What to Eat With Kimchi 2025: Bold Flavors, Easy Meals 

Kimchi brings more than just heat to the table. This fermented Korean classic delivers a complex mix of tang, spice, and umami that instantly livens up whatever it touches. It’s bold, a little funky, and loaded with live cultures that can support your gut and boost your meals with a satisfying crunch.

It works as a fiery side, but don’t stop there! Kimchi can star in everything from stews and stir-fries to burgers and pancakes. If you're ready to experiment, these recipes will help you explore all the punchy, unexpected ways to cook with kimchi.

Disclaimer: All the recipes on this page are carefully crafted by our team, including our in-house nutritionist, who also calculates the nutritional information provided. While we strive for accuracy, please note that actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

1. Steamed Jasmine Rice With Soy Sauce

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Rinse the jasmine rice in cold water until the water runs clear.

2. Add the rice and 1 ½ cups of water to a pot and bring to a boil.

3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.

4. After 15 minutes, turn the heat off, and leave the pot on the burner to continue steaming the rice until the rest of the dish is done.

5. Fluff the rice with a spoon or rice paddle, and stir in the soy sauce and salt to taste.

Overview 🔍

Jasmine rice goes well with kimchi as it balances the spicy, fermented flavors with its light, neutral taste. The soft, fluffy rice pairs perfectly with the tangy kick of kimchi, creating a satisfying meal that doesn’t overpower your taste buds.

I love this recipe because it’s simple and quick, making it perfect for those who want a flavorful side without much effort. Whether you're eating it as part of a larger meal or as a stand-alone dish, it’s a comforting addition to any kimchi pairing.

2. Beef & Broccoli Udon Soup With Kimchi

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

2. Add the lean beef and cook for 3-4 minutes, until browned.

3. Add the garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, and oyster sauce, then bring to a boil.

5. Add the udon noodles and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.

6. Stir in the broccoli florets and simmer for 2-3 more minutes, until tender.

7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the sesame oil and chopped kimchi.

8. Serve hot, garnished with extra kimchi if desired.

Overview 🔍

Udon soup offers a rich, comforting base that pairs perfectly with the spicy kick of kimchi. The tender beef, savory broth, and soft udon noodles create a hearty dish, while the broccoli adds a fresh crunch. The kimchi infuses the soup with a zesty, fermented flavor that elevates the entire meal.

I love that it’s quick to prepare and satisfying, making it a great option when you're craving something Japanese without slaving away in the kitchen. Plus, each serving only contains around 500 calories, which is perfect if you're watching your food intake.

3. Kimchi Rice & Eggs

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the long-grain rice according to package instructions.

3. While the rice is cooking, heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

4. Add the mushrooms and cook until softened, or about 3–4 minutes.

5. Add the spinach, sautéed aromatics, kimchi, and gochujang, cooking for an additional 3–4 Minutes.

6. Divide the rice evenly into two aluminum trays.

7. Top with the mushroom-spinach mixture.

8. Crack the pasture-raised eggs over the rice mixture in each tray.

9. Place the trays in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the eggs are cooked to your liking.

10. Drizzle with sesame dressing and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

Overview 🔍 

This dish combines the richness of eggs, the spicy kick of kimchi, and the hearty texture of rice. The sautéed mushrooms and spinach add depth and freshness, while the gochujang gives it a nice spicy heat. The sesame dressing and seeds provide a nutty finish, making this dish a satisfying and delicious meal.

It’s perfect for an easy yet flavorful meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. This dish brings together spicy, savory, and umami flavors in a way that’s quick and simple to prepare, making it ideal for a busy day when you need something nourishing and filling.

4. Crispy Baked Mac & Cheese With Kimchi

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).  

2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.  

3. In a medium pot, melt the butter over medium heat.  

4. Add the flour and whisk to form a roux, cooking for about 1 minute.  

5. Gradually add the milk while whisking, ensuring there are no lumps.  

6. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens.  

7. Stir in the Dijon mustard, shredded cheddar cheese, and parmesan.  

8. Season with salt and pepper.  

9. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until fully coated.  

10. Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking tray.  

11. Top with panko breadcrumbs and a handful of parmesan.  

12. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.  

13. While the mac and cheese bakes, chop the kimchi into small pieces.  

14. Remove the mac and cheese from the oven and stir in the kimchi before serving.

Overview 🔍

Mac & cheese is a classic comfort food, made even better with spicy kimchi. The creamy cheese sauce complements the tangy heat from the kimchi, while the panko topping gives off a satisfying crunch.

This dish is perfect for those who love rich comfort food with an extra kick. It’s easy to prepare, and the spicy kimchi adds a unique twist to a traditional favorite.

5. Kimchi Hot Sauce Burritos

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Start by rinsing and draining the black beans using a strainer.  

