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What is Kimchi?

Kimchi is a staple of Korean cuisine, and its history dates back over 2,000 years.

Originally developed as a method of preserving vegetables through fermentation, traditional kimchi is made by salting napa cabbage or radish, then mixing it with a seasoned paste typically made from Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru), garlic, ginger, and fish sauce.

The mixture is then fermented at cool temperatures, developing its signature tangy, spicy, and umami-rich flavour over time.

What to look out for when buying Kimchi?

While traditional kimchi requires refrigeration and has a shorter shelf life, ambient kimchi offers a longer-lasting, more convenient option for retailers, without compromising on authenticity or flavour. Its extended shelf stability makes it ideal for mainstream and impulse placement, helping to reduce waste and storage concerns.

The key to kimchi’s signature flavour is gochugaru, Korean dried red chilli pepper, an essential ingredient in every authentic recipe.

Look for kimchi made with varied vegetables like carrot or daikon (white radish) alongside napa cabbage (Chinese leaf cabbage), appealing to consumers seeking bold flavours and crunch.

Mrs Elswood Classic Kimchi

Inspired by Korean Kimchi with an explosion of intense spiciness, lip-smacking tang, and a crunchy texture. The perfect companion for rice and meat dishes.

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Master Cook Classic Kimchi

A spicy flavour boost inspired by Korean kimchi. Try with burgers, sandwiches, or stir in with your favourite Asian dishes.

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Mrs Elswood Turmeric Kimchi

A vibrant twist on the classic Korean Kimchi with an intense fermented spicy heat, tanginess, and crunch. Great with any meat or tofu dish.

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How is Kimchi Used?

Traditionally, kimchi is served as a side dish (banchan) with almost every Korean meal, providing a spicy, tangy contrast to rice, soups, and grilled meats.

It’s also used as an ingredient in a wide range of Korean dishes, such as kimchi jjigae (a hearty stew), kimchi bokkeumbap (fried rice), kimchi jeon (savoury pancakes), and even in dumplings or stir-fries.

In contemporary cooking, kimchi has become a popular way to add bold, tangy heat to a wide range of global dishes. Chefs and food lovers now use it to elevate comfort foods, adding it to burgers for a spicy crunch, cheese toasties for depth and umami, and even mac and cheese, tacos, and grain bowls.

Its fermented flavour pairs well with rich, fatty, or creamy components, making it a go-to for fusion menus. Its bold flavour and natural acidity make it a versatile addition that enhances both traditional and contemporary recipes.

Start cooking with Kimchi

Kimchi Fried Rice

Indulge in the vibrant flavours of Korea with our delicious Kimchi Fried Rice recipe.

Kimchi Fried Rice Recipe

Kimchi Cheese Toastie

Take your toastie game to the next level with this fiery, cheesy fusion.

Kimchi Cheese Toastie Recipe

Kimchi Mayo

Perfect for your next BBQ or lunch, this flavour-packed condiment is great as a dip, smothered on burgers, or topped on a salad.

Kimchi Mayo Recipe

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For over 25 years, Empire Bespoke Foods has been helping UK wholesalers and independent retailers stand out. As one of the UK’s leading importers and distributors of authentic international food and drink brands, we specialise in curating authentic products that bring a taste of the world to the UK market, with innovation and quality at the heart of everything we do.