Kimchi Fries

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Kimchi Fries are packed with umami, heat, and richness in every bite. The contrast of crispy fries with cool sauces and fermented kimchi creates a mouthwatering balance. They’re quick to assemble, endlessly customizable, and a creative way to enjoy Korean-inspired flavor in a fun, snackable form.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Russet potatoes or frozen French fries
• Vegetable oil (for frying or baking)
• Salt
• Kimchi (chopped)
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Korean-style blend)
• Sriracha or gochujang mayo (sriracha or gochujang mixed with mayo)
• Green onions (chopped)
• Optional toppings: bulgogi beef, fried egg, sesame seeds, cilantro, pickled jalapeños

Directions

1. Prepare the fries:
   • If using fresh potatoes: Wash, peel (optional), and cut into sticks. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes, drain, and dry thoroughly.
   • Fry twice (first at 300°F for 4–5 minutes, then at 375°F for 2–3 minutes) or bake at 425°F for 25–30 minutes until golden and crispy.
   • If using frozen fries: Cook according to package instructions until crisp.
2. Prepare the kimchi:
   • Roughly chop the kimchi. For a deeper flavor, sauté it in a pan for 2–3 minutes until slightly caramelized. Set aside.
3. Add cheese and kimchi:
   • Place the hot fries on a baking sheet or serving platter. Top with shredded cheese and chopped (raw or sautéed) kimchi.
   • Broil for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese is melted.
4. Finish with toppings:
   • Drizzle with sriracha mayo or gochujang mayo.
   • Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or any optional toppings like bulgogi beef or a fried egg.
5. Serve immediately:
   • Enjoy hot with extra sauce on the side if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 4 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes (plus optional soaking time)
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 35–45 minutes

Variations

• Bulgogi Kimchi Fries: Add thinly sliced marinated and cooked Korean beef (bulgogi) for a hearty, protein-rich version.
• Vegan Kimchi Fries: Use dairy-free cheese and vegan mayo. Be sure your kimchi is vegan (no fish sauce).
• Spicy Kimchi Fries: Add extra gochujang, hot sauce, or sliced chili peppers.
• Sweet Potato Kimchi Fries: Use sweet potatoes for a sweet and spicy contrast.
• Kimchi Poutine: Add a rich gravy in place of or alongside cheese for a Korean-Canadian fusion.

Storage/Reheating

Kimchi Fries are best enjoyed fresh.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until hot. Add fresh toppings after reheating if needed. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the fries soggy.

FAQs

What is kimchi?

Kimchi is a traditional Korean fermented vegetable dish, usually made with napa cabbage and radishes, seasoned with chili, garlic, and other spices. It’s spicy, tangy, and full of umami.

Can I use store-bought kimchi?

Yes, store-bought kimchi is convenient and works perfectly. Choose one with a good balance of spice and tang.

Do I need to cook the kimchi?

No, but sautéing it briefly can deepen the flavor and reduce moisture, which helps avoid soggy fries.

What cheese works best?

Cheddar, mozzarella, or a cheese blend that melts well is ideal. You can also use Korean-style pizza cheese for authenticity.

What sauce goes on kimchi fries?

Sriracha mayo or gochujang mayo are popular options. You can also use garlic aioli or spicy sesame sauce.

Can I make them less spicy?

Yes. Use mild kimchi and go easy on the spicy mayo. You can also mix the spicy mayo with plain mayo or yogurt to tone it down.

What meat can I add to kimchi fries?

Bulgogi beef, shredded chicken, pork belly, or even Korean BBQ tofu make great toppings.

Are kimchi fries gluten-free?

They can be. Use gluten-free fries, cheese, and make sure the kimchi and sauces are gluten-free (check for soy sauce or wheat-based ingredients).

Can I air fry the fries?

Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes until golden and crispy, then add toppings.

What side dishes go well with kimchi fries?

Serve them with Korean BBQ, dumplings, or a simple cucumber salad to balance the flavors.

Conclusion

Kimchi Fries are a flavor-packed fusion dish that brings the bold taste of Korean cuisine to your favorite comfort food. With crispy fries, tangy kimchi, melty cheese, and spicy mayo, they’re the perfect snack or appetizer for spice lovers and foodies alike. Quick to make and fun to customize, these fries are guaranteed to be a standout.

Kimchi Fries

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Kimchi Fries are a Korean-inspired fusion dish made with crispy fries, spicy tangy kimchi, melty cheese, and creamy gochujang or sriracha mayo. Topped with bold extras like green onions, sesame seeds, or bulgogi beef, they’re a crave-worthy snack or appetizer bursting with umami flavor.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying or Baking
• Cuisine: Fusion
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 4 large Russet potatoes or 1 bag frozen French fries
• Vegetable oil (for frying or baking)
• Salt, to taste
• 1 cup kimchi, chopped
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend)
• 2 tablespoons sriracha mayo or gochujang mayo
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
• Optional: 1/2 cup cooked bulgogi beef
• Optional: 1 fried egg
• Optional: 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
• Optional: chopped cilantro, pickled jalapeños

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Instructions

1. Wash and peel (optional) the potatoes. Cut into fries and soak in cold water for 30 minutes. Drain and pat dry.
2. Fry at 300°F (150°C) for 4–5 minutes, then rest. Increase oil to 375°F (190°C) and fry again for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. Alternatively, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes. If using frozen fries, cook per package instructions.
3. Chop the kimchi. For enhanced flavor, sauté in a pan over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until caramelized. Set aside.
4. Place hot fries on a baking sheet or serving platter. Top with shredded cheese and kimchi. Broil for 2–3 minutes or until cheese is melted.
5. Drizzle with sriracha or gochujang mayo. Add toppings like green onions, bulgogi, sesame seeds, fried egg, or other optional garnishes.
6. Serve immediately while hot and fresh.

Notes

• Sautéing the kimchi deepens flavor and reduces excess moisture.
• Use gochujang mayo for more traditional Korean spice or sriracha mayo for ease.
• Bulgogi beef or a fried egg adds extra richness for a heartier version.
• Kimchi fries are best served immediately to preserve crispiness.
• Sweet potato fries can be used for a sweet and spicy contrast.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 760mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 35mg