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If you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to add some kimchi to your diet, look no further than kimchi fried rice! This dish is packed with nutrients and flavor, and it’s super simple to make.
What is Kimchi?
Kimchi is a fermented cabbage dish that is popular in Korean cuisine. It is made by salting and seasoning cabbage, then allowing it to ferment for a period of time. This fermentation process creates beneficial probiotic bacteria that can help improve gut health.
Kimchi is believed to have originated in Korea over 2,000 years ago. It was traditionally made during the winter months as a way to preserve cabbage and other vegetables for the long winter. Today, kimchi is enjoyed year-round and can be found in many different dishes.
There are various fermented cabbage dishes used across cultural cuisines. In Germany, there is the delicious Sauerkraut which elevates meals to a different level! In Chile, we have our own version of sauerkraut called “Chucrut,” which I am pretty sure we took the idea from the Germans.
Where Do I Buy Kimchi?
You can go to your local Asian Marker or Grocery Store and you will likely find Kimchi. You can also find Kimchi at Trader Joe’s if you live close to one. I bought mine from a Korean grocery store. But this is likely what it will look like when you go on the hunt for some Kimchi:
Fermented Foods
If you like fermented foods and have not tried Kimchi, let me tell you, you are missing out! The Koreans have it right. The salty sour taste with a hint of spice makes salads, soups, and sandwiches reach another level of taste.
Kimchi is also a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as iron and calcium. Plus, it has a unique spicy-sour flavor that goes great with rice. Kimchi is a fermented food which may contain some healthy bacteria for our GI system.
Fermented foods are foods that retain live fermentation microorganisms. These foods include:
- Yogurt
- Sour cream
- Kefir
- Miso
- Tempeh
- Kombucha
- Some beers
There are other foods that go through a fermentation process; however, microorganisms are killed or remover during processing. These foods include baked sourdough breads, Shelf-stable pickles, soy sauce, and vinegar.
Here it’s a helpful table to know what it’s considered Fermented Foods. This tool was found in an amazing article on Probiotics on Today’s Dietitian Magazine. If you’re curious about reading more into probiotics, prebiotics, and fermented foods, check out this link.
This article talks about what we know about probiotics and how to consume them to improve out gut health.
It’s called: Evidence-Based Use of Probiotics, Prebiotics and Fermented Foods for Digestive Health By Hannah D. Holscher, PhD, RD, Robert Hutkins, PhD, and Mary Ellen Sanders, PhD.
The Recipe: Kimchi Fried Rice
To make kimchi fried rice, simply cook up some rice and then stir in some kimchi and your favorite other ingredients. I like to add a little bit of sesame oil and green onion for extra flavor. You can also add protein such as chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. And, leftovers reheat well for lunch the next day. So go ahead and add some kimchi to your fried rice and enjoy!
So, if you’re looking for an easy and delicious way to add some kimchi to your diet, look no further than kimchi fried rice! This dish is packed with nutrients and flavor, and it’s super simple to make.
This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. And, leftovers reheat well for lunch the next day. So go ahead and add some kimchi to your fried rice and enjoy!