Kimchi and Cheddar Omelette

I own a cookbook called Dining In, by Alison Roman, published in 2017. When I first read through it, I marked a lot of recipes. They were fun, and a little different, like this omelette recipe with kimchi and cheddar.

It’s not hard to make your own kimchi, as I did in my kimchi post. I also used the kimchi in pancakes and oh my I couldn’t stop myself from eating them. So I had a feeling I’d love this omelette.

Instead of making a large batch of kimchi, without having a spouse who would help me eat it, I purchased a small jar from Amazon.

If you think you’ve heard of Alison Roman, you probably have! She is a contributor to Bon Appétit, formerly the Senior Food Editor at Bon Appétit and BuzzFeed. Plus her work appears regularly in the New York Times. According to Alison, “I first had the pleasure of experiencing Cheddar and kimchi at Milk Bar, where I worked for a spell. One of my coworkers would sometimes make little cheddar and kimchi quesadillas for family meal, especially if we were extra busy that day.”

Crispy Kimchi and Cheddar Omelette
Printable recipe below

2 large eggs
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 tablespoons shredded white or yellow Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup kimchi, squeezed mostly dry, coarsely chopped

Using a fork, beat the eggs in a small bowl until there are no visible bits of white or yolk and season them with salt and pepper.

Heat the butter in a medium skillet, preferably carbon steel, nonstick, or well-seasoned cast iron, over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the eggs, swirling the pan to make sure they are forming an even layer.

Immediately sprinkle the eggs with the cheese, followed by the kimchi. Let the eggs cook until the underside is browned and slightly puffed but the top is still rather runny, 2 to 3 minutes. (I don’t like my omelettes browned, but I decided to follow the recipe!)

Using a spatula, lift the edge of the eggs all around the skillet to release them and, starting at one end, fold the omelette onto itself. You can either roll it like a classic omelette or, if that’s just not an option this morning, simply fold it into a half-moon.

I used a small skillet so it was easier for me to fold the omelette in half.

I served my omelette with crispy bacon. It was a fabulous lunch!

I would definitely make this again, I’d just not allow the omelette to brown so much.

 

 

About the Author: Chef Mimi

As a self-taught home cook, with many years in the culinary profession, I am passionate about all things food-related. Especially eating!

40 Comments

  1. David @ Spiced April 25, 2023 at 7:04 AM - Reply

    Laura is obsessed with kimchi lately, and we now keep no less than 3 jars of different kimchis in our fridge. I bet she would be all over this omelette! I would never have thought about pairing cheddar with kimchi. Sounds tasty, Mimi!

    • Chef Mimi April 25, 2023 at 7:50 AM - Reply

      I know. Me neither. But the eggs and cheese are sort of a neutral canvas for the kimchi, and it works really well!

  2. Judee April 25, 2023 at 7:10 AM - Reply

    My husband is. kimchi lover an it is supposed to be fairly healthy to eat it. I’m not ready to make my own, but most of the prepared kimchi I find has some shrimp in it which doesn’t work for us. My husband would love your fabulous looking omelette.

    • Chef Mimi April 25, 2023 at 7:49 AM - Reply

      It was really very good. You can get vegan kimchi easily. It just wouldn’t contain fish sauce, which can be added after the fact.

  3. Dorothy's New Vintage Kitchen April 25, 2023 at 7:33 AM - Reply

    I’ve never combined the two flavors, but this looks lovely!

    • Chef Mimi April 25, 2023 at 7:48 AM - Reply

      It was very very good!

  4. angiesrecipes April 25, 2023 at 9:09 AM - Reply

    Looks very nutritious and delicious!

    • Chef Mimi April 25, 2023 at 9:12 AM - Reply

      It probably really is nutritious!

  5. Gerlinde April 25, 2023 at 10:00 AM - Reply

    I need to warm up to Kimchi. I think I would like your omelette. Honestly Mimi, you come up with the most interesting recipes.

    • Chef Mimi April 25, 2023 at 12:32 PM - Reply

      Thanks! I really like trying new things. So much to try!

  6. cookingwithauntjuju.com April 25, 2023 at 10:41 AM - Reply

    I posted this recipe back in 2021 – if you like kimchi and cheese you will love this omelette :)

    • Chef Mimi April 25, 2023 at 12:32 PM - Reply

      You’re right!

  7. A Cookbook Collection April 25, 2023 at 2:52 PM - Reply

    This looks delicious Mimi. Eggs and kimchi are so good!

    • Chef Mimi April 25, 2023 at 3:12 PM - Reply

      It’s a wonderful combination!

