Kimchi

(6)
  • Minutes to Prepare:
  • Number of Servings: 24
Ingredients
1 large Napa cabbage, chopped3/4 c pickling or kosher salt (for pickling--most will be rinsed off)1 c Korean red pepper powder (or to taste)*3 T fresh ginger, chopped1 t soy sauce1 large onion, chopped6 cloves garlic, chopped2 carrots, cut into thin strips 1 c water (Some people also like to add a tablespoon or so of sugar to their recipe. If you find it too sour, try adding a bit of sugar.) *Korean red pepper powder, called gochukaru, is less than $5 a pound. It is best for this recipe, but if you don't have it, use red pepper flakes ground in a coffee grinder or some Asian hot sauce.
Directions
Making kimchi is not an exact science. You can adapt this recipe as you wish, adding or taking away ingredients as desired. If you don't have Napa cabbage, use any other variety of cabbage you have on hand.

Place chopped cabbage in a large plastic or glass bowl (don't use metal; you need a nonreactive material). Mix salt with cabbage and add cool water to cover. Place a plate on top of the cabbage, then weigh the plate with a few cans or a heavy object. Leave on counter for at least 6 hours or as long as overnight.
Before you're ready to mix the kimchi, place the garlic, onion, soy sauce, ginger and a cup of water in a blender. Blend until all ingedients have the consistency of a thick juice.
Remove plate from salted cabbage, and pour cabbage into a strainer. (You might need to do this in batches.) Rinse well and drain. (Rinse the bowl, too.)
Place cabbage back in the bowl. Add red pepper powder and pour "juice" on top. Add the carrots. Mix well, then pack in jars or Tupperware containers. Leave on the counter for up to 2 days. Your kimchi is ready! Store it in the fridge.
If you want to eat the kimchi "raw," you will want to eat it within 2 weeks. After a couple of weeks, it turns sour. It's not bad, but most people like to use that "sour" kimchi in soups, stews, etc.


Number of Servings: 24

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user SP_STEPF.

Servings Per Recipe: 24
Nutritional Info Amount Per Serving
  • Calories: 20.8
  • Total Fat: 0.7 g
  • Cholesterol: 0.0 mg
  • Sodium: 1,198.7 mg
  • Total Carbs: 4.0 g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1.2 g
  • Protein: 0.9 g

Member Reviews
  • JENO0615
    love kimchi, and we do use the sour to make kimchi soup, we tried this recipe and is just as good as my sons mother-in-laws and she is from korea. - 2/20/09
  • ENGINEERMOM
    Just as a warning to anyone not familiar with kimchi - it has a very intense odor, so don't store anything likely to soak up the odor in the fridge at the same time! (like bread, pasta, and milk). - 11/25/08
  • CD13130101
    You Rock Stepf! I love Kimchi and I have been searching for a good recipe! Thanks!!!!!!! - 11/3/12
  • NANCYDEKO1
    My daughter was born in Korea. We went to Korean culture camp each summer. Now as an adult, she is a camp counselor each year. The food was always INCREDIBLE at camp. I can't wait to try this. Thanks! - 9/10/10
  • KRAVCHICK
    My husband says this is the best kimchi he's ever had! - 4/12/10
  • DARRELL64
    The primary purpose of the salt is to draw excess water out of the cabbage. We don't add add water to ours at this step. I know there are different methods to make kimchi though. - 2/18/10
  • K9CLAUDIA
    THANKS SP_STEPF for this Kimchi recipe. I was stationed in Korea twice, and I LOVE Kimchi. Pair it up with Ramen noodles, and it's Awesome!!!
    Thanks! - 2/7/10
  • MORETWOLOVE
    My mother LOVES kimchi, because she was born in Korea. she tasted this and loved it! if my mother likes it, then its good! - 9/28/09
  • MURRINER04
    I am currently living in Korea and can't wait to make this here! - 9/10/09
  • FUNNYFACE15
    Thanks so much a great fan of kimchi....
    kimchi #1 yahooooooooo - 6/19/09
  • BREW99
    Oh, I love that you put ginger in your kimchi. I have some homemade kimchi in the fridge right now however I am going to add some ginger next time. Thanks for the idea! I'm a major kimchi lover! My recipe is pretty much the same however minus the ginger... - 3/20/09
  • BECKYDE
    Yum! one of my favorite things to add to meals to spice it up - 1/4/09
  • WOOLANDWOOD
    cool, kimchi!!! - 11/24/08