Korean Kimchi Recipe (2024)

Author: Peter Kolesnichenko · Published: · Modified:

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It's really easy to follow this Fermented Korean Kimchi Recipe, and your health will thank you. Naturally fermented, full of probiotics and vitamins. Made with spicy Gochujang Red Chili Paste.

Korean Kimchi Recipe (1)
Korean Kimchi Recipe (2)
Korean Kimchi Recipe (3)

It's really easy to follow this Fermented Korean Kimchi Recipe, and your health will thank you. When I wasyoung I feltinvincible, eatingwhatever I liked, usually. As Igrew older and maybe wiser and couldn't keep up with the twenty-somethings anymore, myinterest in health miraculously came alive. So how can I combine my love of cooking with the added benefits of probiotics and natural health?

A Korean Kimchi recipe. I love spicy foods and Asian foods, so this isa marriage made in heaven for me!Koreans have eaten Kimchee for over a thousandyears, and annually eat over 40 pounds per person! Lucky for me, it's not hard to make, lasts a long time, and I believe will improve my health and boost my immune system. The best part is because I made it, I know exactly what went into it. And it makes a delicious Kimchi Fried Rice recipe.

Kimchi Recipe with Gochujang Paste

Traditionally Kimchi is made by covering the whole pieces of napa cabbage with the spicy Gochujang paste, or Gochugaru (red pepper flakes). Either spice will work, I use the paste.I prefer to chop the cabbage into small manageable pieces. This doesn't impact the fermentation in any way, it's just easier to use as a condiment. You can find Gochujang at any Asian grocer. More and more supermarkets are carrying it in stock now.

In my pantry I had a 1kg bag of Himalayan Salt, and that is perfectly acceptable to use instead of regular salt. As I always say, use what you've got! If sodium levels are a concern in your diet, use kosher salt, as it has a lower milligram amount of sodium vs regular salt. I think there's no escaping the salt required in this recipe.

Korean Kimchi Recipe (4)

Kimchi Recipe with Apple

I love this recipe because it doesn't add sugar or honey like some recipes, but naturally adds sweetness with a grated apple. (You could substitute grated pear or nashi pear instead). That's the secret to an authentic Kimchee. I used a lot of carrots in this recipe, asthe carrots I bought were somegiant carrots, so I used them all as I don't like wastage. The photos are very carrot heavy, in hindsight, I should have used less carrot due to the physical size of the carrots.

So what do I do with all this Kimchi? I love adding my Korean Kimchi recipe to my chicken burgers, or you can just eat it as a side with your meal. Plus it makes a killer Kimchi Fried Rice which tastes amazing.

Check Out My Other Fermented Foods

  • Kombucha - Russian Mushroom Tea
  • Real Beet Kvass
  • Fermented Tomatoes
  • Bread Kvass

When you eat this Homemade Korean Kimchi Recipe, your healthwill thank you. Don't be scared to make this, and definitely don't pay supermarket prices for Kimchi. Homemade Kimchi is tastier anyways.Bon Appetit! Приятного аппетита!

Korean Kimchi Recipe (5)
Korean Kimchi Recipe (6)

Korean Kimchi Recipe (7)

Korean Kimchi Recipe + Video

Homemade Kimchi will boost your immune system! Koreans have eaten Kimchee for over a thousand years. Raw and naturally fermented Napa Cabbage, full of natural probiotics and vitamins. An authentic, fermented Korean Kimchi Recipe made with Gochujang Red Chili Paste

4.36 from 37 votes

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Prep Time: 1 hour hour

Fermenting time: 2 days days

Total Time: 1 hour hour

Course: Condiment

Cuisine: Korean

Keyword: kimchi recipe, Korean Kimchi recipe

Author: Peter Kolesnichenko

Ingredients

  • 1 large Napa Cabbage or 2 smaller Napa cabbages
  • 4 carrots grated
  • 6 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 knob of ginger, grated approx 75 grams (2.5oz)
  • 1 cup garlic chives (optional) chopped
  • 4 spring onions chopped
  • 1 small daikon cut in 2 inch match sticks
  • ¼ - ⅓ cup Gochujang paste or Korean red pepper powder*
  • 1 apple peeled, cored, and grated
  • 2 tablespoons of fish sauce or soy sauce
  • ¼ cup sea salt

Instructions

  • Remove the cabbage leaves individually, and cut the cabbage leaves into 2 inch pieces, and put into a large bowl.

  • Put ¼ cup of salt into a small bowl of warm water and stir until dissolved.Add the salt water to the bowl of cabbage leaves and mix it up using your hands, ensuring each piece gets a good covering of salty water.

  • Leave the cabbage in the bowl at room temperature for 3-4 hours. The salt will start to draw out the water from the cabbage. You will see a brine in the bottom of the bowl.

  • Strain the cabbage through a colander. Some people quickly rinse it once or twice with water, but not necessary. Put your cabbage back into the bowl.

  • Add the grated carrot, match stick daikon, crushed garlic, grated ginger, garlic chives, grated apple and mix together.

  • Measure ⅓ cup of Gochujang and 2 tablespoons of fish sauce OR soy sauce, and vigorously mix thoroughly until completely covered. I suggest wearing disposable gloves, so the peppers don't burn.

