28/10/2025
how to make kimchi
π₯¬ Ingredients
Main:
1 medium napa cabbage (about 2β3 lbs)
1/4 cup sea salt (non-iodized)
Water (enough to soak cabbage)
For the seasoning paste:
1 tablespoon glutinous rice flour (or plain flour)
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons Korean red chili flakes (gochugaru) β adjust for spice level
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece ginger, grated
2 green onions, chopped
1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional, or soy sauce for vegetarian)
1 teaspoon sugar
Optional veggies:
1 small carrot, julienned
1/4 daikon radish, julienned
π₯£ Instructions
Salt the cabbage
Cut the cabbage lengthwise into quarters and remove the core.
Cut into bite-sized pieces.
Dissolve salt in water and soak the cabbage for 2 hours, turning every 30 minutes to salt evenly.
Rinse thoroughly 2β3 times with clean water, then drain for 15β20 minutes.
Make the paste
In a small pot, combine 1 tablespoon flour with 1/2 cup water and simmer until it thickens (about 1β2 minutes).
Let it cool, then mix in gochugaru, garlic, ginger, fish sauce (or soy sauce), sugar, and chopped green onions.
Add julienned carrot and radish if using.
Mix
Wearing gloves, gently mix the seasoning paste with the drained cabbage until everything is evenly coated.
Pack and ferment
Pack tightly into a clean glass jar, pressing down to remove air pockets.
Leave about 1 inch of space at the top.
Let it sit at room temperature for 1β2 days (depending on how warm it is) until slightly sour.
Then transfer to the fridge. It will continue to ferment slowly and develop flavor over time.
π§‘ Tips
Taste daily during fermentation β when itβs pleasantly tangy, refrigerate it.
Kimchi keeps for months in the fridge and gets more flavorful over time.
Use it in fried rice, stews, pancakes, or eat it as a side dish!