What to Eat With Kimchi: 15 Tasty Kimchi Recipe Ideas

What is Kimchi?

Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made from napa cabbage and other vegetables that are lacto-fermented. The fermentation process gives kimchi several health benefits. It also results in a tangy, spicy, crunchy flavor that pairs well with many foods.

Kimchi Nutrition Facts

Kimchi is low in calories but packed with nutrition including:

• Probiotics: The fermentation process boosts gut-healthy probiotics like Lactobacillus
• Fiber
• Vitamin K
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin A
• Riboflavin
• Iron
• Calcium

The vegetable ingredients in kimchi also provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.

Kimchi Varieties

There are over 100 types of kimchi made with different main vegetable ingredients, seasonings, and preparation methods. Some common varieties include:

• Baechu kimchi: Made with napa cabbage
• ggakdugi: Diced radish kimchi
• Gat kimchi: Mustard leaf kimchi
• Bossam kimchi: Wrapped kimchi

What to Eat With Kimchi

From Asian noodle dishes to sandwiches to tacos and more, kimchi's versatility makes it delicious paired with tons of foods. Here are some of the best options for what to eat with kimchi.

Rice and Grains

Kimchi's salty, sour, spicy flavor profile perfectly complements rice and other grains. Enjoy it with:

• White or brown rice
• Fried rice or bibimbap
• Rice noodles or glass noodles
• Quinoa, barley, or farro

Noodles and Soup

The crunch of kimchi is right at home in slurpy noodle dishes and brothy Asian soups like:

• Ramen
• Udon noodle soup
• Pho
• Wonton or egg drop soup
• Hot and sour soup

Vegetables and Salads

Kimchi pairs well with other fresh, light veggies. Toss it in:

• Green salads
• Vegetable stir-fries
• Sauteed greens
• Coleslaw

Eggs and Tofu

The bite of kimchi beautifully cuts the richness of eggs and tofu in dishes like:

• Kimchi fried rice
• Kimchi egg pancakes
• Tofu soup with kimchi
• Kimchi omelet

Protein Foods

Kimchi works magic when paired with hearty proteins such as:

• Pork
• Beef
• Chicken
• Fish
• Tempeh

Think kimchi jigae (stew), bulgogi, bibimbap with meat, kimchi jjigae (tofu stew) or even kimchi cheeseburgers!

Dairy

Fermented kimchi uniquely complements creamy dairy foods like:

• Yogurt
• Cheese
• Butter
• Milk
• Creamy salad dressings

Consider kimchi mac and cheese, kimchi grilled cheese sandwiches, kimchi cottage cheese bowls or adding kimchi to yogurt parfaits.

Breads, Tacos and Sandwiches

Pile colorful, flavorful kimchi onto your favorite carbohydrates:

• Sandwiches
• Burgers
• Wraps
• Tacos
• Flatbreads
• Pizza

The options here are endless - get creative!

Tips for Cooking With Kimchi

Here are some top tips for incorporating kimchi into recipes:

• Start small - a little kimchi goes a long way flavor-wise.
• Add at the end of cooking to preserve the probiotics.
• Substitute kimchi pickle juice for vinegar in dressings or marinades.
• Puree into hot sauce or salsa.
• Saute into fried rice or stir fry.

Kimchi Storage and Handling

Follow these guidelines to keep kimchi fresh as long as possible:

• Unopened: Store unopened kimchi jars in the refrigerator up to 1 year.
• After opening: Transfer to a tightly sealed glass container, keep refrigerated and use within 2 weeks.
• Freezing: Freeze extra homemade or store-bought kimchi for up to 3 months.

Enjoying Kimchi

From Korean classics to creative fusion, kimchi's sweet tanginess jazzes up everything from noodle bowls to tacos. Experiment with adding it to different recipes, or just enjoy its signature flavor, crunch and nutritional benefits on its own!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.