17 Recipes That Prove Kimchi Is the Unsung Fermented Hero

Fermented foods may give off a scary vibe, but they’re really nothing to be scared of. Think about your favorite homemade kombucha. That’s fermented and you drink it on the daily! Kimchi is no different than any other pickled recipe, except it’s full of belly-happy probiotics, of course. If you’re feeling lost on how to use that jar you have sitting in the fridge, keep reading for 17 recipes that will make you a full-on kimchi fan.

Stone Baked Garlic Kimchi Pizza

Newsflash: Pizza without cheese and sauce is totally a thing, and it’s delicious. Season your crust simply with garlic, herbs and olive oil and scatter chopped kimchi all over the top to create the perfect pre-dinner snack. (via My Korean Kitchen)

Kimchi Deviled Eggs

These tangy eggs are the definition of devilish. They also feature spicy gochujang so your eggs can be super on-trend. (via The Kitchn)

Healthy Homemade Kimchi Ramen

Kimchi and ramen are a natural match-up for a chilly evening at home. Try making your own kimchi from scratch to get outrageous flavor that you’ll obsess over. (via Divine Healthy Food)

Kimchi Dumplings

There’s just no match for homemade dumplings — yes, EVEN from your fave takeout spot. Fill them with ground pork, ginger and kimchi and you’ll be giving your chopsticks a major workout. (via Rasa Malaysia)

Caramelized Kimchi Fries

If you’ve never indulged in kimchi fries, you don’t know what you’re missing. The fries are buttery, the sauce is creamy and the fermented veggies add tang and crunch. Prepare for culinary sensory overload. (via Kelley and Cricket)

Kimchi Grilled Cheese

Kimchi and cheese sound so wrong, but guys, it’s so right. Pile the two between slices of sourdough and serve with a bowl of soup for dipping. (via Honestly YUM)

Kimchi Meatloaf

This ain’t yo’ momma’s meatloaf. A slice or two of this would make an epic sandwich for lunch on day two. Beware of co-worker jealousy, though. (via Five and Spice)

Addictive Kimchi Pork Steamed Bun

They’re not kidding when they say these steamed buns are addicting. With soft and pillowy dough surrounding a mound of kimchi, pork and soy sauce, how could they not be? (via Omnivore’s Cookbook)

Kimchi Slaw

Talk about a refreshing side dish. This crunchy slaw is light, sweet and spicy. Use it to top a beefy burger or enjoy it as a quick and easy lunch. (via Kimchi Chick)

Kimchi Vinaigrette

It’s a shame to waste the delicious juice in your jar of kimchi. Instead, use it to make this tangy vinaigrette that you can use in salads, with other sauces or to marinate meat. (via Kimchi Chick)

Kimchi Angel Hair

You won’t miss the meat in this hearty pasta dish. Try serving it hot OR cold with a generous sprinkling of Parmesan. (via XLBCR)

Kimchi Fried Cauliflower Rice

Cauliflower fried rice is obvi greater than regular fried rice, especially when it has kimchi running through it. Wait until the last minute to add it to the pan, so that it doesn’t lose its amazing probiotic properties. (via In Sonnet’s Kitchen)

Korean BBQ Bangkok Burrito

How can so much flavor be packed inside one flour tortilla? Just ask this Korean burrito. It may take some time to perfect the sweet and spicy BBQ, but it’s *well* worth the wait. (via Pinch of Yum)

Korean BBQ Burger With Kimchi Slaw

Burgers may be an American tradition, but this Korean burger might just beat most of them out. The acidic kimchi cuts through the fat of the beef while adding crunch and texture to each bite. (via The Cozy Apron)

Korean Bulgogi Kimchi Tacos

Oh hey, taco Tuesday, we thought you’d never come. Shake up the status quo and go for these fantastic fusion tacos that’ll light up your taste buds. (via Platings and Pairings)

Roasted Salmon With Kimchi Butter

You already know that salmon is great for you, but eventually it gets a bit boring. Spice things up by topping it with this easy compound kimchi butter. (via Everyday Maven)

Spicy Kimchi Quinoa Bowls

Whether you eat these bowls for breakfast, lunch or dinner, your satisfaction level will be at an all-time high. Don’t forget to top with an egg over-medium and plenty of scallions before chowing down. (via Simply Quinoa)