Trader Joe's Kimchi: Is It the Ideal Culinary Addition?

Do you want to try a taste of the Korean Kimchi menus? Then read our article, Trader Joe's Kimchi, and find out what is contained in the menu, with many other fast ways to use Trader Joe's Kimchi.

Compared to Target and Sephora, Trader Joe's is among the most highly ranked and famous grocery stores in the USA. It has established an online reputation because of its extensive collection of products, dedication to high quality as well as friendly pricing.

Therefore, in case you are struggling with where to purchase a delicious and perfect kimchi menu, you may try out Trader Joe's selection and offers.

Thus, today, we will explore Trader Joe's Kimchi, find out if they have a kimchi menu, go through the contents, and many other fine facts and beliefs. Please read our article and learn more before choosing to visit the store.

Table Of Contents

About Trader Joe's Kimchi

Trader Joe's does sell kimchi as part of its product offerings. The store carries its brand of kimchi, which is a spicy fermented Napa cabbage product made in Korea. Additionally, Trader Joe's offers products that incorporate kimchi, such as the Kimchi & Tofu Soup and Bulgogi Beef Fried Rice With Kimchi. These items are part of Trader Joe's selection of Korean-inspired foods, which also includes other dishes and ingredients like kimbap.

Type of Kimchi Trader Joe's Offer

From the trader Joe's shelves, currently, customers can only access one type of kimchi. on the website, it is listed as the Spicy Fermented Napa Cabbage.' This kimchi is available in most of the Trader Joe's stores around the US region. It comes at a friendly pricing, and you can check out more from the website.

Trader Joe's Kimchi Ingredients

Many people wonder about the quality of Trader Joe's kimchi. To clarify, Trader Joe's version of kimchi deviates from the traditional Korean recipe. The key difference lies in its vegan composition, meaning it lacks shrimp paste, raw oysters, and fish sauce typically found in classic kimchi. The vegan kimchi is crafted from ingredients like Napa cabbage, radish, onion, red pepper powder, salt, garlic, vinegar, and lactic acid, without any seafood or fish products. This makes it an appealing option for vegetarians and vegans alike.

Is Trader Joe's kimchi Vegan and Fermented?

Yes, Trader Joe's kimchi is both vegan and fermented. The product is labeled as "Spicy Fermented Napa Cabbage Kimchi" and its ingredients include Napa cabbage, radish, onion, red pepper powder, salt, garlic, vinegar, and lactic acid, without any animal products, making it suitable for vegans. The fermentation process is indicated by the presence of lactic acid among the ingredients, which is a byproduct of fermentation, and the product's description as "fermented" confirms this aspect.

Trader Joe's Kimchi Pricing

You should be worried about the pricing plan of the trader Joe's kimchi. The price tag is friendly and reasonably ranges within an average of $$3.49. This is the price for the 12.35 Oz jar. For more information, you can check the pricing on their website here.

Is Trader Joe's Kimchi Spicy?

Yes, Trader Joe's kimchi is spicy. The product is described as "Spicy Fermented Napa Cabbage Kimchi." It contains ingredients like red pepper powder, which contributes to its spicy flavor profile. However, it's worth noting that the level of spiciness can be subjective, and some customers may find it milder compared to traditional kimchi varieties found in specialized Asian markets.

What Pairs Well with Trader Joe's Kimchi?

Trader Joe's kimchi is a versatile ingredient that can add depth, spice, and a unique flavor to a wide range of dishes. Here are some ideas on what Trader Joe's kimchi can go with:

As a Side Dish

With Korean BBQ: Kimchi is a classic side dish for Korean barbecue, complementing the rich flavors of grilled meats.
In Rice Bowls: Add kimchi to rice bowls topped with vegetables, protein (like tofu, chicken, or beef), and a fried egg for a quick and flavorful meal.

Incorporated into Main Dishes

Kimchi Fried Rice: Use kimchi to make a spicy and tangy fried rice, adding protein like shrimp, chicken, or tofu for a complete meal.
Kimchi Stew (Kimchi Jjigae): A comforting and hearty stew made with kimchi, tofu, pork or seafood, and various vegetables.
Kimchi Pancakes (Kimchijeon): Mix chopped kimchi into pancake batter for a savory pancake, perfect as an appetizer or snack.

In Soups and Noodles

Kimchi Ramen: Add kimchi to your favorite ramen for an extra kick of flavor.
Kimchi Udon: Stir-fry kimchi with udon noodles, adding vegetables and protein for a spicy noodle dish.

As an Ingredient in Western Dishes

Kimchi Grilled Cheese: Incorporate kimchi into a grilled cheese sandwich for a fusion of flavors.
Kimchi Pizza: Top your pizza with kimchi and other toppings like bacon, onion, and mozzarella cheese for a unique twist.
Kimchi Tacos: Use kimchi as a topping for tacos, pairing it with grilled meats or tofu, and a drizzle of spicy mayo.

In Salads and Wraps

Kimchi Salad: Mix chopped kimchi with greens, cucumber, and a sesame oil dressing for a spicy salad.
Kimchi Wraps: Add kimchi to wraps filled with rice, protein, and vegetables for a quick and flavorful lunch option.

As a Flavor Enhancer

In Scrambled Eggs or Omelets: Add kimchi to eggs before cooking to spice up your breakfast.
On Burgers: Top your burgers with kimchi for an extra layer of flavor.

These ideas showcase the versatility of Trader Joe's kimchi, allowing it to be used in both traditional Korean dishes and more creative, fusion recipes. The key is to experiment and find the combinations that you enjoy the most.

Is Trader Joe's Kimchi Worth the Investment?

To some users, they are asking if Trader Joe's kimchi is good. Based on the multiple customer experiences and feedback on Trader Joe's services, the kimchi is excellent. As a reminder, this kimchi is not made using Traditional Korean ingredients. If you are well-versed in traditional kimchi, then this might not be what you are looking for.

Ideally, the Trader Joe's kimchi is fermented, and the more it stays on the shelves, the more it gets sour. Thus, it is advisable to eat it raw before getting more sour for an excellent experience. You can blend it with noodles as well as rice. Due to the versatility of the other dishes, you can cook them with other foods in case they become too sour to be consumed raw.

Many customers have complimented that Trader Joe's kimchi is perfect when used for cooking because some stay on the shelf for a long time. If you want to have a first-time seamless experience, go for the future 'best before' date label jar in the store. Otherwise, it is durable and more versatile to incorporate in multiple recipes.

Conclusion

While Trader Joe's has kimchi, it is only a vegan option. It is not made with traditional Korean ingredients, though it still guarantees the same benefits compared to fermented food.

These kimchi selections are accessible from multiple Trader Joe's stores in the US at an affordable price. We have also highlighted a few of the recipes to blend with the Trader Joe's Kimchi and have a seamless experience.