15 Gut-Friendly Kimchi Dishes – One Green Planet

Never tried kimchi? Kimchi is a Korean condiment that is similar to sauerkraut. It is usually made from cabbage (though other vegetables may be used) and it is fermented over a period of time, which means that it is good for those looking for ways to add more probiotics to their diet. Kimchi is higher in probiotics than sauerkraut, so if you love spicy foods, now might be the time to give kimchi a try. To learn more about the benefits of kimchi, read Kimchi: The Next Superfood.

Kimchi is also very spicy, typically fermented with ingredients like red peppers, onions, scallions, garlic, and salt. You can find it in most stores now, but it is also easy to make at home. Read Want to Make Kimchi? Don’t Miss These 5 Tips and then learn How to Make Your Own Kimchi to get started. Once you are all set with your homemade (or storebought) kimchi, it’s time to put it to use — and we can help with that, too. Try these 15 recipes featuring crisp, spicy kimchi!

1. Miso Kimchi Nachos With Cashew Cheese 

These Miso Kimchi Nachos With Cashew Cheese are a great combination of that classic cheesy taste spiced up with some favorite fermented foods. The miso paste in the cheese sauce adds the perfect deep, salty undertone. The sour crunch of the kimchi alongside the freshness of the kale and yellow pepper is just totally awesome. You definitely want these nachos in your belly right now!

2. Cucumber Kimchi

Cucumber Kimchi is a super simple condiment that adds all of the spice and tang of kimchi but only takes about 20 minutes to make ­­­– no fermenting necessary! It’s all a matter of taking the water out of the cucumber slices and replacing it with flavor. Once you’ve accomplished this, can treat it just like any other kimchi and take a nibble whenever you need to refresh your palate or you could use these like pickles, adding them to veggie burgers or “pulled pork” sandwiches. Yum!

3. Kimchi Hummus 

This Kimchi Hummus is a very simple recipe that’s definitely worth a try, especially if you’re a kimchi lover! In case you’re not familiar with it, kimchi is an awesome Korean food staple made from fermenting cabbage. The tangy flavor of kimchi coupled with the creaminess of chickpeas makes an amazing dip you will find yourself using for all sorts of things from perking up sandwiches to dipping veggies and chips.

4. Kimchi Poutine 

This Kimchi Poutine is the marriage of a Canadian favorite and a Korean digestion-enhancing, healthful flavor bomb. It might seem a bit strange, but just close your eyes – right now, do it. Now imagine biting into a hot, soft sweet potato fry that has been seasoned perfectly with fragrant, garlicky, gingery and impeccably spiced kimchi – then you get a hint of a tangy and ever so cheesy hemp sauce. Oh yeah. You know you’re down.

5. Kimchi Mushroom Burgers

Sweet brioche burger buns, crunchy crumbed mushrooms, creamy kimchi mayonnaise, spicy kimchi, and cooling cucumber. These Kimchi Mushroom Burgers are guaranteed to make your taste buds happy. The mushrooms are meaty on the inside and crispy on the outside, the kimchi provides crunch and spice. It’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures that’ll be a hit with your family, friends – pretty much everyone.

6. Kimchi Quesadillas

These Kimchi Quesadillas are a real game-changer. They’re made with a thick, umami-rich black bean spread, crunchy fresh greens, spicy and tangy kimchi, and a perfectly crispy tortilla. Get your taste buds ready ’cause these are packed with flavor!

 

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7. Korean Spicy Sweet Potato Falafel Tacos With Kimchi

These Korean Spicy Sweet Potato Falafel Tacos combine Korean flavors with Mediterranean falafel and Mexican tacos … The crispy falafel are made with spicy gochujang and panko and it’s topped with white kimchi made from leeks, carrots, and Napa cabbage. And it’s pretty darn delicious, too.

8. Kimchi Vinaigrette

Not a fan of salad? Maybe all you need is a good dressing. This Kimchi Vinaigrette is versatile, flavor-packed, and simple to make! Kimchi juice adds a bright acidity and spice that turns any boring salad into one that you’ll crave.

9. Dosa Cakes With Curried Cauliflower and Kimchi

Try these Dosa Cakes With Curried Cauliflower and Kimchi! Dosa is a gluten-free and fermented Indian crèpe made from a mixture of white lentils and rice. The lentils and rice are soaked overnight, then blended separately into a batter before being left in a warm oven to ferment for a few hours. The result is a sticky and tangy crèpe that becomes the perfect vehicle for all sorts of toppings, savory or sweet. Here, it’s served with roasted, curried cauliflower and spicy kimchi.

10. Kimchi Kale Salad

Kimchi adds so much flavor, texture, and color to food. The crunch and sourness are especially delightful in this Kimchi Kale Salad made with avocado massaged kale, chickpeas, and roasted sweet potatoes.

11. Thai Green Curry Tofu Ramen With Kimchi

This Thai Green Curry Tofu Ramen With Kimchi is made with just six ingredients in three easy steps. It’s a bowl full of flavor and amazing texture. With red cabbage, kimchi, marinated tofu, and creamy Thai green curry sauce, it’s an easy meal that can be thrown together in no time. It is savory, crunchy, flavorful, satisfying, colorful, easy, and so delicious.

12. Kimchi and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry

You probably wouldn’t think that kimchi and Brussels sprouts would go well together, as Brussels sprouts aren’t exactly a traditional Korean food. But since they’re both part of the cabbage family, it’s actually a no-brainer! This Kimchi and Brussels Sprouts Stir-Fry is comforting, spicy, and absolutely delicious and you could eat it with most anything, like rice, noodles, or even by itself!

13. Simple Korean Kimchi BBQ Burgers

Sweet Korean barbecue sauce tops a “beefy” veggie burger made from veggie ground “meat” and spicy kimchi for a delicious twist on the usual barbecue burger. This Simple Korean Kimchi BBQ Burger is a game-changer.

14. Kimchi Tofu Tacos With Cashew Crema

Who doesn’t love kimchi and tacos? Give them a try in your kitchen with these amazingly flavorful Kimchi Tofu Tacos With Cashew Crema! They’ll make your taste buds want to get up and do a happy dance.

15. Squash Kimchi Bowls With Almond Sauce

If you love a huge range of flavors in one dish, these Squash Kimchi Bowls With Almond Sauce are for you. They’re spicy, nutty, sweet, and savory all in one fell swoop! While it seems like the flavors don’t go together, when put into action, they actually balance perfectly. Best part? No dishes to clean!

Want some traditional Korean recipes to try with kimchi? Then, check out our vegan Korean recipes page for ideas and inspiration!