Everyday Kimchi

Posted by Bill Hettig on 3rd Apr 2015

Everyday Kimchi

This is the basic Everyday Kimchi recipe and a good place to start in your kimchi quest.  While this recipe takes more than 15 minutes, it is still an easy recipe to make and a great place to start! 

Prep Time: 30 mins Jar Size: 2 quarts


Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs Napa cabbage
  • ½ lb daikon radish (or mix of daikon and carrot)
  • 3 large scallions
  • 2 TBS. fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 TBS. fresh ginger, peeled and minced
  • 1 ½ - 3 TBS (to taste) Korean chili flakes. Purchase Korean chile flakes (gochugaru) on our website or local Asian market. You can adjust seasoning after ferment if more heat desired.
  • Kimchi Chile Flakes
  • Brine: 4 cups spring water + 2 Tbsp. Celtic Sea Salt® or other premium brand
  • Optional: After fermentation is complete, add 1 tsp. of honey, agave nectar or sugar and 1 tsp of fish sauce

Directions

  1. Half cabbage length-wise, remove root section, cut into one inch squares
  2. Peel and julienne daikon (and carrot if using)
  3. Trim and cut scallions into thin, slanted slices
  4. Place veggies, garlic, ginger, chile flakes in a large bowl; toss well to combine.
  5. Pack a 2 quart jar with the mixed veggies, packing firmly along the way up to 2-inches from the jar lip.
  6. Make brine by dissolving salt in water (HINT: fast method is put room temperature water and salt into another jar, secure lid and shake vigorously)
  7. Pour brine over vegetables; gently wiggle jar to release all air bubbles. Continue filling until just below the lip of the jar.
  8. Clean off any veggie or seasoning debris from jar rim to ensure good seal.
  9. Press brine overflow cup into jar and seal with Perfect Pickler® lid. (HINT: you may want to do this with jar in your sink as some brine should spill over)
  10. Pour tap water into airlock to the max line and gently twist into lid.
  11. Place in cool location (74 degrees) and wait patiently for 4 days!
  12. For a Tex-Mex version, substitute your favorite chile blend for the Korean chile flakes. When fermentation is complete, adjust heat as desired.

Meal-Maker Recipes - Use your Everyday Kimchi to create the following delicious dishes!