Let's cut right to the chase here: We're crazy for kimchi. A tangy, spicy, umami-loaded condiment that's usually made from pickled cabbage or radishes, kimchi has been consumed for centuries in Korean culture for both its deep, flavorful heat and digestive health benefits. Although you can certainly experiment at home with your own recipes, there are plenty of store-bought options that are just as tasty (and won't stink up your fridge).
This spicy, fermented side dish is having a major moment in the Western culinary world and is popping up in everything from hearty traditional soups to funky bloody Mary recipes. It's a seriously versatile and flavor-packed culinary staple.
Here are our favorite kimchi brands to kick up the heat in your home cooking.
Made without fish sauce or any added sugars, Madge's Mild Vegan Kimchi is mellow in flavor and a favorite among kimchi lovers. We love the addition of sweet Asian pears, garlic, and ginger in this delicious blend. If you're looking for an umami flavor bomb made without the fish, go for Madge's.
Whether you're spicing up homemade fried rice or adding tangy heat and depth to stir-fried noodles, this spicy raw kimchi from Lucky Food is fresh, crunchy, and packed with flavor. Amazon reviewers specifically love the moderate spice level and satisfyingly toothsome texture of this variety.
The mother-and-son duo behind Brooklyn-based Kimchi Kooks uses traditional family recipes that date back to founder Kate Kook's grandfather's Korean rice wine brewery. Judging by their perfectly piquant Classic Kimchi, let's just say this duo has some serious Seoul.
Founded in New York City's Lower East Side, Mother in Law's Kimchi produces one that’s spicy, savory, and complex thanks to a slightly unconventional ingredient list. This list includes bone broth, anchovy sauce, and salted shrimp in addition to other more traditional spices.
The word "sinto" comes from an old Korean saying, "sinto buri," meaning that body and soul cannot be separated, and the rich family history behind this brand is just as soulful.
Made in San Francisco by a Korean-born chef, Sinto Kimchi comes in many different tasty varieties and was inspired by family recipes. We recommend this Spicy Red Napa Cabbage Kimchi if you're looking for something with some heat.
Crazy about cabbage? One of the more sour options on the market, this pungent recipe is loaded with fish sauce and has just a touch of cilantro. The taste of this kimchi is funky, salty, and loaded with earthy umami flavor from the fish sauce. So if that's your thing, Mama O's got you covered!
If you're curious about cabbage and on the hunt for a fun DIY project, check out Mama O's Kimchi Making Kit. This mega-affordable kit includes a 2-quart glass jar, a locking lid to use during fermentation, a regular lid to use for storage, Mama O's Kimchi Paste, and easy-to-follow instructions.
If you love kimchi, this kit makes a perfect weekend activity or foodie gift set.
Danielle St. PierreSenior Food & Drink EditorDanielle is the former food & drink editor for BestProducts.com, where she put her knowledge as a cocktail consultant and connoisseur to use; her work can also be spotted on Thrillist, Food & Wine, and Delish.
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