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Home » Preserving » Homemade Kimchee: A Step by Step Guide

Homemade Kimchee: A Step by Step Guide

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Kimchee is a traditional Korean dish that is practically ‘King’ in Korean cuisine.   When we visited Seoul in 1990, it was a staple on every menu we saw, and it can be included in a wide variety of dishes. Fast forward 20 years later and kimchee is popular in almost every culture and is especially trendy in the States. 

A plate of kimchee with a jar in the background.

There seems to be some question as to the correct spelling of this pungent fermented side dish is it kimchee or kimchi?  However, it is spelled, it does not affect the sharp, spicy taste of this age-old delicacy.

Why This Kimchee Recipe Works

  • Versatile Aging Process: The recipe provides flexibility in the fermentation and aging process. Whether someone prefers a younger, milder kim chee or a more mature, robust flavor, the guidance on tasting and adjusting the fermentation time allows for customization. That’s the best part about making homemade kimchee.
  • Extended Fermentation Time: By allowing the cabbage to sit at room temperature for up to 24 hours and then fermenting in a sealed container, the recipe ensures that beneficial bacteria have ample time to break down the natural sugars. This not only develops the characteristic tangy flavor of kimchi but also increases its probiotic content.
  • Balanced Ingredients: The combination of coarse Korean sea salt, gochugaru, and fish sauce provides the ideal salinity and spiciness essential for authentic kimchi recipes. The coarse sea salt is particularly important when you make this recipe, as regular table salt will make the kimchi too soft. 
  • Freshness Factor: Using fresh ingredients like napa cabbage, daikon radish, ginger, and garlic ensures that the kimchi retains a delightful crunch and vibrant taste. These ingredients not only contribute to the texture but also bring their own unique flavors, making the dish multidimensional.
  • Controlled Fermentation: The step to open the container after 3 days to release gases is crucial. It prevents over-pressurization and allows you to taste-test the kimchi, ensuring that you can achieve the desired level of fermentation. 

Unlocking the Secrets of Homemade Kimchee (Kimchi)

There are many variations of kimchi and of the vegetables that are included; some recipes use carrots, radishes, cabbage or bok choy rather than cabbage and there are kimchi recipes that include dried shrimp or fish.

If making kimchi seems intimidating, give it a chance and you will find it is easier than you think.  Be adventurous and make up a batch.  It isn’t a difficult process and it is a fun project. 

Our recipe is a basic kimchi recipe that includes Napa cabbage, daikon radish, lots of garlic, scallions, dried bonita flakes and a red pepper powder called gochugaru.  A little sugar gives the fermentation process a boost. It is an easy recipe that gives you mind-blowing, authentic flavors of Korean Kimchee. 

Ingredients Needed for Homemade Kimchee

Kimchi is made primarily from Napa cabbage and salt but several other ingredients are added to give it layers of flavor and complexity. Here are the ingredients in this kimchi.

  • Napa cabbage
  • Korean sea salt
  • Water
  • Daikon radish
  • Scallions
  • Korean red pepper powder (gochugaru)
  • Dried shaved Bonita
  • Fresh ginger
  • Fish sauce
  • Garlic
  • Sugar

What does Kimchi taste like?

The flavor of kimchi (or kimchee) will vary depending on the recipe you use. Typically, kimchi has a strong, sharp, fermented, and spicy flavor. It has a similar texture to sauerkraut but it is spicier and more complex tasting than sauerkraut.

What is Gochugaru?

Gochugaru is also known as kochukaru. It is a finely ground red pepper that has a unique sweet and smokey flavor. It is quite popular in Korean cuisine and an essential ingredient for authentic kimchi. You can certainly make kimchi without gochugaru but the flavor won’t be authentic. 

This spicy red pepper is available in just about every Asian market as well as some local grocery stores and online.  If you don’t have gochugaru and want to substitute it then we suggest using a combination between chipotle powder, red pepper flakes, and sweet paprika. But if you’re looking for wholesome traditional flavors, spend some extra time getting the real stuff. You won’t regret it. 

Kimchi next to a bowl of fried rice and tea.

How to Make Kimchee (Kimchi)

Step 1:

The cabbage and vegetables are immersed in very salty water for as much as 12 hours, then drained, rinsed and chopped.  I prefer to cut the cabbage and radish rather smallish, so it is easier to eat

Step 2:

The ingredients are mixed together, put into a crock if you have one, or a glass container with a lid.  Be sure to leave the lid loose so the fermenting gasses can escape.   Just don’t use plastic as the red pepper powder is what gives kimchee its distinctive color and it will stain the plastic.  The strong odor is difficult to remove from plastic.   The mixture will also stain your hands and I use some exam gloves when I mix this up. 

Step 3:

The mix is allowed to ferment at room temperature in a dark area for several days.   As the mixture begins to ferment it will bubble up and over the top.   The first time I made kimchi I had a big mess in my cupboard, and I had learned to set the container in a dish with sides.

Kimchee Recipe Variations

Napa cabbage is a popular choice, but there are many other delicious variations. If you’re looking to add an extra depth of flavor to these dishes, consider incorporating a teaspoon of anchovy paste. It’s a small addition, but it can transform the food in a delightful way. 

