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    Home » Diet » Keto / Low-Carb

    Easy Caramelized Kimchi Recipe (Brown Butter Sugar)

    Jun 6, 2023 · 38 Comments

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    Sometimes kimchi is brutal because of its acidity and spicy punch of aged gochujang. Meet Caramelized Kimchi Recipe with melted butter and brown sugar - the gentler but addictive Korean fermented cabbage.

    Easy Caramelized Kimchi Recipe (Brown Butter Sugar)

    Sizzle up traditional kimchi with dairy or vegan butter and brown sugar. The tangy kimchi juices reduce into a nutty aroma of golden brown jammy sauce in a matter of moments. Serve like kimchi relishes with pasta, burgers, and hot dogs. I like to keep it as a side dish with my favourite bulgogi or pork belly!

    > In This Post: Everything You'll Need For Korean Brown Sugar Caramelized Kimchi

    If you are an avid kimchi lover like me and want to add kimchi literally to everything yet are tired of the same aggressive ripe kimchi sharpness, a good alternative is to sweeten it with brown sugar or maple syrup.

    Check out this quick story summary of our recipe!

    Jump to:
    • What Is Kimchi?
    • Is Kimchi Keto Friendly?
    • Ingredients and Substitutes
    • Instructions
    • > Recipe
    • Easy Caramelized Kimchi Recipe (Brown Butter Sugar)
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    What Is Kimchi?

    Let's begin with what is kimchi? Kimchi (김치 in Hangul) is a traditional Korean fermented side dish made with napa cabbage, salt, Gochugaru, green onions, garlic, ginger, fresh herbs and jeotgal (salted seafood), etc. This humble side dish has been a staple in Korean cuisine for generations.

    Easy Caramelized Kimchi Recipe (Brown Butter Sugar)

    What Does Kimchi Taste Like?

    Through fermentation, kimchi is sour, salty and spicy. Kimchi liquid is sharp and acidic with an underlying sweet umami flavour profile.

    Kimchi is healthy and actually good for you! Thanks to all that pickling and fermentation process! Kimchi is packed with fibre, beta-carotene, vitamins, minerals and natural probiotic bacteria, which benefit your healthy gut microbiome! Those suffering from irritable bowel syndrome will find benefits.

    Kimchi Fermentation Membranes

    The World Institute of Kimchi (WiKim) announced that the original source of lactic acid bacteria was found in kimchi. 

    This traditional Korean fermented vegetable contains microorganisms community of Leuconostoc, Weissella, and Lactobacillus dominant strains.

    Salt, via osmotic shock, inhibits the growth of harmful microorganisms in kimchi and regulates microorganisms' growth.

    Add kimchi to a variety of soups and stews. It is wonderful! 

    Here are a couple kimchi-forward bowls I am genuinely obsessed with from the blog! Both these recipes are plant-based and vegan!

    • Kimchi Cauliflower Fried Rice
    • Vegan Green Apple Kimchi (No Fish Sauce)
    • Vegan Spicy Beef Stew (Yukgaejang) 육개장 
    • Kimchi Jjigae

    Easy Caramelized Kimchi Recipe (Brown Butter Sugar)

    Is Kimchi Keto Friendly?

    Kimchi is a nutrient-dense keto-friendly side dish with a low-calorie, and net carbs count (less than 1 gram of net carbs per 100-gram serving!) 

    Those trying to lose weight may find the positive effects of the kimchi diet plan helpful along with exercise. Add kimchi to your menu, diversify your diet with its tangy flavour, and increase your veggie intake!  

    Although in low-carb food, kimchi is a good source of electrolytes rich in sodium and potassium. 

    Easy Caramelized Kimchi Recipe (Brown Butter Sugar)

    Ingredients and Substitutes

    This caramelized kimchi recipe can be made vegan using plant-based alternatives.

    Store Bought Kimchi - Your local Korean supermarket or Asian grocery store typically carries different varieties of kimchi in large jars. Look for them in the refrigerated section.

    Not all kimchi are vegan. You can make vegan kimchi easily at home too! We always have a jar of kimchi in the refrigerator! 

    Butter - Your choice of plant-based butter or traditional butter made with dairy. Unsalted butter is best since the kimchi is already salty. Also, salted butter foams more compared to unsalted butter. Adding butter will make an extra creamy sauce. 

    You can skip this or replace it with neutral vegetable oil for a lighter rendering.

