Authentic Kimchi: Your Guide to Crafting Fermented Flavors

Discover the vibrant flavors of kimchi, a traditional fermented dish that transforms wilting vegetables into a spicy delight, rich in probiotics.

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Prep Time 2 30

Fermentation Time 2

Total Time 2 2 30

Servings: 10 servings

Course: Best Recipe Ideas

Cuisine: Korean

Calories: 50

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Cabbage

8 pounds Napa Cabbage Use fresh, heavy cabbages for the best texture.
2 cups Kosher Salt Crucial for drawing out moisture.

For the Marinade

1.5 cups Water Helps create the rice flour paste.
0.33 cups Rice Flour (Regular/Glutinous) Thickens the marinade.
1 large Apple (Fuji/Honey Crisp/Gala) Offers natural sweetness.
1 large Onion Peeled and chopped for depth.
20 cloves Garlic Enhances flavor and aroma.
2 inches Ginger Peeled and chopped.
0.5 cups Fish Sauce or Saeujeot Adds umami flavor.
2 cups Gochugaru Divided for heat.

For the Vegetables

1 pound Korean Radish Peeled and julienned.
6 ounces Carrot Peeled and julienned.
4 ounces Asian Chives Cut into 1-inch pieces.

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Pan
Blender
Sterilized jars

Method

Step-by-Step Instructions for Kimchi

Clean and Prepare Napa Cabbage: Peel away undesirable leaves, quarter the cabbage, rinse, and drain.
Salt the Cabbage: Generously sprinkle kosher salt between layers, weigh down, and let sit for 1½ to 2 hours.
Make the Marinade: Combine water and rice flour over medium heat, blend with apple, onion, garlic, ginger, and fish sauce; fold in gochugaru, radish, carrot, and chives.
Rinse Cabbage: Rinse the salted cabbage 2 to 3 times, gently squeeze excess water.
Marinate Cabbage: Rub marinade onto cabbage leaves, pack into sterilized jars.
Ferment and Store: Allow to ferment at room temperature for 1 to 2 days, then store in the fridge.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 50kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 2gSodium: 800mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 150mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, experiment with different spice levels and vegetable combinations to personalize your kimchi.

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