Shoppers in US give Costco hot dogs a Korean twist with ‘Costco kimchi’

SEATTLE — At Costco food courts across the United States, a new condiment trend known as “Costco kimchi” is transforming the chain’s $1.50 hot dog into a surprising cross-cultural mashup. Shoppers are mixing ketchup, mustard, relish, diced onions and crushed red peppers into a bright, tangy pile that many say mimics the flavor and crunch of kimchi. The viral hack, first shared by social media food influencer Photogami, has spread across TikTok, Instagram and Reddit, inspiring customers of all backgrounds to give their hot dogs a zesty upgrade. It’s not real kimchi, of course. There’s no fermented cabbage or chili paste involved, but fans insist this quick mix delivers a similar bite reminiscent of “geotjeori,” Korea’s fresh, unfermented version of the dish. “It’s crunchy, a little bit spicy, salty. You get the tang and heat from the mustard, and that tiny bit of relish gives it sweetness. It kind of makes it like Korean-style quick kimchi,” says Photogami, demonstrating the mixture at a Costco food court. The recipe is simple: two cups of diced onions, three pumpsWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times