15 Delicious And Imaginative Ways To Cook With Kimchi That You Didn't Know Before
Use this funky, spicy fermented condiment to give food another layer of flavor
So you bought a bottle of kimchi and now it’s sitting in your fridge while you wonder what else you can do with it? We had the same dilemma, so we decided to see the many ways we can use this wonderfully funky, spicy-salty fermented condiment. We discovered lots and lots of fun ways to cook, eat, and serve kimchi — but we settled for these 15 to share with you. Try them out and we hope you have as much fun as we did eating and cooking our way through bottles and bottles of kimchi. Click through the gallery to see the recipes.
Have Fun Eating Kimchi
Have Fun Eating Kimchi
Kimchi Pizza
Start with homemade or store-bought pizza dough. Brush the top with olive oil. In a bowl, combine pizza sauce with gochujang sauce. Mix well then spread evenly on top of pizza dough. Season with garlic powder. Top with grated mozzarella cheese and sliced kimchi. Bake in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 15 minutes or until the cheese melts. Serve warm.
Photo Credit: @gentlegirl33
Kimchi Soup
Boil water in a pot, then add dashi powder, diced tofu, slice leeks and sliced kimchi.Season to your taste, then ladle into small bowls. If you like, you can add some nori strips just before serving.
Photo Credit: @minimouth.th
Kimchi Spaghetti
Cook spaghetti noodles according to package directions. Heat oil in a pan and sauté diced white onions and garlic. Add ground beef. Stir in chopped kimchi. Pour in spaghetti sauce. Season with salt and black pepper. Simmer for about 15 minutes. Add cooked pasta and mix gently to combine. You may opt to top with grated cheese before serving.
Photo Credit: @bobohealthy_meal
Kimchi Pancakes
Prepare store-bought pancake mix in a bowl, following package directions. Add chopped kimchi into the pancake mixture and cook in a prepared pan. Serve with gochujang sauce.
Photo Credit: @thatvegetariancouple
Salami Cups with Kimchi
If you’re in the mood for a fancy snack, here’s a fun idea inspired by this photo. Brush muffin molders with softened butter. Place one slice salami in every cup. Add egg in each cup. Top each salami cups with chopped kimchi. Bake in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 8 minutes or until eggs are set. Sprinkle with chopped spring onions before serving.
Photo Credit: @bautticharcuterie
Kimchi Stir Fry
This dish is perfect to pair with grilled meats and braises, among other things. And its easy. Heat sesame oil in a skillet. Sauté diced white onions and garlic until fragrant. Add sliced kimchi. Stir gently. Serve as a side dish.
Photo Credit: @yumchikimchi
Kimchi Fries
Always a crowd-pleaser, these fries are easy to whip up. Sauté onions, garlic and ground beef . Season with salt and pepper. Add chopped kimchi, and stir to combine, then set aside. Cook store-bought fries until golden in color. Drain on paper towels. Transfer onto a serving platter and top with cooked ground beef. Sprinkle with chopped spring onions and drizzle with melted cheese and gochujang sauce before serving.
Photo Credit: @czlowiekodjedzenia
Grilled Cheese-Kimchi Sandwich
The ultimate comfort food. Spread butter on top of each slice of bread. Top with cheddar cheese and sliced kimchi. Grill in a pan over medium heat until golden in color. Serve warm.
Photo Credit: @cheesesmithco
Kimchi Wings
Instead of ordering your usual Korean fried chicken for home delivery, why not make this fun version? Season chicken wings with salt and pepper. Deep fry until golden in color. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Set aside. In a pan, melt butter and add oil. Sauté chopped garlic. Add gochujang sauce and chopped kimchi. Stir in fried chicken wings. Mix gently and serve warm.
Photo Credit: @eatluckyfoods
Kimchi Burger
Fry a burger patty and set aside. Split burger bun into two. Spread each piece with butter or mayonnaise. Arrange sliced kimchi, cooked burger patty, sliced tomatoes, sliced cucumber and sliced cheese and (again) slice kimchi. Cover with burger bun. Serve with your favorite drink.
Photo Credit: @seoulfood.bh
Kimchi Potato Salad
A delicious spin on a classic dish. Clean and wash baby potatoes thoroughly. Season with salt. Boil for about 20 to 30 minutes, then drain and set aside. In a bowl, combine mayonnaisse, gochujang sauce, toasted bacon and walnuts . Season with salt and white pepper. Add boiled baby potatoes into the mixture. Mix well to combine. Serve warm or cold.
Photo Credit: @joleeqh
Kimchi Stuffed Squid
Clean the squid and season with salt and pepper. In a bowl, combine chopped onions, chopped garlic, chopped spring onions and chopped kimchi. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Grill or fry the squid. Serve with dip.
Photo Credit: @crepesuzette
Spring Rolls with Kimchi
In a bowl, combine ground pork, garlic powder, onion powder, eggs and chopped kimchi. Season with salt and ground pepper. Mix well to combine. Use one teaspoon of the meat mixture to make one spring roll. Roll tightly and brush the other end with water to seal. Deep fry until golden in color. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve with ketchup or sweet and sour sauce.
Photo Credit: @comiczam
Kimchi Omelet
In a bowl, combine beaten eggs, ground pork, onion powder, garlic powder and kimchi. Season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a pan. Cook egg mixture until edges form. Turn to cook the other side about 3 minutes. Remove from pan. Serve with ketchup or gochujang sauce.
Photo Credit: @bettyyee1
Kimchi Dumplings
Place a teaspoonful of chopped kimchi into a dumpling wrapper. Fold into a half moon-shape and brush the end with water to seal. Steam or fry. Serve with dip.
Photo Credit: @rustic_koreankitchen
