What to Eat Kimchi With - Best Food Pairings

Exploring the Best Foods to Pair with Kimchi

Kimchi is a staple Korean side dish made from fermented vegetables like napa cabbage, radish, scallions and spices. With its tangy, salty, and slightly spicy flavor, kimchi makes a tasty accompaniment to many foods. The probiotic-rich condiment can take dishes to the next level while providing health benefits.

What is Kimchi?

Kimchi refers to any number of seasoned vegetable dishes that have been lacto-fermented. The most common is napa cabbage kimchi, often simply called "kimchi." To make traditional kimchi:

• Napa cabbage leaves are salted to remove moisture and season the leaves
• The cabbage is then mixed with a paste of spices and ingredients like garlic, ginger, scallions, fish sauce, chili powder, radish, carrots
• The mixture ferments in sealed jars for days to weeks, aided by lactic acid bacteria

The result is the flavorful probiotic food known as kimchi. The fermentation process gives it a signature sour flavor along with health-promoting live cultures.

Potential Health Benefits of Kimchi

In Korea, kimchi is so beloved that there is even a museum dedicated to it in Seoul. And as Korean cuisine gains global popularity, so too does this quintessential side dish.

But what makes kimchi so special beyond its iconic flavor? Some research indicates kimchi may offer benefits like:

• Boosting gut health through probiotics
• Aiding digestion and reducing bloating
• Providing antioxidants from vegetables
• Supporting the immune system
• Promoting weight loss
• Inhibiting aging processes

The fermentation process is key, as this enhances the bioavailability of micronutrients in kimchi.

Complementary Flavors that Go Well with Kimchi

From rice bowls to noodles, soups, grilled meats, seafood and tofu, kimchi is amazingly versatile. These are some of the top flavors that complement and contrast with kimchi's unique pungent, sour and spicy taste.

Rice and Grains

Kimchi's savory taste helps cut through the mild sweetness of white rice and grains. A bowl of rice topped with kimchi is a classic combination. For a balanced complete meal, protein-rich legumes like soybeans can be added. Quinoa, farro or barley make healthy alternatives to white rice.

Noodles and Dumplings

Wheat or mung bean noodles in broth are the perfect base for kimchi. The spicy tang pairs well with rich brothy noodle soups. Dumplings like potstickers, wontons and mandu are also made even better with a side of kimchi for dipping.

Vegetables

Because kimchi itself is vegetable-based, its flavor marries seamlessly with other garden veggies. Some quick options include serving kimchi alongside sautéed greens, roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, baked sweet potatoes or beets.

Tofu and Plant Proteins

With its generous amount of umami flavor, kimchi wonderfully contrasts the mildness of plain tofu. Cubed and pan-fried silken tofu topped with heated through kimchi makes an easy plant-based meal. Potatoes, beans, lentils and veggie-based "meats" also pair well.

Seafood

From fresh cuts of salmon to fried fish cakes, seafood is complemented by kimchi's salty brininess. The kick of spice also cuts the fattiness of something like Kimbap (Korean sushi rolls stuffed with tuna, crab or shrimp).

Eggs

given kimchi's versatility. Top classic fried eggs or an omelet with kimchi for an extra flavor and nutrition boost. Slow-cooked stewed eggs marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, broth and kimchi are another easy protein-packed dish.

Meats

Grilled, braised or roasted beef pair well with kimchi's hardy texture. Spicy pork stews are served topped with kimchi for a flavor and color contrast. And for American favorites, kimchi makes an excellent topper for hamburgers or hot dogs off the grill.

Tips for Serving Kimchi

Here are some tips for enjoying kimchi with any meal:

• Rinse and drain: To tame down strong flavors, rinse kimchi under water before using.
• Adjust spice levels: For less heat, remove chili slices and seeds from the kimchi.
• Freeze for later: Portion kimchi into recipes and freeze to preserve probiotics.
• Make Kimchi Jjigae stew: Sauté kimchi with tofu, veggies and protein to reheat flavors.
• Add to sandwiches: Mix kimchi into mayo for an instant flavor boost on sandwiches or burgers.

Incorporating Kimchi into Global Cuisines

Beyond Korean food, kimchi adds unique flavor and probiotic power to dishes across world cuisines:

Kimchi Fried Rice

In this twist on Asian fried rice, kimchi is sautéed with rice, eggs, garlic, ginger, scallions and soy sauce for a quick complete meal.

Kimchi Cheese and Bacon Pasta

Farfalle pasta is tossed in a creamy, cheesy sauce infused with the tang of kimchi and crispy bacon crumbles for an unforgettable hybrid dish.

Kimchi Tacos

In these flavor-packed tacos, pan-fried fish is topped with kimchi, fresh pico de gallo, avocado crema and cilantro in warm corn tortillas.

Kimchi Hummus Wraps

To give Mediterranean flavor to plant-based kimchi, combine it with smooth hummus, garlic tahini, lemon juice and wrap in fresh pita bread or lettuce cups.

Kimchi Quesadillas

It's easy to introduce kids to kimchi's taste by tucking it into a cheesy quesadilla with chicken or shrimp. Serve with homemade kimchi guacamole for dipping.

The unique flavor profile of kimchi allows it to blend seamlessly into cuisines from around the world. Its versatility and nutritional quality make kimchi a dish to keep stocked in every culture's refrigerator.

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.