Kimchi Grilled Cheese Sandwich

This kimchi grilled cheese sandwich is a delicious and unique twist on the classic grilled cheese sandwich. This fusion dish combines the savoury, tangy flavours of kimchi with gooey melted cheese and spicy gochujang mayo.

Kimchi Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Korean Twist on a Classic

Who doesn’t love a good grilled cheese sandwich? It’s the ultimate comfort food, a gooey blend of melted cheese between two perfectly toasted slices of bread. If you want to give this classic a spicy twist then you absolutely need to try my kimchi grilled cheese sandwich.

This delicious combination brings together the savoury, cheesy goodness of a classic grilled cheese with the spicy, tangy flavours of kimchi and spicy homemade gochujang mayo. It’s a match made in heaven!

Why Kimchi?

Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish with a unique and tangy spicy taste made from lacto-fermented vegetables, such as cabbage or radishes. It is known for its bold, spicy flavour and numerous health benefits. It’s rich in probiotics, vitamins A, K, and C.

It is usually served as a condiment or side to add a tangy, spicy kick to diverse foods such as sandwiches, wraps, rice, noodles, soups, or stews.

Pairing with cheese might sound unconventional, but trust me, it is absolutely delicious.

Kimchi Recipes You Might Want To Try

• Kimchi Fried Rice (with smoked tofu)
• Kimchi and Eggs Flatbreads

Tips for the Perfect Kimchi Grilled Cheese

• Cheese: don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses. I like extra-mature cheddar or Monterey Jack but you can also use Gruyère or fontina – the sharper, the better. For extra creaminess you can also add some mozzarella.
• Kimchi: either homemade or store-bought – I like Vadasz
• Gochujang Mayo: I make my own from scratch but you can also mix some plain mayo with Gochujang paste instead.
• Bread: choose a sturdy bread like sourdough, or a rustic pain de campagne
  

🌱 MAKE IT VEGAN : You can easily make this kimchi grilled cheese sandwich vegan by swapping the butter and cheese for plant-based alternative. Also, traditional kimchi contains shrimp paste or fish sauce, so make sure you read the ingredients first. Many store-bought varieties are suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This kimchi grilled cheese sandwich is best eaten warm as soon as it is cooked.

It is the perfect side to:

• Soups: like my Courgette & Tomato Basil Soup or Korean Tofu Soup.
• Salads: like my Asian Red Cabbage Slaw, Crunchy Asian Salad or a light green salad like my Beetroot, Carrot & Apple Salad With Toasted Seeds.

How to Make This Kimchi Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this kimchi grilled cheese sandwich you will need:

• kimchi 
• butter of choice 
• gochujang mayo
• bread slices
• grated cheese of choice

Step-by-step Method

Step 1: Spread Butter and Mayo

Spread the butter on both sides of each bread slice. Then spread some gochujang mayo on one side of each bread slice.

Step 2: Warm Up the Bread and Kimchi

Melt a generous knob of butter in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
Place one bread slice in the frying pan, with the mayo side facing up. Add the kimchi on the side of the pan to warm it up.

Step 3: Build the Sandwich

Top the bread slice with half the cheese. Pile the kimchi on top. Top with the remaining cheese. Close the sandwich with the second bread of slice, mayo side facing down.

Step 4: Cook the Sandwich

Cook the sandwich over medium-high heat for a minute or so, then flip carefully on the other side and cook for another minute or so until the bread is golden. Serve and eat straightaway.

Watch How to Make This Kimchi Grilled Cheese Sandwich

I hope you enjoy this kimchi grilled cheese sandwich recipe as much as I do. If you do make it, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram!

Other Things You Might Enjoy

• Do It Yourself: 7 Fermented Foods To Make at Home
• Fermented Foods Hummus [vegan] by Dunja Gulin
• Whipped Feta Cheese Dip
• Mushroom & Tofu Gochujang Curry [vegan]