Making homemade kimchi is a rewarding and flavorful experience. Here’s a classic recipe for traditional Korean kimchi, which you can adjust to your taste preferences:
Ingredients: Vegetables: – 1 medium napa cabbage (about 2-3 lbs) – 1/4 cup sea salt or kosher salt – 2 cups water – 1 medium daikon radish, julienned – 4-5 green onions, cut into 1-inch piece – 1 medium carrot, julienned (optional)
Kimchi Paste: – 1/2 cup Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru) – 1/4 cup fish sauce – 2 tablespoons soy sauce – 1 tablespoon sugar – 5-6 cloves garlic, minced – 1 inch piece of ginger, minced
Instructions: Preparing the Cabbage: 1. Cut the Cabbage: Cut the napa cabbage into quarters lengthwise and then into bite-sized pieces. 2. Salting the Cabbage: Dissolve 1/4 cup salt in 2 cups of water to create a brine. Soak the cabbage pieces in the brine, making sure they are well submerged. Let it sit for 1-2 hours, tossing occasionally to ensure even salting.
1. Rinse and Drain: Rinse the cabbage thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt. Drain well and squeeze out excess water.
Preparing the Kimchi Paste: 1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Korean red pepper flakes, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and grated onion to form a thick paste.
Mixing the Kimchi: 1. Add Vegetables: Add the julienned daikon radish, green onions, and carrot (if using) to the drained cabbage. 2. Mix with Paste: Wearing gloves to protect your hands from the pepper, mix the cabbage and vegetables with the kimchi paste until everything is evenly coated.
Fermentation: 1. Pack into Jars: Pack the kimchi mixture tightly into clean glass jars, pressing down to remove air pockets. Leave about 1 inch of headspace at the top of the jar. 2. Ferment: Seal the jars loosely and place them in a cool, dark place at room temperature for 1-5 days,
1. depending on your preference for fermentation. Check daily, pressing down on the kimchi with a clean spoon to release gases and keep the vegetables submerged in the brine. 2. Refrigerate: Once the kimchi has reached your desired level of fermentation, seal the jars tightly and transfer them to the refrigerator. The flavor will continue to develop as it ages.
– Kimchi can be stored in the refrigerator for several months, and the flavor will continue to develop over time. Enjoy your homemade kimchi as a side dish, in soups, fried rice, or however you like!