    Brown Sugar or Maple Syrup - Caramelize the kimchi with brown sugar (beurre noisette) to make a knockout relish. The technique adds a lovely, savoury, rich nutty flavour to any recipe.

    Optional Ingredients:

    Gochujang - Add Korean hot pepper paste to make it an extra spicy kimchi relish recipe. Substitute Gochugaru Red Chili Pepper Powder for Gochujang is also acceptable!

    Sesame Oil

    Soy Sauce

    You can purchase most dry goods ingredients, tools and supplies at your local grocery stores or online at my Amazon Store. I have linked the products for your convenience!

    Easy Caramelized Kimchi Recipe (Brown Butter Sugar)

    Instructions

    Cooking kimchi with brown sugar quickly changes the composition and rhythm of an otherwise mean and intense, unique flavour profile of kimchi. The strong flavors and taste of kimchi change from sour taste to a smoky sweet, spicy Korean dish. 

    Melt butter in a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat. Let it swirl around to ensure that it melts and browns evenly.

    After browning the butter, add kimchi with a slotted spoon and brown sugar. Also, add other optional ingredients if desired. Cook at medium-high heat. Stir frequently to avoid burning. 

    The kimchi will let out excess water. Don't worry. Just cook it off. The kimchi butter mixture will caramelize and turn jammy. If you further cook it down it turns into Kimchi Jam.

    Serve and enjoy in a large bowl. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds.

    Pro Tip: If there is leftover pan sauce, the best way to not let that go to waste is to cook Korean rice cakes or add it to a bulgogi marinade. 

    Meal-Prep Tips

    You can efficiently work this caramelized fermented napa cabbage recipe into your family meal prep ideas for the week. Next time you need help to jumpstart your gut health, this perfectly jammy kimchi is a great way to aid weight loss and boost the immune system.

    Keto dieters will also approve of this low-calorie vegetable dish with health benefits!

    Brown butter caramelized kimchi can be served as a cold appetizer, a side dish, or a 

    nice garnish to cooked rice and ramen noodle bowls!

    Divide the mixture and portion in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Though ours never lasts that long.

    Pajeori Korean Spicy Seasoned Green Onion Salad | Pamuchim 파절이 파무침

    What To Serve With The Best Sweet Kimchi Recipe

    Serve as a modern traditional Korean side dish. Enjoy with bulgogi pork chops, on toasted fresh sourdough, or in kimchi grilled cheese! Adding kimchi is an excellent addition to a balanced diet.  

    You will love the spicy flavours if you enjoy this bold and rich kimchi recipe.

    • Korean Spicy Beef Stew
    • Korean Green Onion Salad
    • Kimchi Cauliflower Fried Rice

    I'd love to see how you went with my recipes! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @INSTANOMSS #INSTANOMSS.

    > Recipe

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    Easy Caramelized Kimchi Recipe (Brown Butter Sugar)

    Easy Caramelized Kimchi Recipe (Brown Butter Sugar)
    Print Recipe
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    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    5 from 36 reviews

    Sometimes kimchi is brutal because of its acidity and spicy punch of aged gochujang. Meet Caramelized Kimchi Recipe with melted butter and brown sugar - the gentler but addictive Korean fermented cabbage.

    • Author: Nancy
    • Prep Time: 2
    • Cook Time: 5
    • Total Time: 7 minutes
    • Yield: 2-4 persons 1x
    • Category: Appetizers, Snacks
    • Method: Stir Fry
    • Cuisine: Korean
    • Diet: Vegan

    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 250g Kimchi
    • 30g Butter, room temperature if possible
    • 2 tbsp Brown Sugar
    • Toasted Sesame Seeds

    Optional:

    • 2 tsp Gochujang (hot pepper paste) or Gochugaru (red chili pepper powder)
    • 1 tsp Sesame Oil
    • 1 tsp Soy Sauce

    Instructions

    1. Melt butter in a large skillet or non-stick pan over medium heat. Let it swirl around to ensure that it melts and browns evenly.
    2. After browning the butter, add kimchi with a slotted spoon and brown sugar. Also, add other optional ingredients if desired. Cook at medium-high heat. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
    3. The kimchi will let out excess water. Don't worry. Just cook it off. The kimchi butter mixture will caramelize and turn jammy.
    4. Serve and enjoy in a large bowl.
    5. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, if desire.

