Traditional probiotic Korean kimchi made with napa cabbage, radish, garlic, ginger, and chili for a bold and tangy flavor.
Prep Time 30 minutesmins
Fermenting time 4 daysd
Total Time 4 daysd30 minutesmins
Course Fermentation
Cuisine Korean
Servings 2050g portions
Calories 27kcal
Equipment
Weighing scales
Chopping board
Chefs knife
Peeler
Gloves
Glass jars
Ingredients
Cabbage
1400gChinese cabbage(chopped into bite-sized pieces)
40gSea salt
Vegetables
200gRadish(peeled and julienned)
150gCarrot(peeled and julienned)
25gSpring onions(julienned)
15gGinger(minced)
5each Garlic cloves(minced)
Rice Paste
10gRice flour
150mlWater - filtered(or vegetable stock)
20gBrown sugar
Marinade
10mlTamari(for gluten-free kimchi)
35gKimchi chili flakes(adjust to taste)
50gAsian pear(grated)
Method
Assemble all ingredients
Prep the Cabbage
Rinse the Chinese cabbage thoroughly and chop it into bite-sized pieces, discarding any tough or woody parts.
In a large bowl, toss the cabbage with the sea salt. Massage gently with your hands until it starts to release moisture.
Place a plate or a small bowl over the cabbage and weigh it down with a heavy object to press out additional liquid.
Let the cabbage sit for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours, until wilted and softened.
Rinse the cabbage thoroughly to remove excess salt, leaving a slight trace for fermentation. Drain well.
Prep the Vegetables
Peel and julienne the radish, carrot, and spring onions.
Peel and mince the ginger and garlic cloves.
Grate the Asian pear finely (this ensures better incorporation into the marinade).
Make the Rice Paste
Assemble ingredients for making rice paste.
Add ingredients to a saucepan.
Whisk the rice flour with the filtered water or vegetable stock and brown sugar.
Cook over low heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens into a smooth and slightly translucent paste.
Remove from heat and let the rice paste cool completely.
Make the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, combine the tamari, kimchi chili flakes, and grated Asian pear. Mix well to form a smooth marinade.
Mix The Vegan Kimchi
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the marinade
Add the julienned vegetables. Stir to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Once the rice paste has cooled, add it to the bowl and mix thoroughly.
Add the wilted cabbage to the bowl and mix again, ensuring every piece is evenly coated.
Ferment the Kimchi
Transfer the kimchi mixture into a large glass jar or airtight fermentation container.
Press the kimchi down firmly with your hands or a spoon to remove any air pockets and ensure the mixture is submerged in its juices. Use a fermentation weight if necessary.
Cover the container tightly with the lid or use an airlock lid to allow gases to escape during fermentation.
Leave the container at room temperature for 1–2 days. Check daily to press down floating vegetables and ensure they remain submerged.
Transfer the container to the fridge to ferment for an additional 3–5 days, or until it reaches your desired flavor.
Serve and Store
Once fermented, your kimchi is ready to enjoy!
Serve as a side dish, or use as a flavoring ingredient in dishes like kimchi pancakes, rice bowls, or soups.
Store the kimchi in the fridge, where it will continue to ferment slowly and can last for several months.