Kimchi, this Korean culinary treasure, has found its way into our kitchens thanks to its rich flavours and health benefits. Combining acidity, spiciness, complex aromas of garlic and ginger, and a texture that ranges from crunchy to melting depending on how long it’s been matured, it’s perfect for a quick brunch, a family lunch, or a gourmet snack.
Discover 10 simple and tasty kimchi recipe ideas to incorporate into your everyday cooking while surprising your family with healthy and original dishes!
How to Eat Kimchi?
Kimchi is incredibly versatile! Its acidity and spiciness are a perfect balance with sweet or fatty foods. Try eating kimchi with:
- Dairy products: cheese, butter.
- Cereals: rice, pasta, bread.
- Vegetables and fruit: avocado, squash, potato.
- Protein: egg, tofu, pork belly.
- Other: oilseed or legume puree, mayonnaise.
10 Tasty Ideas for Using Kimchi
More and more people have fermented foods in their fridge, but sometimes don’t really know how to serve kimchi. Here, we offer you 10 meal ideas for using kimchi in your cooking or combining it judiciously in your dishes. Use these recipes with kimchi as dinner or lunch ideas!
1. Chicken Kimchi Mayo Sandwich
Add a touch of spice and lift an ordinary sandwich into an unforgettable treat for a quick lunch!
👉 Discover the Chicken Kimchi Mayo Sandwich Recipe.
2. Kimchi Chicken Ramen
Kimchi’s umami sublimates a bowl of hot noodles and homemade broth for your family winter dinners.
👉 Discover the Kimchi Chicken Ramen Recipe.
3. Hummus and Kimchi Toast
The sweetness of hummus blends beautifully with the spiciness of kimchi for a gourmet combination, perfect for a brunch or snack.
4. Avocado, Soy Sauce, and Kimchi Salad
Kimchi or its juice (brine) is the ideal ingredient for adding a touch of acidity and liven up your salads! The generous, rich flavour of the avocado and the hint of soy sauce to enhance the umami flavour will delight many.
👉 Discover the Avocado & Kimchi Salad Recipe.
5. Kimchi Grilled Cheese
For a melting, spicy sandwich that will tempt the entire family!
👉 Discover the Kimchi Grilled Cheese Recipe.
6. Kimchi Omelette
Kimchi’s complex flavours will perfectly complement the sweetness of the egg to give it a depth of flavour you won’t be able to live without!
7. Pumpkin and Kimchi Soup
Simmered for a long time in a pumpkin soup, it will add its umami notes for a velvety, gourmet result. A real delight!
8. Pickles and Burger Toppings
Replace the pickles on your burgers with kimchi to give them a bold, aromatic touch, surprise your kids, or simply as an appetizer.
9. Kimchi Fried Rice
Turn your leftover rice into a quick and delicious meal. It’s got everything: richness, sweetness, contrast, and comfort as a bonus!
👉 Discover the Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe.
10. Kimchi and Tofu Stew (Kimchi Jjigae)
Do you have kimchi that’s been lying around in your fridge for a while? Sauté it with bacon before adding tofu and meat stock, vegetable stock, or simply water. Let it simmer for a long time to allow the flavours to spread. The perfect dinner idea for using kimchi!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Kimchi Be Cooked?
Yes, of course, you can cook or reheat kimchi. However, you should be aware that cooking destroys most of the probiotics and vitamins. Despite this, the kimchi will still be just as tasty and nutritious!
How to Reduce the Spiciness of Kimchi?
Make your kimchi less spicy by pairing it with fatty, neutral products such as cheese, mayonnaise, eggs or rice. Their mildness will counterbalance the strength of the kimchi and balance out the sensation of heat in the mouth caused by the spice.
Can Kimchi Be Eaten on Its Own?
Absolutely! When young, it’s crunchy and fresh, perfect for an aperitif. As it ages, it lends itself better to cooked dishes.
Can Kimchi Be Used in Smoothies?
It’s completely feasible. Various beverages are available made with kimchi or kimchi brine, such as cocktails or beers. If you want to add a touch of spice, probiotics, and a distinctive flavour to your smoothies, go ahead!
Can Kimchi Help Digestion?
Yes, kimchi can help your digestion! The fermentation process in kimchi promotes the development of probiotics, which are real allies of the intestinal microbiota. It can therefore help balance the intestinal flora and support digestion.
Find out more by reading The Benefits of Kimchi According to Science.
Is Kimchi Too Salty?
As with all fermented foods, kimchi contains a significant amount of salt. So, use it sparingly in your cooking, bearing in mind its salt content. Kimchi is a perfect addition to a balanced, healthy diet.
To find out more, read our article: Is There Too Much Salt in Lacto-Fermentations?
Get the Tools!
We suggest the following products for making your own kimchi.
