Ingredient substitution guide
Best substitutes for kimchi
Best swap for kimchi: Sauerkraut, 1:1; fermented cabbage but no Korean spice; add gochugaru if available.
How we checked this: these swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes, and their ratios follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than one published chart. For exact amounts on many common swaps, see the NDSU and Colorado State University extension tables listed below. Editorial policy
What can I use instead of Kimchi?
The best swap for Kimchi is Sauerkraut, 1:1; fermented cabbage but no Korean spice; add gochugaru if available. Another option is Sauerkraut plus Gochugaru, drained sauerkraut with Korean chilli flakes gets most of the way there. The table below also lists Quick-Pickled Napa Cabbage, 3 swaps in all.
| Swap | Ratio and notes |
|---|---|
| Sauerkraut | 1:1; fermented cabbage but no Korean spice; add gochugaru if available |
| Sauerkraut plus gochugaru | drained sauerkraut with Korean chilli flakes gets most of the way there How to use it: Use the same amount of drained sauerkraut, with gochugaru to taste. |
| Quick-pickled napa cabbage | no fermentation, so no funk, but the right crunch and acidity How to use it: Use the same amount, drained. |
Source and limits
These swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes to your kitchen, last updated . We remove swaps known to be unsafe, but not every swap has been tested in a kitchen, and a swap is cooking guidance, not an allergen or nutrition equivalent. Check labels and what the recipe needs before substituting.
The ratios and usage notes follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than a single published chart. These two university extension tables list exact amounts for many common swaps:
- Ingredient Substitutions (FN198), NDSU Extension (opens in a new tab)
- Ingredient Substitutions (9.329), Colorado State University Extension (opens in a new tab)
Browse every ingredient and read how these swaps are sourced.
Buying more? Storage times for kimchi