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looking for a kimchi recipe

1K views 5 replies 3 participants last post by  chicagoterry 
#1 ·
I've never had kimchi, but I like cabbage, I like cooked cabbage, brussel sprouts, etc. I also like spicy food.

So im looking for a decent recipe to make kimchi at home. Can anyone link me?
 
#2 · (Edited)
First I think you should buy a jar at an Asian market to see if you like Kimchi.

Most kimchi is basically Napa cabbage layered with salt, fish sauce, and Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) and fermented. Almost any Korean cooking website or cookbook will have recipes. It used to be made in every Korean household in the fall and stored in crocks as a way to preserve vegetables over the winter. I'm sure every household had its own twist.

There are other kimchi recipes besides Napa--diakon is another vegetable often used to make kimchi. I think the word basically means "fermented vegetable."  Sandor Katz is an American fermentation guru. His kimchi recipes are all over the internet.
 
#3 ·
I agree with Terry, you should buy some and try it first, not necessarily to see if you will like it (if you like cabbage, fermented foods and spicy you'll like Kimchi) but to get an idea for what it tastes like so that when you make it you know if you've been successful or not.

There are hundreds, if not thousands of recipes, and video how-to's, on how to make kimchi.  They can vary somewhat in their ingredients and there are a couple of different ways to start the fermentation process.  If you are serious about making Kimchi though, you really do need the Korean chili powder.  I've made both with the Korean stuff, and with stuff I had more readily available.  In this case there really is a major difference in both the look and flavor between the 2.  If you don't a decent Asian store close by then buy some online.  It is worth the extra effort.
 
#4 ·
I live in one of those spots where im realisticly like an hour away from anywhere that would carry something like this  -- other than what you would find at walmart.

I may travel up to Whole Foods and see what they have one weekend.  Any brands anyone would recommend?
 
#5 ·
I live in one of those spots where im realisticly like an hour away from anywhere that would carry something like this -- other than what you would find at walmart.

I may travel up to Whole Foods and see what they have one weekend. Any brands anyone would recommend?
I can't recommend a brand name as they are in Korean. I can only read the fine print (in English) that says Korean chili powder. I'd look online to see if you can order any. I highly doubt that you would find it at Whole Foods. But it is definitely worth that little added effort. It makes all the difference between okay kimchi and good kimchi.
 
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