  • Pack Kimchi tightly into glass jars, leaving a few inches from the top. Close lid and allow to sit in a cool dark place for at least 48 hours (longer to increase sourness).Periodically open up the jars to release the pressure that builds up. Bubbles will likely appear, this is normal.When its ready, place in the fridge, where it should last 2 months or more.

Video

Notes

Optional - to give kimchi a redder look with a spicier taste, add 2 tablespoons of the Korean red pepper powder.

The warmer your room is, the quicker the Kimchi will start to ferment. Keep and eye on it and taste it as per your preference. It will keep slowly fermenting in the fridge but at a slower rate. I prefer a fresher and less sour Kimchee, so tend to put it in the fridge after about 48 hours on the counter.

Tried this recipe?Mention @petersfoodadventures or tag #petersfoodadventures!

©PetersFoodAdventures.com

Korean Kimchi Recipe (8)
Korean Kimchi Recipe (9)
Korean Kimchi Recipe (10)

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Korean Kimchi Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients of Korean kimchi? ›

Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish made with fermented vegetables. Its ingredients can vary, but napa cabbage and Korean radish are common bases. Kimchi also often includes green onions, ginger, and garlic.

What is kimchi made of in Korean? ›

The central elements in kimchi are fresh Chinese cabbage, Korean chillies, ginger, garlic and salt, with a fish sauce or equivalent like soy sauce, miso or even water. This combination gives kimchi its kaleidoscope of flavours, with the fermentation process adding the unmistakable sourness.

How did Koreans make kimchi? ›

The process of making kimchi involves brining (salting) the vegetables to draw out the water, which helps in preservation and allows the seasonings to penetrate the food over time; the final salt concentration ranges from 2-5%. Kimchi is typically fermented by 'wild cultures' naturally present on the vegetables.

How long does kimchi need to ferment? ›

The fermentation time for kimchi can vary from a few days to several weeks. Either way, it will be safe to eat and delicious. After 5 days of fermentation, the kimchi will be slightly acidic and firm.

Does kimchi go bad? ›

If you have store-bought kimchi that's been opened, it will be good for 3-4 days at room temperature and up to 6 months when refrigerated. Signs of your kimchi going bad include mold growth, an alcoholic smell, and an extremely sour taste.

Is it OK to eat kimchi everyday? ›

Cabbage and radish kimchi, a popular fermented vegetable dish, in particular were effective in reducing the risk of obesity and abdominal obesity in both men and women.

Is Korean kimchi healthy? ›

Kimchi is a fermented vegetable dish that can add a spicy, tangy kick to your meals. Although it can be high in sodium, it also serves up the good-for-you probiotics, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help your body ward off illness and stay healthy.

What is kimchi called in English? ›

vegetable dish. Kimchi (Hangul: 김치; Korean pronunciation: [kimtɕʰi]; English: /ˈkɪmtʃi/), also spelled kimchee or gimchi, is a traditional fermented Korean side dish made of vegetables with many seasonings.

Why do Koreans love kimchi so much? ›

Tradition is one of the main reasons why Korean serve kimchi at almost every meal. History shows that Koreans were already eating kimchi as early as 37 BC. During those times, it was common for the locals to make fermented dishes because of the abundance of ingredients and lack of refrigeration.

Do Koreans buy kimchi or make it? ›

It found that the average Korean eats 37 kilograms of kimchi every year. Forty-three percent of Korean households still make kimchi at home, while the remaining 52 percent purchase it at stores or get it from their acquaintances.

How long to brine cabbage for kimchi? ›

Submerging the Cabbage in Brine

The cabbage then sits in the brine for 12 hours, and all you have to do is flip the quarters, swishing them around in the brine again when you flip them, at least two times to ensure that they're evenly salted.

What is the number 1 Korean kimchi? ›

In 2019, Jongga by Daesang was the most sold Kimchi brand in South Korea, with a sales value of around 116.12 billion South Korean won. It was followed by two CJ brands, Bibigo and Haseongjeong.

Is kimchi better than sauerkraut? ›

Conclusion. Whether you prefer the simplicity of sauerkraut or the boldness of kimchi, both dishes offer a range of flavors and health benefits. Incorporating fermented cabbage into your diet can be a delightful way to explore new tastes and improve your gut health.

What vegetables to put in kimchi? ›

*The beauty of kimchi is you can use any vegetables you have on hand. They can be either fresh or on the softer side. Here are some of our favourites: nappa cabbage, carrots, green onions, cauliflower and bok choy.

What does kimchi consist of? ›

Kimchi can be made from a variety of vegetables, and even fruits, but the most recognized version — baechu kimchi — is made with cabbage. Alongside cabbage, it often contains radishes, scallions, carrots, garlic, ginger, chili flakes, and other flavorings. Kimchi has a sour, salty, savory, and often fiery taste.

Is kimchi healthy for you? ›

Kimchi is a fermented vegetable dish that can add a spicy, tangy kick to your meals. Although it can be high in sodium, it also serves up the good-for-you probiotics, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help your body ward off illness and stay healthy.

What are the materials for kimchi? ›

Kimchi is a Korean traditional fermented vegetable made from Chinese cabbage (beachu), radish, green onion, red pepper powder, garlic, ginger, and fermented seafood (jeotgal), which is traditionally made at home and served as a side dish at meals.

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