Kimchi Quesadillas

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 8 min
🍽 Serves: 8

Kimchi Quesadillas are a delightful fusion of Korean and Mexican cuisines, bringing a tangy, cheesy, and slightly spicy twist to your traditional quesadilla. This recipe is perfect for those evenings when you want something quick, satisfying, and just a bit different from the norm.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines the best of two beloved cuisines in one dish.
  • Quick to prepare — perfect for a busy weeknight.
  • Uses simple ingredients you probably already have.
  • Packs a flavor punch with minimal effort.

Ingredients

2 cups kimchi, chopped
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
4 large flour tortillas
2 tablespoons butter, divided
2 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Ingredients Explained

Kimchi is the star of this dish, providing a tangy and slightly spicy kick that pairs beautifully with melted cheese. Make sure it's well-chopped to evenly distribute the flavor.

Mozzarella cheese melts wonderfully, creating that gooey, stretchy texture we all love in quesadillas. It balances the boldness of the kimchi.

Flour tortillas act as the perfect vessel, holding everything together while crisping up nicely in the skillet.

Butter is used for cooking the tortillas, giving them a rich, golden crust that enhances the overall flavor.

Green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor that complements the kimchi and cheese.

Sesame seeds bring a subtle nutty flavor and a bit of texture contrast.

Soy sauce adds a touch of umami, rounding out the flavors.

Vegetable oil is used optionally for cooking if more fat is needed after the butter.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a non-stick skillet to make flipping easier and prevent sticking.
  • Press down gently on the quesadilla with a spatula while cooking for better contact with the skillet and even browning.
  • Adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning the tortillas before the cheese melts.

Detailed Instructions

Start by mixing the kimchi, green onions, sesame seeds, and soy sauce in a medium bowl. This will be your filling, bursting with flavor and ready to shine between those tortillas.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt, swirling it around to coat the pan evenly. Once melted, lay one tortilla flat in the skillet.

Quickly sprinkle 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese over the tortilla, covering it evenly. Spoon half of the kimchi mixture on top of the cheese, spreading it out but leaving a little border around the edges to prevent spillage.

Top with another 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and place a second tortilla on top. Press down gently to help the cheese adhere and the flavors meld together.

Cook for about 3-4 minutes, checking occasionally, until the bottom tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is starting to melt. Carefully flip the quesadilla using a spatula, adding a bit more butter if needed.

Cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes, ensuring the cheese is fully melted and the tortilla is golden and crisp.

Transfer the cooked quesadilla to a cutting board and let it cool for a minute before slicing it into wedges. Repeat the process with the remaining ingredients.

Simplified Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, mix the chopped kimchi, green onions, sesame seeds, and soy sauce together.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter until melted.
3. Place one tortilla in the skillet, and layer with 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the kimchi mixture.
4. Top with another 1/2 cup of cheese and place another tortilla on top.
5. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the bottom tortilla is golden brown and the cheese has started to melt.
6. Carefully flip the quesadilla using a spatula, adding more butter to the skillet if needed.
7. Cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is completely melted.
8. Remove from the skillet, let cool for a minute, and cut into wedges.
9. Repeat the process for the remaining ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Kimchi Quesadillas with a side of sour cream or a dollop of guacamole for a creamy contrast. A light, crisp salad with a sesame dressing complements the flavors beautifully. For a more Korean twist, consider a side of pickled radishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, Monterey Jack or cheddar can work, but mozzarella provides the best melt.
Is there a substitute for butter?
You can use more vegetable oil, but butter gives a richer flavor.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just ensure your kimchi is vegetarian, as some contain seafood.

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