dumplings for 10-12 minutes or until fully cooked.
  5. Serve hot with soy sauce for dipping.

17. Kimchi Hot Dogs

kimchi hot dogs

Add a spicy kick to your hot dogs with kimchi. This kimchi hot dog is a flavorful twist on a classic.

Ingredients:

  • 4 hot dog buns
  • 4 hot dogs
  • 1 cup chopped kimchi
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha
  • 1 tablespoon chopped scallions

Instructions:

  1. Cook hot dogs according to package instructions.
  2. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and sriracha.
  3. Place hot dogs in buns and top with kimchi.
  4. Drizzle with sriracha mayo and garnish with chopped scallions.
  5. Serve immediately.

18. Kimchi Udon Noodles

kimchi udon noodles

Kimchi udon noodles are a quick and satisfying meal, combining the chewy texture of udon with the spicy flavor of kimchi.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz udon noodles
  • 1 cup chopped kimchi
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped scallions

Instructions:

  1. Cook udon noodles according to package instructions and drain.
  2. In a pot, bring broth to a boil.
  3. Add kimchi, soy sauce, and sesame oil, and cook for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Stir in cooked udon noodles and heat through.
  5. Garnish with chopped scallions before serving.

19. Kimchi Loaded Fries

kimchi loaded fries

Kimchi loaded fries are a delicious and indulgent snack, perfect for sharing. The spicy kimchi pairs well with the crispy fries.

Ingredients:

  • 1 bag frozen French fries
  • 1 cup chopped kimchi
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha
  • 1/4 cup chopped scallions

Instructions:

  1. Cook French fries according to package instructions.
  2. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and sriracha.
  3. Place cooked fries on a serving plate and top with kimchi and shredded cheese.
  4. Drizzle with sriracha mayo and garnish with chopped scallions.
  5. Serve immediately.

20. Kimchi Apple Slaw

kimchi slaw

Kimchi apple slaw is a refreshing and tangy side dish, perfect for barbecues and picnics.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1 apple, julienned
  • 1 cup chopped kimchi
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, mix shredded cabbage, apple, and kimchi.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour dressing over the slaw and toss to combine.
  4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

21. Kimchi and Bacon Carbonara

kimchi carbonara

Kimchi and bacon carbonara is a fusion dish that combines the creamy richness of carbonara with the spicy kick of kimchi.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz spaghetti
  • 1/2 cup chopped kimchi
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped scallions

Instructions:

  1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions and drain.
  2. In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add kimchi and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  4. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and Parmesan cheese.
  5. Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet with kimchi and bacon.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in the egg mixture, mixing quickly to create a creamy sauce.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with chopped scallions.
  8. Serve immediately.

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