5 Delicious Ways to Use Kimchi Beyond Rice
Think kimchi is just for Korean food? Think again! Discover creative and delicious ways to incorporate this fermented favourite into your everyday cooking.
While kimchi is traditionally served as a side dish (banchan) in Korean cuisine, its versatility makes it a fantastic ingredient in countless dishes. Here are five of our favourite ways to use kimchi.
1. Kimchi Grilled Cheese
Elevate your grilled cheese game by adding a generous layer of kimchi between the cheese slices. The tangy, spicy kick pairs perfectly with melted cheddar or gruyère. Pro tip: spread a thin layer of mayo on the outside of the bread for extra crispiness.
2. Kimchi Fried Rice
This Korean staple is the perfect way to use up leftover rice. Fry day-old rice with chopped kimchi, a splash of sesame oil, and top with a fried egg. Add some diced bacon or spam for extra indulgence.
3. Kimchi Tacos
Fusion at its finest! Use kimchi as a topping for tacos instead of traditional salsa. It works brilliantly with:
- Korean BBQ beef (bulgogi)
- Crispy pork belly
- Grilled tofu for a vegetarian option
4. Kimchi Pancakes (Kimchijeon)
These savoury Korean pancakes are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with kimchi flavour. Mix chopped kimchi with a simple batter of flour, water, and egg, then pan-fry until golden. Serve with a soy-vinegar dipping sauce.
5. Kimchi Bloody Mary
Yes, really! The brine from kimchi makes an excellent addition to a Bloody Mary. Use it instead of (or alongside) pickle juice for a spicy, umami-packed twist on the classic cocktail.
The Key to Great Kimchi Cooking
The secret is using well-fermented kimchi that's developed complex flavours. Our Classic Napa Cabbage Kimchi is perfect for cooking – its balanced acidity and heat work well in both raw and cooked applications.
