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Easy Kimchi Omelet (Korean-Inspired Eggs)

Kickstart your morning with a vibrant and delectable breakfast – the Kimchi Omelet. This unique twist on a classic omelet combines the rich, savory goodness of eggs with the bold and spicy flavors of kimchi.

 

Half of a omelet next to sourdough bread with cream cheese.

 

This Korean-inspired breakfast is bound to become a morning favorite for those seeking extra flavor. 

 

Kimchi omelet is perfect for any season and can be eaten even for dinner for a quick and easy option. For more fun and flavorful egg recipes, I can recommend these Turkish eggs, cheesy scrambled eggs, pesto egg green shakshuka, or this Korean bulgogi fried rice with a boiled egg on top! 

 

The tangy and spicy notes of kimchi pair exceptionally well with the creamy texture of eggs, creating a harmonious and satisfying dish. Serve it alongside steamed rice, sourdough bread, or on its own for a quick and flavorful start to your day.

 

Ingredients

 

To make these eggs you will need

 

  • Eggs: The star of the show, eggs provide the base for the omelet, delivering a fluffy and satisfying texture.
  • Water: To give the omelet the perfect texture.
  • Kimchi: Packed with probiotics and a burst of flavor, kimchi brings a zesty and spicy kick to the omelet.
  • Broccolini: Packing the omelet with this green vegetable for a healthy burst and interesting texture.
  • Butter: Butter will add flavor to the broccolini and eggs. A must for eggs!
  • Green onions: Adding freshness and a mild onion flavor, green onions complement the boldness of the kimchi.
  • Salt and pepper: Enhancing the flavors of the dish. 
  • Gochugaru chili flakes: Korean chili flakes add a nice color and heat to the omelet. 
  • Sesame oil: A few drops of sesame oil contribute a nutty aroma, rounding out the overall flavor.
  • Goat cream cheese: Or regular cream cheese, adds a creamy element and balances out the fat and spiciness. 
  • Sesame seeds and cilantro: For serving. A pop of both texture and a citrusy punch of flavor. 

 

Ingredients to make Korean kimchi omelet.

 

Instructions

 

This dish is quick to make, so begin by preparing all the ingredients. Chop the kimchi and vegetables to desired sizes. Whisk the eggs in a bowl with water, salt and pepper, and Gochugaru chili flakes. 

 

Prepare the broccolini: Add an inch of water to a medium saucepan, add the broccolini, and place the lid on top. Let this steam for 5 minutes or until fork tender (1). Drain and then mix with 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, 1 teaspoon of butter, and a pinch of salt. Set aside, once cool enough to handle, roughly chop (2)

 

Steps to steam the broccolini.

 

To a well-seasoned medium heated pan, add butter. Once melted, add in the finely chopped white part of the green onion and the chopped kimchi.

 

Cook for a few minutes or until softened (3), then add the whisked eggs (4-5). Reduce temperature to medium-low. Stir to combine (6)

 

Steps to make the kimchi omelet.

 

Let it sit until almost firmed up (no visible wet parts), about 2 minutes, then add as much broccolini as you want. I added about 1+ cup. Add dollops of goat cream cheese around the pan (7).

 

Top with a lot of cilantro and the green part of the green onion. Put the lid on for 2 minutes or until cream cheese has melted a little into the eggs. 

 

Gently fold the omelet in half and slide on to a plate. This omelette is enough for 2-3 people, so divide accordingly.

 

Drizzle with a tiny amount of sesame oil, coarse sea salt, more cilantro, and green onion for serving.

 

I also added a lot of both regular and black sesame seeds. I think the perfect complement to these Korean eggs is a toast of sourdough bread with more goat cream cheese.

 

Enjoy!

 

Close-up of a serving of Korean omelet.

 

Substitutions and helpful tips

 

  • Substitute chives for green onions for a milder onion flavor.
  • If you use broccoli instead of broccolini, that's no problem. Just make sure you chop them into bite-sized pieces (after cooking, to retain their shape). 
  • Use aged kimchi for a more intense flavor profile.
  • If you can't find gochugaru chili flakes, you can use regular chili flakes. Gochugaru is mild chili flakes, so adjust accordingly. 
  • As cilantro is not for everybody, feel free to omit these and add your favorite herb. Parsley is a great option. 
  • Goat cream cheese is amazingly tangy (Norwegian: Snøfrisk), but if you can't find it, you can use regular cream cheese without altering anything else. I've seen Snøfrisk in US grocery stores too (try Whole Foods), so if you can take that extra trip to the store, I recommend doing that.

 

Variations

 

Other vegetables: You can use broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, squash, mushrooms - whatever you have on hand! Make sure they are fork-tender before adding to the eggs.

 

Cheesy: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the omelet during the cooking process for a gooey, indulgent twist.

 

Vegan option: Replace eggs with a tofu scramble, butter with margarine, and use vegan kimchi for a plant-based alternative. Omit the cream cheese, but you can use vegan sour cream instead.

