Amazing Dishes to Make With Leftover Kimchi

By
Naomi Imatome-Yun
Naomi Imatome-Yun
Asian food expert Naomi Imatome-Yun is a freelance writer and the author of four Asian food cookbooks.
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Updated on 09/17/20

Kimchi (or kimchee or gimchi) is one of those things that makes everything taste better. It adds a depth of spice and flavor to stews, rice, and noodles that are almost impossible to find anywhere else. So don't throw out that last bit of kimchi, even if you have a shiny new bottle waiting to take its place. Do your fridge and your tummy a favor and make one of those delicious kimchi-filled recipes. 

  • 01 of 05

    Kimchi Fried Rice (Kimchi Bokumbap)

    Kimchi fried rice recipe

    The Spruce

    Kimchi fried rice (bokumbap or ​bokkeumbap) is a humble food that is mostly enjoyed at home, but you might also see it in some casual Korean eateries. At home, it's a great way to use leftover kimchi that's a bit past its prime. You can use Canadian bacon as a protein if you have it. Quick, easy, and cheap to make, kimchi bokumbap is simple Korean home cooking at its best.

  • 02 of 05

    Tofu and Sauteed Kimchi (Dubu Kimchi)

    Dubu Kimchi
    Image by David Koiter / Getty Images

    Dubu kimchi is a popular anju (Korean drinking snack) and a delicious, easy way to use leftover or older kimchi. The vibrant flavor of the sauteed kimchi is mellowed by the soft, delicate texture of the plain tofu.

  • 03 of 05

    Cheesy Hawaiian-Style Kimchi Dip

    kimchi-cheese-dip.jpg

    Hawaiian cuisine combines great elements of Asian, American, European, and traditional island cooking. This is based on a Hawaiian-fusion recipe and is an easy way to make a spicy, flavorful cheese dip.

  • 04 of 05

    Spicy Kimchi Stew (Kimchi Jjigae, Kimchichigae)

    Spicy kimchi stew

    ​The Spruce Eats / Nita West

    This spicy kimchi stew (kimchi jjigae or kimchichigae) is served bubbling hot and makes good use of leftover or older kimchi. Fiery hot, hearty, and full of flavor, kimchichigae is great for cold winter days but Koreans can eat it anytime, anywhere. There is a lot of room for variation in this dish, and everyone has their favorite combination. Favorite additions include potatoes, zucchini, and mushrooms.

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  • 05 of 05

    Kimchi Jun (Kimchi Pancake)

    Kimchijeon (Korean kimchi pancakes)

    CreatiVegan.net / Getty Images

    This kimchi pancake recipe is a great use of leftover kimchi and is very easy to make. Kimchi Jun works as a hearty snack, an appetizer, or a side dish to a Korean or Asian meal. As with most Korean recipes and dishes, you can tweak it to your own tastes with the addition of other vegetables, meat, or seafood.