Is Kimchi Vegetarian? (Can Vegans Consume It?)

Kimchi is a fermented and spicy meal native to Korea. It is often prepared with cabbage and a variety of additional flavors. Is kimchi, however, vegan? Can vegans consume kimchi?

The main materials needed to make kimchi, like as scallions, cabbage, and radish, are vegetarian; however, shrimp paste or fish sauce are sometimes added to the mix to increase the umami and saltiness. Kimchi is thus inappropriate for vegans and vegetarians.

Fortunately, there are many vegan-friendly kimchi options available in supermarkets, but you can also create your own, which is just OK.

Is Kimchi Vegan?

While kimchi is derived from vegetables, most kimchi recipes include seafood as one of the main components, making it unsuitable for vegans.

Fish and salted shrimp are the most often used seafood, although oysters, anchovies, and sardines may be excellent alternatives when they are unavailable.

Cane sugar is another key element in the preparation of kimchi. Cane sugar is vegan-friendly, however when used on kimchi, it is often filtered with bone char, which many vegans object to.

Also see: What Does Kimchi Taste Like?

This does not necessarily imply that there is no vegan kimchi. You may create your own kimchi or purchase it ready-made in supermarkets, since vegan kimchi is available.

How Long Does Kimchi Last?

Kimchi is a live probiotic, which means it ferments throughout time owing to the lactic acid it contains.

As a result, variables such as temperature and oxygen will shorten the life of your kimchi. Kimchi may be stored in the refrigerator for up to a year if kept cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between Kimchi and Vegan Kimchi?

The inclusion of fish is the primary distinction between kimchi and vegan kimchi. Kimchi is made out of fermented cabbage, radish, and other vegetables, as well as fish sauce or fish paste and other types of shellfish such as shrimp.

Yet, since vegans do not eat fish, this poses a difficulty for them. Vegan kimchi is often produced without the use of fish or seafood. It may be created at home or purchased in shops.

Is There Meat in Kimchi?

Absolutely, kimchi may be made with fish or meat in addition to veggies. Despite this, kimchi is a healthful and flavorful food that a large number of Koreans enjoy on a regular basis.

If having a core in your kimchi bothers you, you can always replace it with fish, and if you are vegan, there are numerous vegan options.

What Korean Dishes Are Vegan?

Japchae, pajeon, vegan bulgogi, bibimbap, joomuk bap, hobak juk, tofu kangjung, and baechu kimchi are all vegan Korean cuisine. There are many additional Korean vegan meals that I did not cover here, so do your study and find your match.

Is Kimchi Haram?

Kimchi is not regarded haram for two reasons: there is no reference of it as haram in the Quran or any other hadith, and the alcohol level in kimchi is shallow and so incapable of intoxicating you. As a result, kimchi is halal.

What Is Kimchi Used For?

In Korea, kimchi is often served with any food. Kimchi may also be consumed at breakfast. Apart from that, kimchi may be consumed as a side dish, appetizer, or ingredient. Kimchi is used to produce kimchi jjigae, a famous Korean stew. Kimchi is also used to season rice, sandwiches, stir-fries, noodles, and even pizzas.

Also see: The 45 Most Popular Asian Meals

Can You Be Vegan in Korea?

Yeah, shockingly, around 1.5 million Koreans follow a plant-based diet. Hence, if you are intending to move to Korea or begin your life as a vegan in Korea, you need not be concerned about your diet since there are several options.