Modern Recipes for Kimchi To Enjoy This Fermented Dish (2024)

Cucumber kimchi is a delightful and refreshing variation of the traditional Korean kimchi. For preparation, slice English cucumbers and toss them with a mixture of gochugaru (Korean chili), minced garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce (or fish sauce) and a touch of sugar.

Allow the cucumbers to marinate for a day or two in an airtight jar, letting the flavors meld. The result is a crisp and tangy cucumber kimchi, perfect as a side dish or snack.

The combination of gooey cheese and the tangy, spicy crunch of kimchi creates a flavor explosion that transforms the classic grilled cheese into a bold and delicious fusion dish.Begin by spreading a layer of gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) on one side of each slice of bread.

On the non-gochujang side, layer slices of your favorite cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack work well) and a generous portion of well-drained kimchi. Assemble the sandwich and grill it in a pan over medium heat until the bread is golden brown, and the cheese is gooey and melted.

Kimchi Ramen is a fusion dish that brings together the comfort of Japanese ramen with Korean kimchi. To whip up this quick and flavorful Ramen, start by sautéing sliced onions, minced garlic, and ginger in a pot with a bit of sesame oil until fragrant.

Add vegetable or chicken broth, soy sauce, and a spoonful of gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) for depth and spice. Bring the broth to a simmer and add ramen noodles, cooking until they're tender.

As a finishing touch, incorporate a hearty amount of well-drained kimchi and its juice into the broth. Let it simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve the Kimchi Ramen hot, garnished with green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil for an extra layer of richness.

Kimchi Stuffed Dumplings combines the spiciness of kimchi with the savory goodness of the filling. Begin by preparing a filling mixture: finely chop the kimchi and mix it with ground pork (or tofu for a vegetarian option), minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of sugar.

Place a spoonful of this flavorful mixture onto a dumpling wrapper and create a dumpling shape. Steam, boil, or pan-fry the dumplings until they're cooked through and golden. Serve these Kimchi Stuffed Dumplings with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

The Kimchi Mac and Cheese is a fusion of creamy, cheesy comfort with the bold and zesty kick of kimchi that creates a delicious spin on a classic favorite. Prepare your favorite macaroni and cheese according to the package instructions or your preferred homemade recipe.

As the cheese sauce comes together, fold in a generous amount of finely chopped kimchi, allowing the tangy and spicy flavors to infuse into the creamy sauce. Once the mac and cheese is fully cooked, serve it hot, garnished with additional kimchi and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for freshness.

Related: Best Cheeses To Take Your Macaroni To The Next Level

Kimchi Bloody Mary is a way to give a spicy kick to your brunch. To prepare this unique beverage, start by rimming a highball glass with a mixture of salt, pepper, and Korean red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Fill the glass with ice cubes.

In a shaker, combine vodka, tomato juice, fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and a spoonful of kimchi juice for that unique twist. Shake well and pour the mixture over ice into the prepared glass. Garnish with a skewer of kimchi, olives, celery, and a wedge of lime.

Related: Diet-Friendly co*cktails That Don't Skimp on Flavor

Kimchi Poutine is a modern fusion dish that combines the Canadian comfort food staple with the bold flavors of Korean kimchi. To create this delectable dish, start by preparing a batch of crispy french fries or wedges.

Generously layer the hot fries with cheese curds and a generous helping of chopped kimchi. The warmth from the fries will begin to melt the cheese and infuse the dish with the spicy and tangy notes of kimchi. Finish off the Kimchi Poutine by drizzling a flavorful gravy over the top.

Colorful Kimchi Salad features a mix of fresh, crisp vegetables and a dressing inspired by traditional Korean flavors. The salad often includes ingredients such as thinly sliced Napa cabbage, red cabbage, julienned carrots, cucumber, radishes, kimchi and a variety of colorful bell peppers.

The star ingredient here is well-chopped kimchi which introduces a burst of fermented complexity, along with its signature spicy and tangy notes. For the dressing, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, and a dash of Korean red pepper flakes, adjusting to your preferred spice level.

The vibrant and tangy kimchi adds a spicy kick and a delightful crunch to the creamy avocado base. Begin by toasting your favorite bread slices until they reach a perfect golden brown.

While the bread is toasting, mash a ripe avocado in a bowl and season it with a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread the creamy avocado mixture, followed byfinely chopped kimchi on top of the avocado. For a finishing touch, drizzle a bit of sesame oil over the Kimchi Avocado Toast.

Making kimchi pizza does not take much. Spread a layer of kimchi across the dough, ensuring an even distribution of the spicy and tangy flavors.Add your choice of shredded cheese, such as mozzarella or a blend, on top of the kimchi.

For an extra layer of richness, you can also include small dollops of cream cheese and any topping you like. Bake the Kimchi Pizza in the preheated oven until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Transform your ordinary fried rice into a flavorful delight with Kimchi Fried Rice, a modern take on a classic Asian dish. Begin by gathering the ingredients: cooked rice (preferably day-old for better texture), kimchi (chopped), soy sauce, sesame oil, vegetable oil, minced garlic, diced carrots, frozen peas, and sliced green onions.

In a hot pan, all the ingredients are sautéed. Drizzle soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice, adjusting the quantities to taste. Optionally, you can also add a protein of your choice, such as cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu.

The Spicy Stuffed Cucumber Kimchi is a zesty and crunchy treat that makes for a bold and refreshing side dish or snack with a spicy kick. Firm and slender cucumbers, such as Japanese or Persian cucumbers are preferable for the preparation. Cut them lengthwise, removing the seeds to create a hollow cavity.

In a bowl, mix together a paste of gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes), minced garlic, grated ginger, fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian version), and a touch of sugar. Stuff each cucumber half with this spicy mixture, ensuring it's evenly distributed.

Place the stuffed cucumbers in a jar, pressing them down to eliminate air pockets. Allow the kimchi to ferment at room temperature for a day or two, then refrigerate.

Kimchi Pancakes offer a delectable blend of textures – crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Begin by creating a batter mixture with all-purpose flour, water, and an egg. To this, add finely chopped kimchi, including some of its juice, along with sliced green onions and a dash of soy sauce for added depth.

In a hot skillet with oil, ladle a portion of the batter to form a pancake, spreading it evenly. Cook until the edges become crispy and golden brown, then flip to cook the other side.

Korean Chicken Lettuce Wraps offer a burst of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. Start to prepare these healthy and nutritious wraps by marinating bite-sized pieces of chicken in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a touch of brown sugar for sweetness.

While the chicken is marinating, crunchy slaw with a dressing made from rice vinegar, soy sauce, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Cook the marinated chicken until it's thoroughly cooked and caramelized and assemble the wraps.

Kimchi Tempeh Tacos takes traditional elements from Korean and Mexican cuisines. Tempeh slices are marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and a touch of maple syrup for sweetness.

Pan-fry the marinated tempeh until golden and crispy. Warm soft tortillas and assemble the tacos by placing the tempeh on the base. Top it with a generous amount of kimchi for its tangy and spicy kick. Serve with your favorite taco toppings.