Authentic Korean Kimchi Recipe

Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish made with fermented vegetables. This recipe will teach you how to make authentic Korean kimchi at home using cabbage, radish, and a blend of flavorful spices. The process involves salting the vegetables, layering them with the spice mixture, and allowing them to ferment for a few days. The result is a tangy and spicy kimchi that can be enjoyed on its own or used in various Korean dishes. Get ready to add a healthy and delicious condiment to your pantry!

Ingredients

• 1 large Napa cabbage
• 1 daikon radish
• 1 bunch of green onions
• 1/4 cup sea salt
• 2 tablespoons Korean red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Directions

1. Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Place the cabbage in a large bowl and sprinkle the salt over it, massaging it into the leaves. Let it sit for about 2 hours, flipping the cabbage every 30 minutes.
3. While the cabbage is salting, peel the radish and cut it into thin matchsticks. Cut the green onions into 1-inch pieces.
4. After 2 hours, rinse the cabbage thoroughly to remove excess salt. Squeeze out any excess water.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the red pepper flakes, garlic, ginger, sugar, fish sauce, and soy sauce to make the spice mixture.
6. Add the radish and green onions to the spice mixture and mix well.
7. Using your hands or gloves, evenly distribute the spice mixture onto each cabbage leaf, making sure to massage it into the leaves.
8. Pack the seasoned cabbage tightly into a clean glass jar, pressing down to remove any air bubbles.
9. Let the jar sit at room temperature for 1-2 days to allow the kimchi to ferment. Open the jar daily to release any built-up gases.
10. After fermentation, store the kimchi in the refrigerator. It can be enjoyed immediately, but the flavors will develop further over time.
11. Serve the kimchi as a side dish or use it in various Korean recipes like kimchi fried rice or kimchi stew.

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