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Napa Cabbage Kimchi

Napa Cabbage Kimchi: A Crunchy, Tangy Korean Classic

This Napa Cabbage Kimchi is a crunchy, tangy classic that's probiotic-rich and gluten-free.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Fermentation Time 3 days
Total Time 3 days 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 50

Ingredients
  

Kimchi Base
  • 1 head Napa Cabbage You can use green cabbage for a different flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Kosher Salt Avoid table salt to prevent overly salty cabbage.
  • 1 cup Korean Radish Regular radish can be a substitute.
  • 1 medium Carrot Feel free to omit if desired.
  • 1 bunch Asian Chives Green onions work as an alternative.
Marinade
  • 1/4 cup Rice Flour Cornstarch mixed with water can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 cup Water Best if purified to aid fermentation.
  • 1 medium Apple Pear is a lovely substitute.
  • 1 medium Onion Yellow or white onions are best.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic is preferable.
  • 1 inch Ginger Fresh ginger is ideal for flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Fish Sauce Replace with soy sauce for vegetarian.
  • 1/2 cup Gochugaru (Korean Chili Powder) Substitute with smoked paprika and cayenne if necessary.

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • small saucepan
  • blender
  • sterilized jars
  • gloves

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Start by peeling away any damaged outer leaves from the Napa cabbage and cut it into quarters. Rinse the cabbage thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt.
  2. Generously sprinkle kosher salt between the cabbage leaves, then place in a large bowl with weight on top to keep submerged. Let sit for 1.5 to 2 hours, turning every 30 minutes.
  3. In a small saucepan, cook the rice flour with water over medium heat, stirring until it thickens to a paste. Allow to cool.
  4. In a blender, combine the apple, onion, garlic, ginger, and fish sauce, then blend until smooth. Mix with rice flour paste and gochugaru until well combined.
  5. After salting, rinse cabbage under cold water to remove excess salt and gently shake off the water.
  6. Put on gloves to protect your hands from the spicy gochugaru. Massage the marinade between cabbage leaves, distributing julienned radish, carrot, and chives evenly.
  7. Pack the mixed cabbage tightly into sterilized jars, leaving space at the top for fermentation gases. Press down to eliminate air pockets.
  8. Cover jars with a lid and let ferment at room temperature for 1 to 3 days, tasting daily to reach preferred sourness.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 50kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 1gSodium: 500mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Enjoy Napa Cabbage Kimchi as a side dish or topping for burgers. Fermentation is key to flavor development.

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