Yes, this is how the Hawaiians spell kimchi; “Kim Chee” (I am using this spelling for this post) which is a staple in most fridges in Hawaii. I can certainly understand why as the more I read about kim chee, reading new cookbooks just with kim chee recipes, online recipes I get from sources such as thekitchen, Food52, cooking classes, purchased 2 beautiful fermentation jars from a studio in California and my first experience with fermentation making saurerkraut way back when. Oh how my Dad and Gene loved my sauerkraut!
I have to admit I am becoming obsessed with kim chee as I do love it in so many things. Besides it is very healthy! One of these days I do hope to eventually make my own. There are siimple recipes and then there are more complex recipes – plan to continue experimenting.
This dip and your favorite dippers are the perfect addition to your game day snacks. Kick it up a notch with this spicy, but delicious, Hawaiian dip. Personally, I love the commercials and of course the food!
Cook Real Hawaii: A Cookbook by Sheldon Simeon and Garrett Snyder contains many delicious recipes from Hawaiian cuisine. On Amazon it had 894 high ratings 4.9 out of 5. Food52 also posted this recipe which was included in their Genius Recipes. A video is also posted and Sheldon discusses this unique recipe.
He is the chef/owner of Tin Roof located on Maui. His restaurant Lineage was named one of Bon Appetit’s top 50 new restaurants. Simeon was a finalist and voted Fan Favorite on seasons 10 and 14 of the Top Chef.
Kim Chee Dip with Fried Garlic Hawaiian Style
- 8 oz. cream cheese softened (1-2 hours)
- 1/4 cup sour cream (I used light)
- 6 oz. cabbage kim chee, roughly chopped (3/4 cup) with juice reserved (I used 3 tsp. to achieve a smooth-like texture with the cream cheese and sour cream)
- 1 tsp. sugar, plus more as needed
- 1 tbsp. Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp. Korean chile flakes or gochugaru (I used the powder)
- kosher salt (optional)
- 1 tbsp. fried garlic (see recipe below)
- crackers, wontons, Doritos (the author prefers Cool Ranch), Fritos, Tostitos or any dipper of your choice (I chose heart shaped water crackers, Cool Ranch Doritos and Frito scoops)
Combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream, adding kim chee juice as needed to achieve a smooth Velveeta-like texture. I added 3 tsp. of kim chee juice. Fold in the chopped kim chee, sugar, Parmesan, lemon juice and gochugaru. Adjust the seasonings to taste – I thought it tasted great – no additions. Transfer to a serving bowl and top with the fried garlic and an extra sprinkle of gochugaru powder if desired. Between the dip and chips I did not garnish with more “heat”.
Microwave fried garlic:
- 1 heaping tbsp. minced garlic (I chopped it)
- neutral oil such as canola
- kosher salt (did not add)
- sugar (did not add)
Place the garlic in a microwave safe bowl and add enough oil to cover (at least 3 tbsp.). Microwave for 1 minute, then stir. Repeat, stirring and microwaving in 30-second increments (I did it 3 times) until the garlic begins to brown. Then repeat, stirring and microwaving in 15-second increments (I did it twice) until the garlic is deep gold. Be very careful as the oil and bowl will be very hot!!!
In a sieve set over a bowl, drain the garlic reserving the oil. Transfer the garlic to a plate lined with paper towels and season with a pinch each of salt and sugar if desired (I did not add as I forgot to); set aside to cool.
Recipe by cookingwithauntjuju.com
This recipe is upping my learning curve. I haven’t used kimchee and the garlic technique is an eye opener. Thanks for sharing.
I’m becoming addicted to it – I have it in some form every week. Fried garlic in the microwave is delicious – just be careful as the bowl and oil will be very hot 🙂
Ohmygosh! This sounds absolutely divine. I want to try some. Hope I can find Kim Chee. I have all the other ingredients. 🌴🌺
Kimchi, or Kim Chee, has become a favorite ingredient. I love to experiment with it and so far I’ve enjoyed all the recipes I’ve tried 🙂
Oh wow. Never heard about it, but it sounds like a yummy combination to go for
You won’t find this dip at just any football gathering this Sunday. It’s really good, spicy and different – great party food 🙂
I always have a jar of Kimchee in the fridge, so I can definitely see myself making this dip very soon! 🙂
A true Kim Chee, Kimchi, lover. The dip is a great way to use a favorite ingredient and the fried garlic on top – yes indeed 🙂
I would never have thought of fried garlic, and only knew the name kimchi… but you’ve made it all look and sound delicious! Yum! Hugs on the wing.
Me either Teagan but the garlic makes a great garnish! I’ve really been enjoying making different recipes using kimchi – it’s very good for you too 🙂