Kimchi is Korea's national dish and one of the world's most famous fermented foods – sour, spicy, and full of umami. Here's everything you need to know: what kimchi is, how it tastes, and how to use it in everything from fried rice to ramen.
What is kimchi?
Kimchi is vegetables – most often napa cabbage – fermented with Korean chili powder (gochugaru), garlic, ginger, and green onions. The fermentation gives it its characteristic sour taste and makes kimchi last for months. In Korea, it's eaten with almost every meal, and the tradition is on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage.
What does kimchi taste like?
Imagine sour, salty, spicy, and umami all at once – with a fresh crunch from the cabbage. Fresh kimchi is mild and crunchy, while well-aged kimchi is deeper, more sour, and perfect for cooking. The spiciness varies from mild to quite intense.
How to use kimchi
- As a side dish – straight from the jar with grilled food, rice, and Korean dishes.
- Kimchi fried rice (kimchi bokkeumbap) – fry leftover rice with chopped kimchi, a little of the kimchi juice, and a fried egg on top.
- Kimchi jjigae – the classic Korean stew with kimchi, tofu, and pork or seafood.
- In ramen – a handful of kimchi elevates any noodle soup.
- On toast and in burgers – kimchi + melted cheese is a modern classic.
Kimchi is also delicious with gochujang – the Korean chili paste – in marinades and stir-fries.
Is kimchi healthy?
Kimchi is made from vegetables, is low in calories, and contains live lactic acid bacteria from fermentation, as well as fiber and vitamins. Like all fermented foods, it should be enjoyed as a natural part of a varied diet.
Storage
Kimchi should be stored in a cool place and continues to mature slowly in the refrigerator – the taste becomes more sour over time. Unopened, it keeps for months; always use clean utensils when taking it from the jar. If it becomes too mature to eat as is, it's perfect for stews and fried rice.
Frequently asked questions about kimchi
Is kimchi spicy? It varies – most ready-made varieties are medium spicy. The sourness is often more noticeable than the heat.
How long does kimchi last? Months in the refrigerator – it only gets sourer over time. Check the date on the package.
Is kimchi vegan? Not always – traditional kimchi often contains fish sauce or shrimp paste. Check the ingredient list, or choose a variant labeled vegan.
What's the difference between kimchi and sauerkraut? Both are fermented cabbage, but kimchi is seasoned with chili, garlic, and ginger and has a far more complex flavor.
Get started with FUDI
At FUDI, you'll find kimchi from Korean brands like Bibigo and Jongga – and everything else you need from the Korean kitchen. If you want to make your own from scratch, follow our kimchi recipe step-by-step.