Radish Kimchee: Follow the same steps as your original kimchi recipe, substituting the napa cabbage with radish cubes.

Cucumber kimchee: Substitute the cabbage for cucumbers. Wash the cucumbers and cut them into halves lengthwise. Follow the same salting process as with the napa cabbage.

Kimchee in a jar next to chopsticks.

Is Kimchee good for you?

Kimchi is a fermented food that can help boost healthy digestion. Fermented foods have healthy probiotics that have various health benefits. Healthline lists some benefits.

One thing we know for sure is that kimchi is GOOD stuff.  It is delicious in these appetizers of Kimchee-Pork Pancakes.  We love the spicy mix of veggies and we add it to fried rice, salads, soups, and even sandwiches. 

Kimchee on a plate next to rice.

In Korea, they ferment the kimchi much longer than I do, plus they use heavy crocks that are buried in the ground during fermentation.  I usually let my kimchi ferment for about one week, tasting it frequently until it acquires the taste I want.  Then it goes to the refrigerator where it keeps for as long as three months.  

Get the temperature right for best results:

The flavor, texture, and crunchiness of kimchi will vary a great deal based on the temperature you ferment the vegetables in. If the room temperature is too warm, it will ferment faster and the vegetables will be soft or even mushy.  Conversely, if you ferment the kimchee in a cold environment, it will take much longer to ferment and may not develop all the flavors that kimchee is known for.

The best temperature to ferment kimchi in is between 60°F to 65°F. If you can find a place in your garage, basement, or crawlspace that stays in that temperature range, you will get the best-flavored kimchee. 

Frequently asked questions:

Can kimchi go bad?

Yes. Even though kimchi is a naturally fermented food, it can go bad. If you notice mold or a foul odor toss it out. To help it last longer, make sure you store it in the fridge after you ferment it to your liking.

Can kimchi be frozen?

Yes, but we don’t recommend it. You can freeze kimchi but it will change the texture and make it less crunchy.

Will kimchi help me lose weight?

That depends on your overall eating and lifestyle habits. It is a low-calorie probiotic food but I won’t hold kimchi responsible for all your choices. 🙂

Will kimchi explode?

Yes. Gas will produce as a natural by-product of the fermentation process. Make sure you do not seal the container tightly or gas will build up and the jar can explode.

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A plate of kimchi with chopsticks and fried rice

Kimchee

Kimchee is a traditional Korean dish of fermented vegetables such as cabbage, daikon radish, fresh ginger, fish sauce and scallions mixed with a spicy hot pepper known as kochukaru. The longer it is fermented, the better the flavor.
4.92 from 34 votes
Print Pin Video Rate
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2 quarts
Calories: 35kcal
Author: Pat Nyswonger

Ingredients

  • 1 large napa cabbage about 3 pounds
  • 1/2 cup Korean sea salt see notes
  • 10 to 12 cups of cold water
  • 8 ounces daikon radish peeled and sliced into bite-size pieces
  • 6 medium scallions ends trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces (use all parts)
  • 1/3 cup Korean red pepper powder gochugaru (see notes)
  • 2 or 3 packages 2.5g each of dried shaved Bonita
  • 1/2 cup peeled and grated fresh ginger about a 5-ounce piece
  • 1/3 cup fish sauce
  • 6 to 8 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons sugar

Instructions

  • Cut the cabbage in half lengthwise, cut out and discard the root end. Cut each half the cabbage lengthwise again and then cut crosswise into smaller pieces.
  • Add the cabbage to a large glass or stainless steel bowl, sprinkle with the salt, and toss with your hands until the cabbage is coated. Add enough cold water to just cover the cabbage.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and let sit on the counter top at room temperature at least 12 hours and up to 24 hours. It should be looking wilted.
  • Place a colander in the sink, drain the cabbage, and rinse with cold water. Gently press down on the cabbage to remove as much of the liquid as possible. Transfer the cabbage to a medium-size bowl and set aside.
  • Place the remaining ingredients in a large bowl and stir to combine. Add the cabbage and toss with your hands until evenly combined and the cabbage is thoroughly coated with the mixture.
  • Pack the cabbage mixture tightly into a clean glass container, such as a large pickle jar with a tight-fitting lid.
  • Open the container after 3 days to let the gasses out, and taste the kimchee, returning it to continue fermenting if needed.
  • When fermenting is complete, it is ready to eat but will taste much better if it has refrigerated for at least 48 hours. It will slowly continue fermenting in the refrigerator.

Video

Notes

  1. Korean sea salt is available in most Asian markets
  2. The red pepper powder, gochugaru, is available in most Asian markets

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 35kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 1000mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g

Pat Nyswonger

Pat is a wife, mom of four adult children, and grandmother to seventeen beautiful children. She is a self-taught home cook and loves creating delicious meals for her family and friends. Her kitchen is the hub of activity in her home, and she loves to entertain.

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Robert L Enox

Tuesday 10th of January 2023

Lik'um kimchee. I finally found it at an Asian food market.

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