Kimchi Sauce Recipe

Calendar icon Published: Mar 2nd 2025 by Sarah Leadon
Clock icon Last updated: Aug 23rd 2025
Read time: 2 mins
Cuisine:
This recipe, developed through the collective effort of at least 6 experts, underwent meticulous research and testing for over 3 months. Learn more about our process in the art and science behind our recipes or read how we use AI responsibly. This post may contain affiliate links. Read our Disclosure Policy.
Kimchi Sauce with kimchi

Running out of Kimchi sauce? Skip the store-bought Kimchi sauce and make it at home instead! Our Kimchi Sauce combines traditional ingredients like Korean red pepper powder and fish sauce to create a sauce that has the perfect balance of spicy and tangy. You can use this sauce to ferment cabbage, cucumbers, radishes, or your favorite vegetables. Try our Creamy Jalapeño Sauce or Mexican Hot Sauce next.
 

***Note: If you're on a gluten-free diet, check the labels on fish sauce and Korean Red Pepper Powder, as some brands may contain gluten.

What is kimchi sauce made of?

Kimchi sauce is made with gochujang young Gochugaru (Korean red pepper powder), water, white distilled vinegar, fish sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, shallot, ginger, tamari coconut aminos, sugar, kosher salt, sesame oil, and sesame seeds.
 

What does kimchi taste like?

Kimchi has a myriad of flavors that depend on the exact ingredients used to make it and how long it takes to ferment. Nevertheless, kimchi is slightly tangy, sour, and spicy.
 

Is kimchi a chilli?

Kimchi is not a chili. It is a Korean food made by fermenting vegetables with red pepper powder, vinegar, and other seasonings.
 

Is kimchi good for you?

Yes, kimchi is good for you. It's a fermented food and has lots of probiotics. Probiotics may help combat inflammation, boost the immune system and promote weight loss.

Author: Sarah Leadon
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Average: 5 (3 votes)
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Time & Serves

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
0 mins
Total Time
10 mins
Serves
16

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup Gochujang Young Gochugaru (Korean Red Pepper Powder)

  • 6 tablespoons Water

  • 1/4 cup White Distilled Vinegar

  • 1/4 cup Fish Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar

  • 1 clove Garlic, minced

  • 1 Shallot, minced

  • 2 teaspoons minced Ginger

  • 1 tablespoon Coconut Aminos

  • 1 tablespoon Sugar

  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt

  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil

  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Seeds

Instructions

Place all the kimchi sauce ingredients in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth.

Kimchi Sauce ingredients - close up view

Use the kimchi sauce to make kimchi or use it to give other dishes a spicy, tangy flavor.

Kimchi Sauce with kimchi - close up view
Sarah Leadon
Author:
Senior Recipe Developer & Food Writer

More posts by Sarah Leadon

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