A simple cheese toastie can be instantly elevated with a surprising addition, according to food writer Frank Tui. Writing for Simply Recipes, Tui suggests swapping traditional condiments for kimchi, the Korean fermented vegetable dish.
Kimchi, typically made from napa cabbage, radish, cucumbers, or spring onions, adds a tangy, spicy crunch that cuts through the richness of melted cheese. Tui recommends using a quarter cup (50-60g) of napa cabbage kimchi, with a 2:1 ratio of cabbage stalks to leaves, roughly chopped.
For best results, cook the toastie until golden and crisp, then open it carefully and add the cold kimchi. The contrast between hot, melty cheese and cool, crunchy kimchi is described as 'incredibly satisfying' and allows you to eat immediately without waiting.
Tui notes that the white base of the cabbage offers extra crunch and sweetness, while the leafy parts provide more spice. This simple upgrade requires no extra cooking and can transform a basic cheese toastie into a flavour-packed meal.