 

Equipment

 

A non-stick frying pan is essential for a flawless omelet. Adjust cooking times based on your stove's heat intensity, ensuring the eggs cook evenly.

 

Kimchi omelet with broccolini seen from above.

 

Storage

 

Enjoy the kimchi omelet fresh for the best texture. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.

 

The flavors will intensify. Reheat in a pan on low heat for optimal flavor. I don't recommend freezing it. 

 

Recipe FAQs

What is kimchi?

Kimchi is a staple in Korean cuisine. It is a fermented blend of vegetables, most commonly cabbage and radishes, seasoned with chili pepper and other spices.

Gochugaru chili flakes are very important for the distinct chili pepper flavor, and can't be omitted in a real kimchi.

Can I use store-bought kimchi?

Definitely! Even I do that occasionally, and although I prefer to make it myself, it is very convenient.

Opt for a high-quality kimchi or use the version you like to use for other dishes.

How do I prevent the omelette from sticking to the pan?

Ensure your pan is well-seasoned or use a non-stick cooking spray before adding the eggs. Well-seasoned means that the pan is properly oiled, and the skillet will have a dark, semi-glossy finish and not sticky or greasy to the touch.

Read more about how to season a skillet here.

If you use a non-stick skillet, you don't have to worry about this, but the non-stick ability will deteriorate over time.

What is the secret behind a fluffy omelette?

Use medium heat to prevent overcooking and maintain a fluffy texture. When it comes to eggs, it is better not to rush things. Another thing is to use the right pan, as mentioned in the question above.

 

Korean eggs with broccoli next to a sourdough slice of bread.

 

I hope you will enjoy this omelet recipe. It may sound more complicated than it is. Store-bought kimchi and most of the work is done! Scroll down to find a printable recipe card. 

 

Did you like this recipe? Here are more egg recipes I think you would like:

 

I’d love to hear your thoughts. Comment below or tag me @thegingerwithspice on Instagram. And don’t forget to Pin it for later! To make sure you’re never missing another recipe, please feel free to subscribe to my newsletter.

 

As thanks, you will receive a free e-cookbook Travels Through the Seasons, with many delicious recipes from around the world that suit different seasons of the year. 

 

To keep the blog up and running this post may contain affiliate links, it will be at no extra cost to you, please read the disclosure for more information.

 

📖 Recipe

Half of a omelet next to sourdough bread with cream cheese.

Easy Kimchi Omelet (Korean-Inspired Eggs)

Yield: 2-3
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

This kimchi omelet is a unique twist on a classic omelet. It combines the rich, savory goodness of eggs with the bold and spicy kimchi.

Ingredients

  • A large handful broccolini (200 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (+ more for serving)
  • 2 teaspoons butter (divided)
  • 3 spring onions (roughly chop green part, finely chop white part)
  • 1 cup roughly chopped kimchi
  • 4 eggs
  • ¼ cup water (4 tablespoons)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (+ a pinch for the broccolini)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly cracked pepper (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon gochugaru chili flakes (or to taste)
  • 2-4 tablespoons creamy goat cheese (Snøfrisk)
  • Cilantro and sesame seeds, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare all the ingredients. Chop the kimchi and vegetables to desired sizes. Whisk the eggs in a bowl with water, salt and pepper, and gochugaru chili flakes.
  2. Prepare the broccolini: Add an inch of water to a medium saucepan, add the broccolini and place the lid on top. Let this steam for 5 minutes or until fork tender. Drain and then mix with 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon butter and a pinch of salt. Set aside, once cool enough to handle, roughly chop.
  3. Meanwhile, to a well-seasoned medium heated pan, add butter. Once melted, add in the finely chopped white part of the green onion and the chopped kimchi. Cook for a couple of minutes or until softened, then add the whisked eggs. Reduce temperature to medium-low. Stir to combine.
  4. Let it sit the top surface of the eggs is thickened and no visible liquid remains, about 2 minutes, then add as much broccolini as you want. I added about 1+ cup which is a lot, but so delicious.* Add dollops of goat cream cheese around the pan. Top with a lot of cilantro and the green part of the green onion. Put the lid on for 2 minutes or until the cream cheese has melted a little.
  5. Gently fold the omelet in half and slide on to a plate. This omelet is enough for 2-3 people, so divide accordingly.
  6. Drizzle with a tiny amount of sesame oil, coarse sea salt, more cilantro and green onion for serving. I also added a lot of both regular and black sesame seeds. I think the perfect complement to these Korean eggs is a toast of sourdough bread with more goat cream cheese.

Notes

You can find kimchi and gochugaru chili flakes in most Asian (or Korean) grocery stores. You can also make kimchi yourself!

* Less filling makes it easier to flip the omelet, but I like it veggie-packed. There's no right or wrong answer here!

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: ½
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 300Total Fat: 19.9gSaturated Fat: 8.7gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol: 353mgSodium: 972mgCarbohydrates: 12.9gFiber: 1.9gSugar: 3.7gProtein: 16.2g

Nutrition information isn't always accurate, estimate for informational purposes only.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or tag @thegingerwithspice on Instagram, I'd love to see!

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