Recipe for Kimchi

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Korean kimchi

Traditional Korean Kimchi

Kimchi is a popular Korean fermented side dish made with Napa cabbage and a variety of spices and seasonings. It is spicy, tangy, and has a unique flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here is a simple recipe for kimchi:
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Course Salad

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium Napa cabbage about 2 lbs
  • 1/4 cup coarse sea salt
  • 6 cups cold water
  • 1/2 cup Korean red pepper flakes gochugaru
  • 1/4 cup fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon grated garlic
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon grated onion
  • 1/2 cup diced scallions
  • 1/4 cup diced carrots
  • 1/4 cup diced daikon radish optional

Instructions
 

  • Cut the Napa cabbage into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
  • Add the sea salt to the cabbage and mix well. Cover the bowl with a kitchen towel and let it sit at room temperature for about 2 hours.
  • After 2 hours, rinse the cabbage thoroughly with cold water to remove the excess salt. Drain the cabbage and squeeze out any excess water.
  • In a small mixing bowl, combine the Korean red pepper flakes, fish sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, and onion. Mix well to form a paste.
  • Add the scallions, carrots, and daikon radish (if using) to the cabbage and mix well.
  • Add the red pepper paste to the cabbage mixture and mix until the cabbage is evenly coated with the paste.
  • Transfer the kimchi to a large glass jar or container, making sure to pack it down firmly. Leave about 1-2 inches of headspace at the top of the jar.
  • Cover the jar with a kitchen towel and let it sit at room temperature for about 2-3 days to allow the kimchi to ferment.
  • After 2-3 days, transfer the jar to the refrigerator and let it continue to ferment for at least another week. The kimchi will keep for several weeks in the refrigerator.
  • Serve the kimchi as a side dish or use it as a condiment for a variety of dishes. Enjoy!

Notes

You can adjust the level of spiciness to your taste by using more or less Korean red pepper flakes. You can also add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, or radishes, to customize the flavor and texture of your kimchi.
Keyword Kimchi, Traditional Asian