By Grocery List Plus Editorial Staff | Published on June 14, 2026
Serves 2
15 min
Caramelized Kimchi Relish
Recipe GLPR84e4ccc2c7d14c
A bold Korean-inspired condiment made by cooking seasoned kimchi over high heat until the sugars caramelize and the vegetables turn golden and slightly charred. The cooked kimchi is then combined with fresh raw kimchi for a balanced relish with sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.
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Ingredients
1.5 cups kimchi, finely chopped
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1.5 cups kimchi, finely chopped
Directions
Heat a large skillet over high heat until it is very hot. In a mixing bowl, toss 1.5 cups of the finely chopped kimchi together with the sugar and cider vinegar until evenly coated.
Transfer the kimchi mixture to the hot skillet and cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes until the liquid reduces to a thick, sticky glaze and the kimchi develops caramelized spots and light browning.
Remove the skillet from heat and let the caramelized kimchi cool for 1 to 2 minutes.
Scrape the caramelized kimchi back into the mixing bowl. Add the remaining 1.5 cups of fresh, finely chopped raw kimchi and gently toss to combine.
Serve the relish immediately or at room temperature, adjusting seasonings to taste.
Comments
Kimchi is reliably stocked at Harris Teeter, Food Lion, and Kroger, but the cider vinegar and sugar are pantry staples, making this a single-stop shop for most home cooks. The 15-minute stated time is honest for a relish that amounts to heating kimchi with sugar and vinegar in a pan, though the caramelization depth depends on how long you let it sit—set expectations for a quick glaze rather than deep browning. At roughly $2 to $3 per serving, this skews pricey for a condiment (kimchi itself runs $4–$6 a jar), and it yields a small batch best suited as a topping or side rather than a main dish, so pair it thoughtfully. The relish does not reheat well—it's best served fresh the same night—and works best for households that already enjoy fermented funk and have a plan to use it."
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