I use one of these types of kimchi containers I got at the Asian market. It feels like it’s sealed but the whole fridge smells like kimchi so bad. The kimchi itself smells and tastes delicious. It’s not that old, maybe a month. I’ve been making kimchi for a while but this is the first time it’s been so stinky!!!! What’s the deal? Time to get a kimchi fridge?
by andrastesflamingass
32 Comments
Maybe some plastic wrap over the container then putting the lid on for a better seal?
The smell will eventually go through the plastic even if sealed, so try using more of it like: make pancakes, kimchi fried rice, soups where you add the kimchi and maybe some seafood and tofu, etc. Snack on it like would potato chips, in no time you’ll be done. Also try them as a topping to tacos. A topping on pizza is also good.
You need a small kimchi only fridge. 🙂
This is why Korean families often buy a kimchi fridge or just a second refrigerator. My parents still have 2 refrigerators in the house even though my siblings and I moved out like 20+ years ago.
That’s why Korean people use a kimchi fridge 😭😭
My mother always double bagged it but felt like such a hassle to get in and out. Maybe nest it in another container?
I don’t make kimchi but my Korean friends mommies do. I never noticed any smell in their fridge however those that doesn’t have a separate fridge for kimchi only, what I have noticed is they use jar like clay pots and they put plastic wrap before they put the top lid. I have also seen many use stainless steel containers. When I asked if it’s ok that it’s in a metal container (thinking it might change the taste ect) they said absolutely and the smell is more contained than using a plastic where the smell can leak. But again, I noticed they use a plastic wrap as well before they use the lid for more seal tight I guess. And if it’s newly made kimchi they seem to wrap it with Saran Wrap outside too so they know not to touch it is my assumption.
I store mine in those enormous glass Ball jars and have never had any issues.
Just made a batch yesterday and it’s hanging out waiting to go in the fridge later today.
Also add a small box of baking soda in your fridge, helps absorb smells.
If you really love kimchi, you’ll do what people in Korea who really love kimchi do, buy a mini refrigerator only for kimchi.
Yep, time for a kimchi fridge!
I have a mini fridge for mine
I have those stainless steel containers but the stink still comes out. Koreans have a separate fridge for Kimchi, as I don’t have one the containers now reside on the balcony. Kimchi smell is quite pungent and butter or cheese can get a kimchi flavor if stored in a fridge together.
You don’t love your fruits and chocolate tasting like kimchi?
This happens to me too whenever I stick a fresh(ish) batch of kimchi in the fridge. What works for me is using wet/used coffee grounds as deodorizer and replacing the grounds after it dries. After 2-3 coffee ground swaps the smell is usually gone.
Just add a layer of cling wrap over the tub, then snap on the lid. It completely seals it. The Glad press n seal one is awesome and my fridge never smells like kimchi. I have kimchi, kkakdugi, and sauerkraut fermenting in there now and you would never know.
You don’t need another fridge, just seal the tub and you’re good.
This is why a dedicated Kimchi fridge is the proper play. Give you space to have several varieties fermenting at the same time and contains the odor to a centralized location.
I use those for Kalbi, not strong enough to hold in the funk of kimchi. Look for glass with quality gaskets. Swap out your baking soda monthly.
Your Brita pitcher is in danger!
This seems like a common issue for homemade kimchi but not for store bought? Is it just because a lack of a good seal with the lid? I never have this issue, no matter how big the store bought container is or how long it’s fermented
Get an ancient Kimchi pot and bury it in the backyard like us old people do traditionally, lol
Along with the double wrapping, I have an open container of used coffee grounds in the fridge.
Eat it faster.
Wrap that container in a plastic bag and get a lot of those baking soda fridge packs
I use an old kimchi container from commercial kimchi. Airtight.
nice
That’s why you have refrigerator for kimchi only. Like my Mom.
I just made my first batch of kimchi nearly 2 weeks ago and it’s *not* stinking up the fridge so I’m worried I didn’t do it properly after reading this post.
Glass mason jars, if they’re good for canning, they should be good for kimchi
Use a jar
Have you double checked the rubber seal in the lid is fully pushed into the lid?
Use a glass container.
Even with a glass container, I still put plastic wrap over the opening and then the lid.
Then in to a ziplock bag big enough to fit the container
Been doing that for decades and the fridge never smells like kimchi