    Equipment

    Disposable Food Prep Gloves

    Disposable Food Prep Gloves

    Buy Now →
    Beeswax Reusable Food Wraps

    Beeswax Reusable Food Wraps

    Buy Now →
    Sweetcane Best Brown Sugar

    Brown Sugar

    Buy Now →
    Real Maple Syrup

    Real Maple Syrup

    Buy Now →
    Maldon Sea Salt Flakes

    Sea Salt Flakes

    Buy Now →
    Gochugaru korean red chili pepper powder

    gochugaru

    Buy Now →
    gochujang

    gochujang

    Buy Now →
    large mason jar 1L

    1L mason jar

    Buy Now →
    reusable food storage silicone bag

    reusable food storage silicone bag

    Buy Now →

    Notes

    Divide the mixture and portion in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Though ours never lasts that long.

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1 plate
    • Calories: 161
    • Sugar: 10.1 g
    • Sodium: 626.7 mg
    • Fat: 12.8 g
    • Trans Fat:
    • Carbohydrates: 11.8 g
    • Fiber: 2 g
    • Protein: 1.5 g
    • Cholesterol: 32.3 mg

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @instanomss on Instagram and hashtag it #instanomss

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    Easy Caramelized Kimchi Recipe (Brown Butter Sugar)

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Asha says

      June 23, 2023 at 8:54 am

      The brown sugar in this recipe transforms the flavour of the kimchi so much. Such a tasty and versatile side dish, too!

      Reply
    2. Marie-Pierre Breton says

      June 17, 2023 at 3:08 am

      I love Kimchi! I never tried to make my own, though! This will be fun and yummy! Lovely share!

      Reply
    3. Mina says

      June 16, 2023 at 7:43 am

      Okay this is interesting! Who would have thought you can incorporate caramel in kimchi! This is amazing!

      Reply
    4. Vanessa says

      June 14, 2023 at 3:03 pm

      I love kimchi so I was intrigued to try this - sooo good!

      Reply
    5. Lily says

      June 14, 2023 at 12:53 pm

      SO GOOD! I had it for breakfast with some congee. It was perfect!

      Reply
    6. Tavo says

      June 13, 2023 at 1:40 pm

      I came across your Easy Caramelized Kimchi Recipe (Brown Butter Sugar) and I must say, it's absolutely fantastic! Your recipe provided clear instructions and the use of brown butter sugar added such a delightful twist to the traditional kimchi. The caramelization process brought out a wonderful depth of flavor that was both savory and subtly sweet.

      Reply
    7. Choclette says

      June 13, 2023 at 6:46 am

      Your caramelised kimchi is amazing. Never heard of this concept before, but it will be a regular on our table now. It goes so well with a good homemade veggie burger.

      Reply
    8. Neha says

      June 12, 2023 at 2:17 pm

      Wow this kimchi sounds so amazing with brown sugar addition. I have never tried caramelized kimchi and now I’m excited to!!

      Reply
    9. Erin says

      June 12, 2023 at 1:30 pm

      This kimchi is so delicious! Thanks for all of the great tips.

      Reply
    10. Whitney says

      June 12, 2023 at 1:05 pm

      I love the blend of the sweet & spicy flavors, it's just not the same without the brown sugar! Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    11. dana says

      June 12, 2023 at 10:58 am

      We love kimchi but this just takes it to the next level! Loved it!

      Reply
    12. Elizabeth says

      June 12, 2023 at 10:50 am

      This is a great recipe to introduce kimchi to people who have never tried it before. Looking forward to trying this dish as a side dish alongside different types of meat.

      Reply
    13. Mina says

      June 12, 2023 at 10:32 am

      I'm literally obsessing with kimchi these days and this is just the perfect recipe to make for tomorrow's lunch! Can't wait to try your recipe!

      Reply
    14. swathi iyer says

      June 11, 2023 at 11:07 am

      caramelized kimchi looks perfect treat with any bread. It has hot, sweet and spicy touch.

      Reply
    15. Megane says

      June 09, 2023 at 6:11 pm

      I loved this more than normal kimchi. what a great way to make it.

      Reply
    16. andrea says

      June 09, 2023 at 5:21 pm

      this kimchi recipe turned out so delicious! the flavors were soooo good!