  8. Bernadette April 25, 2023 at 2:57 PM - Reply

    Mimi, I never thought of combining eggs and kimchi. Definitely need to try this.

    • Chef Mimi April 25, 2023 at 3:12 PM - Reply

      Me, too! Wish I’d known about this sooner!

  9. Tandy | Lavender and Lime April 25, 2023 at 10:49 PM - Reply

    I’m inspired to make another batch of kimchi, just to try this.

    • Chef Mimi April 26, 2023 at 7:13 AM - Reply

      I know what you mean! That’s what I should have done.

  10. Sherry Mackay April 26, 2023 at 2:43 AM - Reply

    it’s weird but i love sauerkraut but can’t abide kimchi! i mean they are similar beasties really… Love an omelette tho.

    • Chef Mimi April 26, 2023 at 7:13 AM - Reply

      There’s a difference, though. Plus you have to love spice.

  11. 2pots2cook April 26, 2023 at 4:23 AM - Reply

    I love the ingredients you used. Must try!

    • Chef Mimi April 26, 2023 at 7:12 AM - Reply

      It’s a very good omelet!

  12. Liz @ spades, spatulas, and spoons April 26, 2023 at 12:27 PM - Reply

    What a great idea. I recently saw a suggestion for using kimchi in a grilled cheese sandwich. This looks delicious.

    • Chef Mimi April 26, 2023 at 5:46 PM - Reply

      Ooooh, that sounds good, too!

  13. Healthy World Cuisine April 26, 2023 at 1:27 PM - Reply

    Because why not- right? Love the spice and funk of kimchi. So I bet this is an amazing brunch idea.

    • Chef Mimi April 26, 2023 at 5:46 PM - Reply

      Exactly!!!

  14. Raymund April 27, 2023 at 6:57 PM - Reply

    Thanks for sharing your recipe for a kimchi and cheddar omelette. I’ve been a big fan of Alison Roman’s for a while now, and I love how she always finds ways to put a new twist on classic dishes. This omelette was no exception. The combination of the kimchi and cheddar was so unexpected, but it worked perfectly together. The kimchi added a nice bit of heat and acidity, while the cheddar added a touch of creaminess. I also loved how you added the bacon to the mix. It really took the omelette to the next level.

    • Chef Mimi April 29, 2023 at 9:49 AM - Reply

      Thanks, Raymund! So you made the omelette already?! It all works so well together, doesn’t it/!

  15. Valentina April 28, 2023 at 10:06 PM - Reply

    I love spicy heat with my eggs and my husband and I both love kimchi. This looks great! :-) ~Valentina

    • Chef Mimi April 29, 2023 at 9:47 AM - Reply

      It was really a delight!

  16. neil@neilshealthymeals.com April 29, 2023 at 3:48 AM - Reply

    I’m not sure if I’ve ever tried kimchi? I might just purchase that jar from Amazon to give it a go. And I do love a cheddar omelette so that pairing could be heaven!

    • Chef Mimi April 29, 2023 at 9:46 AM - Reply

      That would be a good way to go, in order to try it! Someone also said it was good in a grilled cheese sandwich!

  17. Frank Fariello April 29, 2023 at 9:28 AM - Reply

    I love kimchi and cheddar, well, of course. But I have to admit I’d never think to pair them. What did you think of the combination?

    • Chef Mimi April 29, 2023 at 9:46 AM - Reply

      I loved it! The eggs and cheddar really subdued the kimchi. You didn’t get the “fumes” but you got the good flavor.

  18. nancyc April 30, 2023 at 12:20 PM - Reply

    I love this idea of making an omelette with kimchi! It sounds wonderful! :)

    • Chef Mimi May 1, 2023 at 6:28 AM - Reply

      It was so good!

  19. Jeff the Chef May 1, 2023 at 9:25 AM - Reply

    Your omelette looks like utter perfection. I have to confess that I’ve never done any kimchi cooking.

    • Chef Mimi May 1, 2023 at 1:04 PM - Reply

      Thanks, Jeff! Well, it’s such a condiment that you don’t really need to. But somebody told me that they’ve made a kimchi grilled cheese sandwich, and I can’t wait to make that!

  20. David Scott Allen May 6, 2023 at 1:41 PM - Reply

    I love Alison Roman – so creative! I need to learn to make my own kimchee.

    • Chef Mimi May 7, 2023 at 6:24 PM - Reply

      Piece of cake!!! But it helps to have a fermentation jar/crock.

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