How to Cook Cheesy Kimchi Noodles? 

Kimchi, known as kimchi-jjigae is a traditional family activity. Women would usually gather to prepare huge batches for the winter months.

Social bonds and cultural transmission are fostered in this communal process.

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HERE IS KIMCHI RECIPE YOU MIGHT LIKE

I remember years back when I was teaching in a culinary school, I had a colleague who taught Korean cuisine, and of course, Kimchi was a staple in her lessons.

Although it was not the traditional way of preparation, many would enroll in the class to learn how to make Kimchi.

It made me realize each person’s connection to food – regardless of where you’re from as long as the dish appeals to you, it doesn’t matter where you’re from.

You’ll just eat it – or in this case, the eagerness to learn how to do it. 

There are a lot of commercial Kimchi in the market. Though the ones that are made at home, prepared by those who love us has a different impact on how we eat.

It isn’t just for the sake of eating, but it is a vehicle of love by the hands the one who prepared it.

Noodles? Pasta? Depending from where you’re from it will still be this ingredient made from flour, salt, and water. You can partner anything to it. Popularly, cheese. But what if Kimchi is added to it? 

Kimchi has come a long way over the years; it is not just a side dish in Korean dishes.

In this recipe, Cheesy Kimchi Noodles offer a fusion of flavors. If you can imagine the tangy punch of kimchi, it is perfectly paired with the creamy richness of cheese mixed with a bed of noodles cooked al dente.

Cheesy Kimchi Noodles is a unique blend of Korean and Western influences, and you may be a fan of both cuisines. 

In this article, we will talk about Cheesy Kimchi Noodles, exploring the recipe, variations, serving suggestions, and more.

As fusion cuisine continues to be popular among restaurants or even in our own preferences in home cooking, Cheesy Kimchi Noodles is an example of what happens when culinary traditions collide. With roots in both Korean and Western cooking, the dish offers a delightfull fusion which will leave you craving for more. 

Let’s together walk though the preparation of a good Cheesy Kimchi Noodles. From selecting the appropriate ingredients to balancing its flavors. 

So, grab your apron and get started!

Key Ingredients

Kimchi: The heart of the dish. Kimchi is fermented napa cabbage seasoned with gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), garlic, finger, and other spices. Kimchi is prepared through the process of fermentation. Fermentation produces lactic acid, which is responsible for the tangy flavor and probiotic benefits [2]. In Cheesy Kimchi Noodles, it contributes a spicy, savory, and slightly sour profile. 

Noodles: The dish offers versatility in noodle choices. While ramen, udon, or rice noodles are popular options, tagliollini can be a creative substitute. Tagliolini, a thin, ribbon-like pasta, cooks quickly and absorbs the cheesy kimchi sauce beautifully. Its delicate texture provides a great contract to the kimchi’s crunch. 

Cheese: The type of cheese you use significantly impacts the flavor of the Cheesy Kimchi Noodles. Here are some good options:

1. Vegan Cheese: There are a variety of delicious dairy-free cheese alternatives available. Look for vegan cheeses labelled as “shreds”, i.e, mozzarella shreds for similar mixture and meltability to traditiona cheeses. These cheeses often incorporate ingredients like cashews, nutritional yeast, and tapioca starch to achieve cheesy flavor and texture. 
2. Cheddar: A classic choice adds a sharp and salty flavor that complements the kimchi’s spice.
3. Mozzarella: Easily melts and creates a creamy texture that balances the kimchi’s spiciness. 
4. American Cheese: On to the milder flavor and creamy texture, suitable for those who prefer a less intense cheesy experience.

Kitchen Tips

1. Adjust seasoning: Taste the kimchi sauce as it simmers and adjust the seasoning (salt and sugar) according to your preference. Keep im mind that kimchi itself can vary in saltiness and tanginess, so it’s essential to taste and adjust as needed. 
2. Don’t overcook noodles: Keep an eye on the pasta while it cooks to ensure it doesn’t become mushy. Read and follow package instructions to cook it al dente (firmm to the bite). This ensures that it retains texture and don’t become soggy when combined with sauce. 
3. Control Heat: Upon addition of cheese to the sauce, lower the heat to prevent the cheese from overheating and becoming grainy or separating. Stir constantly until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated in to the sauce. 
4. Prepare Ahead: Prepare the kimchi sauce and cook the noodles ahead of time if you’re serving the dish food a gathering or dinner party. Reheat the sauce gently before tossing with the noodles to ensure they are hot and evenly coated when served. 
5. Experiment with Cheese: While vegan melty cheese works well in this recipe, feel gree to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences.

Making Cheesy Kimchi Noodles: Recipe and Method

Ingredients

• 350 gr of tagliolini pasta, or any noodles are fine.
• 2 cups of kimchi
• 500 ml water
• Vegan melty cheese, or use any cheese.
• Sesame seeds for a garnish
• Leek thinly sliced for a garnish
• Dry seaweed snack for a garnish
• Salt to taste
• Sugar to taste

Methods

1. Gather all the ingredients from the list: tagliolini pasta, kimchi, water, cheese of choice, sesame seeds, thinly sliced leek, dry seaweed snack, salt, and sugar. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling add a pinch of salt. Add the tagliolini pasta to the boiling water.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set aside. 
3. In a large skillet or pan, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the kimchi to the skillet, including the juices, and stir well. Allow the kimchi to cook for a few minutes to release it flavors and soften slightly.
4. Pour the water into the skillet with the kimchi. Season the mixture with salt and sugar to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together and the sauce to reduce slightly.
5. Once the sauce has thickened slightly, reduce the heat to low. Add the vegan cheese (or any cheese of preference) to the skillet, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
6. Add the cooked tagliolini pasta (or noodles) to the skillet with the kimchi sauce. Toss the noodles in the sauce until it is evenly coated and heated through. Transfer the Chessy Kimchi Noodles to serving plates or bowls.
7. Garnish with sesame seeds, thinly sliced leeks, and crumbled dry seaweed snack of added flavor and texture. Serve the cheesy kimchi noodles hot and enjoy.