Kimchi Cheddar Breakfast Quesadillas with Soft Eggs

Kimchi quesadillas fold Korea’s tangy fermented cabbage into a Mexican skillet classic. Sharp cheddar, soft eggs, and a touch of sesame heat make this quick breakfast crackle with savory contrast.

Serves 4 · 12 min prep · 18 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 465 cal
• 23g protein
• 32g carbs
• 28g fat
• 4g fiber

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Ingredients

• 4 large flour tortillas (8–10 inch)
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup well-drained kimchi, chopped
• 4 scallions, thinly sliced
• 4 large eggs
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 1–2 tsp gochujang or sriracha
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• to taste kosher salt and black pepper

Instructions

1. 1Pat the chopped kimchi very dry with paper towels so excess liquid does not make the quesadillas soggy. Toss the kimchi with the sliced scallions and black pepper.
2. 2Heat a large cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat. Place one tortilla in the dry pan for 20 seconds to warm it, then flip.
3. 3Sprinkle shredded cheddar evenly over half the tortilla. Top with a generous kimchi-scallion mixture, then another cheddar. Fold the empty half over to form a half-moon and press gently.
4. 4Cook 2–3 minutes per side, pressing occasionally with a spatula, until the tortilla is deep golden and crisp and the cheese is fully melted. Transfer to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
5. 5In the same skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Crack in the four eggs, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook 3–4 minutes for sunny-side-up or gently scramble until just set and still soft and glossy. Drizzle the sesame oil over the eggs in the last 30 seconds.
6. 6If you like heat, stir the gochujang into the remaining melted butter to make a quick drizzle.
7. 7Cut each quesadilla into three wedges and arrange on plates. Top each serving with one soft egg, a spoonful of the gochujang butter if using, and a scatter of fresh cilantro.
8. 8Serve immediately so the cheese stays stretchy and the egg yolk (or soft scramble) can run into the crispy kimchi-cheddar layers.