My top 10 ways to eat Kimchi
Kimchi is so much more than a side dish. It is a fermented powerhouse that can transform any meal. Whether you eat it fresh as a banchan or cook it into stews, fried rice, pancakes, or even pasta, kimchi brings a tangy, spicy depth that makes every bite better. I have gathered ten of my favorite recipes that show just how versatile kimchi can be. These ideas work for beginners and kimchi lovers alike. If you are new to making your own, start with our traditional napa cabbage kimchi or try our easy cucumber kimchi recipe. For even more ways to cook with kimchi, Serious Eats has a wonderful guide to cooking with kimchi.
Here is a quick overview of the dishes you will find below:
| Recipe | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Kimchi Fried Rice | One pan meal | Busy weeknights |
| Army Stew (Budae Jjigae) | Hearty stew | Comfort food cravings |
| Brussels Sprouts with Kimchi and Pancetta | Vegetable side | Holiday dinners |
| Kimchi Stew (Kimchi Jjigae) | Classic stew | Using sour kimchi |
| Kimchi Pancake (Kimchi Jeon) | Savory snack | Pairing with drinks |
| Bulgogi Kimchi Pasta | Fusion pasta | Quick meal prep |
| Korean Dumpling with Kimchi (Mandu) | Dumplings | Freezer friendly |
| Cold Kimchi Rice (Kimchi Mari) | No cook side | Hot summer days |
| Spicy Soft Tofu Stew with Kimchi | Silky stew | Cold weather |
| 3 in 1 Kimchi Pork Freezer Recipe | Make ahead base | Three meals from one |
Before you start cooking, here are a few simple tips:
- Use aged, sour kimchi for stews and fried rice; fresh kimchi is better raw or in salads.
- If your kimchi is too sour or salty, rinse it quickly or add a pinch of sugar.
- Cooked kimchi loses its probiotics but still gives you fiber, vitamins, and great flavor.
- Kimchi is naturally low in calories, about 20 to 30 per 100g, so it fits into most diets.
Kimchi keeps fermenting in the fridge. Store it in a glass or plastic container, not metal, to avoid a metallic taste.
#1. Kimchi Fried Rice (Kimchi Bokkeumbap)
This one pan meal is the perfect way to use up leftover rice and older kimchi. Just saute kimchi with a little pork or bacon, toss in rice, and top with a fried egg. It is cheap, fast, and deeply satisfying. I have been making this since college, and it never gets old. Get the recipe.
#2. Army Stew (Budae Jjigae)
Budae Jjigae is a fusion stew born after the Korean war. It combines SPAM, kimchi, sausages, and a slice of American cheese in a spicy broth. The cheese adds a creamy richness that balances the tangy kimchi. It is hearty, fun, and perfect for sharing. Get the recipe.
#3. Brussels Sprouts with Kimchi and Pancetta
This vegetable side dish brings together earthy Brussels sprouts, tangy kimchi, and crispy pancetta. It was a surprise hit at my Thanksgiving dinner. The kimchi adds a Korean twist without overpowering the sprouts. It is quick enough for a weeknight, too. Get the recipe.
#4. Kimchi Stew (Kimchi Jjigae)
Kimchi Jjigae is classic Korean comfort food. You take sour, aged kimchi and simmer it with pork, tofu, and aromatics. The long cooking mellows the sharpness and creates a deeply savory broth. Serve it with steamed rice for a warming meal that feels like a hug. Get the recipe.
#5. Kimchi Pancake (Kimchi Jeon)
Kimchi Jeon is a crispy, savory pancake that takes only 20 minutes to make. Chopped kimchi is mixed into a simple batter and pan fried until golden. Koreans often enjoy it with makgeolli or beer as a drinking snack. It is a fantastic way to enjoy kimchi in a whole new form. Get the recipe.
#6. Bulgogi Kimchi Pasta
This Korean Italian fusion dish combines savory bulgogi beef, spicy kimchi, and al dente pasta with a kick of jalapeno. You can make the bulgogi ahead and freeze it, turning this into a quick one dish meal. It is a delicious way to merge two cuisines. Get the recipe.
#7. Korean Dumpling with Kimchi (Mandu)
These North Korean style dumplings are filled with kimchi, pork, beef, tofu, and bean sprouts. For a vegan version, swap the meat with shiitake mushrooms. Making mandu is a fun project to do with friends, and they freeze beautifully. Get the recipe.
#8. Cold Kimchi Rice (Kimchi Mari (김치말이)
This no cook side dish needs only five ingredients: cooked rice, cabbage kimchi, sesame oil, sugar, and sesame seeds. Mix them together and enjoy a refreshing, tangy banchan that comes together in five minutes. It is perfect for hot days when you do not want to turn on the stove. Get the recipe.
#9. Spicy Soft Tofu Stew with Kimchi (Soondubu Jjigae with Kimchi)
Spicy soft tofu stew gets an explosive flavor boost from kimchi. Silky tofu simmers in a spicy broth with kimchi, and the whole dish is ready in about 30 minutes. Serve it with rice for a comforting meal that showcases how kimchi amplifies other ingredients. Get the recipe.
3 in 1 Kimchi Pork Freezer Recipe
This bonus recipe is a timesaver. Saute pork belly and kimchi, then freeze the mixture. With one batch you can make Kimchi Jjigae (stew), Kimchi Tofu, or Kimchi Fried Rice without starting from scratch. It is practical and efficient for busy cooks. Get the recipe.
