Korean traditional fermented appetizer kimchi cabbage and radish salad, fish snack served in glass jars with Vietnamese oregano and chili peppers over grey blue table, Chopsticks in mans hands. (Photo by: Natasha Breen/REDA&CO/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
Cover Korean traditional fermented banchan, kimchi (Photo: Natasha Breen / REDA&CO / Universal Images Group / Getty Images
Is kimchi Korean or Chinese? Forget the hot debate because one thing is for sure: this fermented veggie concoction has taken the culinary world by storm. Here, we round up eight kimchi dishes you can enjoy

1. Fried Rice

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Above Wildflour's kimchi rice (Photo: Maritess Garcia Reyes)

Kimchi fried rice, also known as kimchi bokkeumbap in Korea, is the easiest, most versatile and arguably the most popular dish in this lineup. Easy because all you need to do is just sauté and toss it over rice (even leftover rice will do); and versatile because you can eat it on its own or pair it with practically any meat you want. Try some Wagyu cubes and perfectly cooked sunny-side-up eggs on top and you’ll realise why it’s such a popular dish.

Read also: 5 Desserts That Can Be Made In Your Rice Cooker

2. Bibim Guksu (Mixed Salad)

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Shot in studio
Above Bibim guksu and dumpling (Photo: Sungsu Han / Getty Images)

Toss in ripened kimchi over cold soba noodles and julienned vegetables for a refreshing bibim guksu (mixed salad). You can add cucumber, carrots, boiled eggs, rice vinegar, honey, sugar, sesame oil and seeds, and mix it altogether to come up with a healthy and tasty dish in less than 15 minutes. Make it hotter with a tablespoon or two of gochujang.

See also: Editors' Picks: The Best Spicy Dishes In The Klang Valley

 

3. Burger

It is a known fact that kimchi and meat go perfectly well together. But what happens when you add stringy, melted mozzarella or even some caramelised onion on top of a juicy half-pound patty? The result is a heavenly kimchi burger that ticks all the boxes: sweet, sour, salty and spicy. 

ICYMI: Where Does Malaysia Stand In The Funky World Of Fermented Foods?

4. Pizza

Now that you've tried the kimchi burger, why not pizza next? Smothered with kimchi, your choice of cheese and lots and lots of garlic for a flavourful punch, pizzas are also perfect for sharing. Don't forget to chill some soju and banana milk, too!

Related: The Best New Pizzerias In KL: Heritage Pizza, Phil's Pizza And WOP

 

5. Udon and Ramen

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Korean kimchi udon
Above Korean kimchi udon (Photo: ma-no / Getty Images

Whether served soupy or stir-fried, noodles can get an extra kick out of using kimchi. Try adding a dollop or two the next time you sauté egg noodles or udon. Or add it to beef or pork bone broth to spice up a sizzling ramen bowl.

 

6. Mandu (Dumplings)

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WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 1, 2019:  Mandu - Pan-fried pork & kimchi dumplings  photographed at Anju in Washington, DC on September 1, 2019. (Photo by Deb Lindsey for The Washington Post via Getty Images).
Above Mandu or pan-fried pork and kimchi dumplings at Anju (Photo: Deb Lindsey for The Washington Post / Getty Images
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Above Oori's mandu jeongol (Photo: Oori)

Known as mandu, these succulent pillows filled with meat are similar to Japan’s gyoza and China’s jiaozi (potstickers). A popular streetfood in Korea, these dumplings are infused with a spicy kick using kimchi—often with the napa cabbage variety.

While mandu on its own is interesting enough taste-wise, culinary minds hike it up a notch, creating other variations such as mandu jeongol (dumpling hotpot) and manduguk (dumpling soup).

ICYMI: Korean Chef Mingoo Kang Receives The Inedit Damm Chefs’ Choice Award

 

7. Kimchi Jjigae (Stew)

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Kimchi Chiggae - also known as kimchi stew - served with slices of tender pork and spiced to perfection. Kimchi is the national dish of Korea and is served with nearly every meal.
Above Kimchi jjiggae or kimchi stew (Photo: Flash Parker / Getty Images)

Another staple in Korean households is kimchi jjigae (stew)—a sizzling hot and spicy pot that will surely awaken your senses the moment you dig in with your soup spoon. It’s another easy recipe that just requires some aged kimchi, water and protein of your choice (it can be tofu, too!). In some cases, water used to rinse rice is used for a richer, fuller flavour. Tip: Use old or aged kimchi as it gives that acidity to balance the spice levels and well, yes, the fat if you’re using meat.

Popular recipes for kimchi jigae can be found in blogs such as Korean Bapsang and My Korean Kitchen.

8. Pancakes

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Foods shots (Mungbean kimchi pancake)at SANCHE in Central. 15FEB14
Above Mungbean kimchi pancake (Photo: Edward Wong / South China Morning Post / Getty Images)

Known as kimchi-buchimgae or sometimes kimchi-jeon, these pancakes are far from the sweet, syrupy westernised version. They are usually served as an appetiser, as a banchan (side dish) or even a snack. The recipe is very simple: combine flour, eggs, water and a generous portion of sliced kimchi. Add green and red chillis if you prefer yours spicier, as well as some salt or fish sauce to taste.

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