      Reply
    17. Nicole NK says

      June 09, 2023 at 4:59 pm

      I just picked up all of my ingredients and I can’t wait to make this this weekend. It sounds so delicious.

      Reply
    18. Jacqueline Wormington says

      June 09, 2023 at 2:36 pm

      This caramalized kimchi is SO good.

      Reply
    19. Bernice says

      June 09, 2023 at 1:46 pm

      This was delicious, Nancy. I love caramelized cabbage so I had to give this caramelized cabbage a try. It was such an easy recipe but tasted amazing!

      Reply
    20. Lindsay Howerton-Hastings says

      June 09, 2023 at 11:16 am

      We loved this on rice bowls!

      Reply
    21. Audrey says

      June 09, 2023 at 9:56 am

      I love kimchi and this was a great spin on a classic!!

      Reply
    22. Liz says

      June 09, 2023 at 9:38 am

      This is the BEST kimchi recipe I've ever eaten! And I'm so glad I can make it any time I'm in the mood!!!

      Reply
    23. Helen at.the Lazy Gastronome says

      June 09, 2023 at 6:43 am

      I love kimchee but I’ve never had it like this!! It is totally delicious. I will definitely make this again. Pinned!

      Reply
    24. andrea says

      June 08, 2023 at 7:18 pm

      the caramelized flavor is incredible! so tasty!

      Reply
    25. Nicole NK says

      June 08, 2023 at 3:52 pm

      We love kimchi care at my house, and I honestly never thought of adding brown butter until now. This is so delicious, can’t wait to make it again.

      Reply
    26. Elizabeth says

      June 08, 2023 at 6:29 am

      Love the addition of brown sugar - so good!

      Reply
    27. Holly says

      June 08, 2023 at 5:01 am

      Fabulous and I would definitely make it again!

      Reply
    28. Stephanie says

      June 08, 2023 at 3:29 am

      My first time making kimchi and this was success! Given the nutritional benefits I would like to have this on hand often for pairing with entrees. Thanks for the great instructions - even a newbie chef like me can make this.

      Reply
    29. Jenn Freedman says

      June 07, 2023 at 8:49 pm

      Oh YUM! Caramelizing my favorite condiment

      Reply
    30. Nora says

      June 07, 2023 at 12:15 pm

      Oh, this sounds so delicious! Never made it with brown butter sugar before! Looking forward to giving it a try!

      Reply
    31. Shadi Hasanzadenemati says

      June 07, 2023 at 6:14 am

      Oh wow, this looks so delicious. My family is going to devour it!

      Reply
    32. Karen says

      June 07, 2023 at 2:38 am

      Wow this recipe was incredible! I’ve been experimenting with making my own Kimchi at home and have tried many recipes. This unique take was hands down one of my faves! Great flavor- will make again!

      Reply
    33. Andréa Janssen says

      June 07, 2023 at 2:16 am

      This kimchi with brown butter and brown sugar has got a delicious flavor. Sweeter and milder than 'natural' kimchi. Great recipe!

      Reply
    34. Charla says

      June 06, 2023 at 10:59 pm

      I love the caramelised take on kimchi, such a unique concept!

      Reply
      • Tyanne Johnson says

        June 07, 2023 at 7:12 pm

        I love the low amount of ingredients!

        Reply
    35. Sara Welch says

      June 06, 2023 at 10:02 pm

      This was such a unique and unexpected twist! So easy and delicious; quite possibly the best way to enjoy cabbage!

      Reply
    36. Beth says

      June 06, 2023 at 8:05 pm

      This recipe is full of things I love: quick, easy, sweet, tangy, and irresistibly addictive. A unique twist to try!

      Reply
    37. laura says

      June 06, 2023 at 7:48 pm

      This sounds like such a great take on a classic recipe! Can't wait to give this a go.

      Reply

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    nancy wu nomss.com

    Hi, I'm Nancy!

    I'm a finance professional and a Mommy to a toddler girl based Vancouver, BC, Canada.

    I love modern Chinese cooking, Asian inspired recipes and healthy vegan / vegetarian / plant-based substitutes focused on healthy family, wellness and sustainability.

    For skincare, beauty and Motherhood, visit our sister blog hellonance.com

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    Easy Caramelized Kimchi Recipe (Brown Butter Sugar)
    Easy Caramelized Kimchi Recipe (Brown Butter Sugar)
    Easy Caramelized Kimchi Recipe (Brown Butter Sugar)