Here are 11 delicious vegan recipes using kimchi, plus a bonus recipe for making your own. Korean cuisine has made a big splash in the West in recent years, and kimchi (aka kimchee) has been embraced along with it.
Kimchi is often used straight up as a condiment on the plate, but its zesty tartness can be incorporated all manner of dishes, as you’ll see following — noodle dishes, soups, tacos, noodle and rice dishes, bowls, and savory pancakes.
What is kimchi? In brief, kimchi is a fermented condiment based most often on cabbage and can include other vegetables. Think of kimchi as a spicier form of sauerkraut.
Is kimchi good for you? The fermentation process results in a plethora of beneficial nutrients, especially probiotics. Dieticians and other experts believe that eating 2 to 3 servings of fermented foods for gut health is optimal; the sad truth is that in American and other Western diets, that number is closer to zero.
Rich in vitamins C and K, kimchi has a moderate amount of fiber, iron, and potassium, and is quite low in calories.
What’s in kimchi? In Korean cuisine, there are hundreds of varieties combining all manner of vegetables, herbs, and spices. In western markets, there isn’t nearly that much variety.
You’ll most likely find prepared kimchi mainly based on napa cabbage, embellished with onion, garlic, ginger, and a spice made from hot chile peppers.
Kimchi’s fiery kick comes from a seasoning made from hot chile peppers called gochugaru, though for most palates, it’s not too hot to handle. You can get it from Asian markets or online sources. An easy substitute is dried hot red pepper flakes, a seasoning available in every supermarket.
Occasionally, readymade kimchi, which comes in jars, may include carrot and some form of radish. It can sometimes contain fish ingredients, so make sure to read labels to find a vegan brand.
Thanks to the talented bloggers who participated in this roundup and gave permission to use their photos and link to their creative recipes.
Make your own kimchi
Photo: Live Eat Learn
From Live Eat Learn: Are you a kimchi lover who’s wondered how to make kimchi at home? Here’s how to make your own easy, fermented kimchi with this authentic Korean recipe (without the fish sauce!)
11 Delicious Recipes Using Kimchi
Photo: Live Eat Learn
From Live Eat Learn: Looking for an easy, Asian-inspired taco recipe sure to please your tastebuds and leave your stomach feeling nice and full? These Kimchi Tempeh Tacos will do just that. They’re totally delicious and require just 20 minutes!
Photo: Dianne’s Vegan Kitchen
From Dianne’s Vegan Kitchen: Made with savory Soy Curls and spicy kimchi, these easy-to-make Soy Curl and Kimchi Tacos are perfect for busy weeknights, and they’re sure to become a Taco Tuesday favorite!
Vegan Korean BBQ Tacos (with Seitan and Kimchi)
Who was it that first thought to mash up Korean BBQ with tacos? I have no idea, but the idea behind vegan Korean BBQ tacos made with plant protein and kimchi is pure genius.
Photo: Rachael Hartley Nutrition
From Rachael Hartley Nutrition: Kimchi noodle salad is a delicious way to sneak in mood boosting probiotics, and it takes less than 30 minutes to make. Vegan and gluten free too!
Photo: Rachael Hartley Nutrition
Vegan Korean Mushroom Bulgogi Bowls
From Rachael Hartley Nutrition: This veggie packed vegan Korean mushroom bulgogi bowl uses meaty portobello mushrooms in lieu of beef! It’s easy for meal prep, and topped with a spicy sriracha mayo sauce!
Photo: The Cook Report
BBQ Jackfruit Bowls with Kimchi & Sriracha Mayo
From The Cook Report: These BBQ jackfruit bowls are so easy to make and are full of wholesome ingredients. Top with kimchi, avocado and a big drizzle of sriracha mayo for a delicious vegetarian dinner!
Kimchi Bowl with Red Curry Almond Sauce
From Spabettie: Kimchi Bowl with Red Curry Almond Sauce is the ultimate vegan rice bowl recipe! bright, vibrant and packed with flavor and probiotic goodness!
Photo: Dianne’s Vegan Kitchen
From Dianne’s Vegan Kitchen: Loaded with vegetables, flavorful vegan Kimchi Fried Rice comes together quickly, making it a great dinner option for busy weeknights! This easy Korean inspired recipe is vegan and gluten-free.
Photo: Soup Addict
From Soup Addict: A soup that’s easy to make, for when the deep heart of winter chills us to the bone. Kimchi ramen noodle soup is full of mouth-watering, health-supporting ingredients like miso, kimchee, mushrooms, and dark leafy greens.
Photo: Spabettie
From Spabettie: Loaded with vegetables, flavorful vegan Kimchi Fried Rice comes together quickly, making it a great dinner option for busy weeknights! This easy Korean inspired recipe is vegan and gluten-free. This post also includes a recipe for kimchi.
Korean-Inspired Scallion and Kimchi Pancakes
What’s even better than scallion pancakes are vegan scallion and kimchi pancakes. Easy to make and delicious, they go well with Asian-style soups and stir-fries.
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