2. Cook the basmati rice according to package instructions and set aside.  

3. In a small bowl, mix the kimchi hot sauce with the white wine vinegar and sugar.  

4. Slice the scallions and cucumber, then shred the carrots.  

5. Heat the vegetable oil and butter in a large pan over medium heat.  

6. Sauté the scallions, shredded carrots, and cucumber for about 2 minutes, until slightly softened.  

7. Add the black beans and rice to the pan, stirring to combine.  

8. Pour in the kimchi hot sauce mixture, then season with salt and pepper to taste.  

9. Warm the tortillas in a dry pan for 1–2 minutes.  

10. Spread sour cream on each tortilla.  

11. Spoon the rice and bean mixture onto the center of each tortilla.  

12. Roll the tortillas into burritos, folding in the sides as you go.  

13. Serve with a squeeze of lime juice over the top.

Overview 🔍

This meal brings a combination of spicy kimchi hot sauce, black beans, and crunchy veggies to the table. The sour cream adds creaminess, and the lime juice tops things off and brightens the dish.  

I love that this is a really quick and easy dish that requires no fuss. It's low-effort, filling, and packed with flavor – great for when you’re short on time but still want something bold and satisfying.

6. Rueben Sandwich With Kimchi

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Butter one side of each slice of bread.  

2. Place two slices, butter-side down, on a heated griddle or skillet over medium heat.  

3. Spread Thousand Island dressing on the facing sides.  

4. Add corned beef, Swiss cheese, and chopped kimchi.  

5. Top with the other slices of bread, butter-side up.  

6. Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted, about 3–4 minutes per side.  

7. Remove from the skillet, slice in half, and serve hot.

Overview 🔍

The richness of a Reuben balances perfectly with the bold, fermented flavor of kimchi. Melted Swiss cheese, salty corned beef, and creamy dressing mellow out the spice and tang, creating a layered and satisfying flavor in every bite.

I love how fast this comes together with such a high flavor payoff. It’s filling but not too heavy, and the low carb count makes it feel a little lighter than your average grilled sandwich.

7. Japanese Gyoza Dumplings With Kimchi

*Gyoza dumplings will vary in their nutritional profile (calories, carbs, protein, and fat) based on the brand and what filling is used.

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Place the frozen gyoza in a single layer, flat side down, and cook for 2–3 minutes until the bottoms are golden.

3. Add the water to the skillet and cover immediately with a lid.

4. Steam the dumplings for 6–8 minutes or until the water evaporates.

5. Remove the lid and cook for another 1–2 minutes to re-crisp the bottoms.

6. Serve hot with soy sauce and rice vinegar for dipping, alongside a scoop of kimchi.

Overview 🔍

These Gyoza dumplings make for a crispy, savory snack that pair perfectly with the heat of kimchi. The light, chewy texture of the dumplings contrasts nicely with kimchi’s bold flavor and adds balance to the plate.

I love how simple this one is – just 15 minutes from freezer to table. It’s also low in protein and calories, making it ideal as a light bite or starter instead of a full meal.

8. Kimchi & Sliced Pork Ramen Bowls

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a simmer in a large pot.

2. Add the sliced pork loin, kimchi, soy sauce, sesame oil, gochujang, and minced garlic.

3. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

4. Stir in the ramen noodles and cook according to package instructions.

5. Add the bok choy during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

6. Once the noodles are cooked, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with green onions.

Overview 🔍

This ramen bowl brings a hearty, spicy kick with the bold flavors of kimchi and pork. The rich broth, tender pork, and spicy kimchi create a comforting yet fiery combination that warms you from the inside out.

I really enjoy how quick and satisfying this dish is. In just 20 minutes, you’ve got a filling meal with a nice balance of protein, heat, and umami. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something flavorful and filling but don’t have much time to cook.

FAQ

What foods go well with kimchi?

Kimchi pairs well with a wide variety of dishes thanks to its bold, spicy, and tangy flavor profile. It complements meats, grains, and vegetables by adding a flavorful contrast. Whether you're enjoying it with rice, sandwiches, or stir-fries, kimchi elevates the meal with its distinct taste. 

For example, in the Kimchi & Sliced Pork Ramen Bowls, the kimchi really brings out the rich broth and tender pork, making it a hearty, flavorful meal that’s packed with depth and heat.

What is kimchi usually eaten with?

Kimchi is most often served as a side dish alongside rice, meats, or even noodles. Its versatile flavor means it goes well with foods that benefit from a bit of spice and tang. Whether as a topping or a side, kimchi adds a dynamic element to the meal.

In the Kimchi Hot Sauce Burritos, the kimchi provides a spicy, tangy kick that goes nicely with the velvety sour cream and crunchy veggies, creating a flavorful, satisfying meal that brings together a variety of textures.

Is kimchi a side or main dish?

Kimchi is traditionally considered a side dish in Korean cuisine, usually served to complement main dishes. However, it can also take center stage when paired with hearty ingredients or used as a primary flavor component in various meals.

In the Reuben Sandwich with Kimchi, kimchi transforms the classic sandwich into a bolder main dish, adding a spicy twist to the savory corned beef, Swiss cheese, and tangy Thousand Island dressing.

Can you put kimchi in an omelet?

Yes, kimchi can be a great addition to an omelet. Its spicy, fermented flavor works well with eggs, adding depth and a bit of heat to the dish. The combination of creamy eggs and tangy kimchi creates a unique and savory breakfast or brunch option. 

But there are other ways to enjoy kimchi, too! For instance, in the Crispy Baked Mac and Cheese with Kimchi, the kimchi brings a spicy contrast to the cheesy mac and cheese, showcasing how it can elevate dishes beyond just omelets.