How to Make Authentic Kimchi at Home – The Recipe Passed Down for Generations

Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish that has been enjoyed for generations. This spicy and tangy side dish has become increasingly popular in recent years and is now a staple in many households around the world. Making kimchi at home is not only a fun and rewarding experience but also allows you to customize the flavor to your liking. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making authentic kimchi at home, using a recipe that has been passed down for generations.

What is Kimchi?

Kimchi is a fermented vegetable dish that originated in Korea. Its main ingredient is cabbage, which is mixed with a variety of spices, seasonings, and vegetables. The mixture is then left to ferment, which gives it its distinctive sour and spicy flavor.

Kimchi has many health benefits, including improving digestion, boosting immunity, and promoting weight loss. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and calcium.

Ingredients

To make authentic kimchi at home, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 1 head of Napa cabbage
  • 1/2 cup of kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup of gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
  • 1/4 cup of fish sauce
  • 1/4 cup of minced garlic
  • 1/4 cup of minced ginger
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar
  • 1 bunch of scallions, chopped
  • 1/2 cup of shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup of daikon radish, sliced

Instructions

  1. Cut the cabbage into quarters lengthwise, and then cut it into 2-inch pieces. Place the cabbage in a large bowl and sprinkle it with kosher salt. Toss the cabbage to ensure that it is evenly coated with salt. Let the cabbage sit for 2 hours, tossing it every 30 minutes.
  2. After 2 hours, rinse the cabbage under cold water and drain it in a colander for 30 minutes.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix together the gochugaru, fish sauce, garlic, ginger, and sugar to form a paste.
  4. Add the scallions, carrots, and daikon radish to the paste and mix well.
  5. Add the cabbage to the paste and mix until the cabbage is evenly coated.
  6. Pack the mixture tightly into a clean glass jar, leaving about an inch of space at the top.
  7. Cover the jar with a lid and let it sit at room temperature for 1-5 days, depending on how sour you want your kimchi to be. Check the jar daily, and if necessary, release any built-up gas by opening the lid.
  8. Once the kimchi is ready, transfer it to the refrigerator to slow down the fermentation process.

Conclusion

Making authentic kimchi at home is a fun and rewarding experience. This traditional Korean dish is not only delicious but also has many health benefits. By following our recipe, you can make kimchi that is just as good, if not better, than the store-bought variety. Give it a try and impress your friends and family with your homemade kimchi!