Can You Freeze Kimchi?
Kimchi is a typical Korean condiment prepared from shredded cabbages that are pickled in spices and seasoning. Like most Korean condiments, kimchi is also fermented by storing them in large clay pots buried in the ground. The cool temperature allows easy fermentation and helps the kimchi develop intense flavors.
Kimchi is a versatile condiment used in soups, fried rice, stews, slaws, and quesadillas. Generally, salt-pickled kimchi has a long shelf life. However, exposure to indoor air can make the kimchi go bad. Therefore, we recommend refrigerating the kimchi in the fridge for less than a week. So, if you wish to preserve kimchi longer, can you freeze it?
Can You Freeze Kimchi?
Koreans believe that kimchi does not go bad but only ripens. Nevertheless, you can freeze kimchi and ensure that it is not exposed to indoor air, which can cause it to spoil.
How Do You Freeze Kimchi?
Freezing kimchi is not a problem, but preparing it for freezing is vital to enjoying its optimal taste.
Freezing Bottled Kimchi
We never recommend freezing bottled kimchi in its original form. The glass bottle can crack as the kimchi expands during freezing. Therefore, we suggest emptying the bottle’s contents and repackaging it in heavy-duty freezer bags or freezer-safe airtight containers. Removing the excess air is vital to prevent freezer burn.
Besides, packing the kimchi properly is crucial. Water crystals can form in poorly packed kimchi to dilute its flavors on defrosting. Then, again, the condensed water can turn the kimchi soggy.
- Scoop the kimchi using a spoon into the freezer-safe plastic bag or airtight container.
- We suggest removing as much air as possible from the bags before sealing them tight.
- Finally, stick the labels mentioning the date and contents before packing them inside the freezer.
Freezing Homemade Kimchi
The procedure for freezing homemade or leftover kimchi is the same. The key is packaging the kimchi into manageable and consumable portions before freezing. It eases the defrosting process. Pack the consumable pieces into appropriately-sized freezer bags or containers. Remove air and seal the bags well before freezing the kimchi.
Freezing Unopened Kimchi Packets
Kimchi is also available in departmental stores in plastic-wrapped packets. If you have not opened the pack, you can directly stick it into the freezer. The packaging is freezer-safe. However, if you have opened the package, we suggest transferring the contents into another resealable container and packing it accordingly.
How Long Does Kimchi Remain Frozen Without Losing Its Flavor And Taste?
The frozen kimchi can remain fresh inside the freezer for two to three months. However, we suggest you consume the defrosted kimchi within three to four days after defrosting it. Keeping it at room temperature can damage its texture and taste.
How Do You Defrost The Frozen Kimchi?
Defrosting kimchi is straightforward. Please transfer the required quantities of kimchi from the freezer to the fridge and allow it to thaw naturally. The difference in the temperature levels enables it to defrost gradually. This defrosting method can take several hours but is the best way to do so. In addition, it ensures that the kimchi does not become soggy while thawing.
We do not recommend defrosting the frozen kimchi at room temperature because the drastic temperature changes can make the condiment soggy.
There is no need to reheat the kimchi after defrosting because it is best served cold. Therefore, you can have it directly after the defrosting process. However, if you wish to use kimchi in soups and stews, you can add it directly to the recipe when cooking them. But, you should note that the cooking times can increase because of adding the defrosted kimchi.
Can You Refreeze Kimchi?
We do not recommend refreezing kimchi because it can damage its texture and make it soggy.
Can You Freeze Kimchi Fried Rice?
We recommend consuming kimchi fried rice fresh. However, if you have already prepared it and wish to preserve it, you can freeze it in an airtight container for two months. Then, defrost it in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop at medium heat.
Can You Freeze Kimchi Noodles?
Noodles can become mushy when defrosted. Hence, it is always better to add the noodles and the broth at the time of serving.
Can You Freeze Kimchi Soup?
Yes, you can freeze kimchi soup the way we have described here. However, its texture and consistency can be affected during the thawing process.
Can You Freeze Kimchi Stew?
Kimchi stew or Kimchi Jjigae can be frozen and consumed later. However, it does not last long at room temperature. You might have to flash boil it regularly to maintain it for two days. But freezing kimchi stew is not a problem.
Can You Freeze Kimchi Jjigae With Tofu?
We do not advise freezing kimchi Jjigae with tofu. Instead, you can remove the tofu before freezing. Then, of course, you can add them back when serving it.
Can You Freeze Kimchi Paste?
You can freeze kimchi paste by scooping a spoonful of the paste into ice cube trays and letting them freeze. Once frozen, you can transfer the paste to freezer-safe ziplock bags and freeze them as usual.
Can You Freeze Kimchi Pancake?
It is possible to freeze kimchi pancakes. So, if you have a large batch of kimchi and sausage pancakes, you can freeze them and consume them later.
Can You Freeze Kimchi Dumplings?
Kimchi dumplings freeze well but can stick to each other. So, we suggest placing the wrapped dumplings on a plate and keeping them inside the freezer for ten to fifteen minutes. Then, you can remove them and transfer them to a freezer bag for further freezing.
Can You Freeze Cucumber Kimchi?
It is possible to freeze cucumber kimchi and extend its shelf life considerably. Cucumber pickles can last for up to twelve months.
Can You Freeze Cooked Kimchi?
You can freeze cooked kimchi the way described in this article.
Can You Freeze Kimchi And Pork?
It is possible to freeze kimchi and pork. However, we recommend dividing the dish into smaller portions and freezing them to avoid wastage during the defrosting process.
Final Words
Kimchi is a Korean delicacy that can be consumed with various recipes. Generally, you prepare kimchi in large batches and preserve them. Can you freeze kimchi? Yes, you can freeze kimchi if you follow the steps described here.
