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Fresh Napa Cabbage Kimchi

A fresh and crunchy unfermented kimchi made with crisp Napa cabbage tossed in a spicy, garlic-rich chili paste.

25 minEasyServes 460 cal/serving

KoreanSideNo-CookPescatarianHigh FiberLow CarbDairy-FreeNut-FreeEgg-FreePork-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

  • 2 lbs Napa cabbage, chopped
  • 3 tbsp coarse sea salt
  • 1/4 cup Korean red pepper flakes
  • 2 tbsp Korean fish sauce
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tsp granulated sugar
  • 4 scallions, sliced
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. 1

    Toss 2 lbs chopped Napa cabbage with 3 tbsp coarse sea salt in a large bowl and let sit for 30 minutes to soften.

  2. 2

    Rinse the softened cabbage with cold water three times, then drain thoroughly and squeeze out excess moisture.

  3. 3

    In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup Korean red pepper flakes, 2 tbsp Korean fish sauce, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, and 2 tsp granulated sugar.

  4. 4

    Add the seasoned paste, 4 sliced scallions, and rinsed cabbage together in a mixing bowl and toss by hand until fully coated.

  5. 5

    Garnish with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately.

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Questions

Why salt and drain the vegetables in Fresh Napa Cabbage Kimchi?

Step 1 reads: "Toss 2 lbs chopped Napa cabbage with 3 tbsp coarse sea salt in a large bowl and let sit for 30 minutes to soften." Salt pulls water out. Doing it at step 1 means that water ends up in the colander rather than in the finished dish.

Is there a substitute for gochugaru in Fresh Napa Cabbage Kimchi?

The entry for Fresh Napa Cabbage Kimchi calls for 1/4 cup Korean red pepper flakes. In its place: Use half as much crushed red pepper flakes, or sweet paprika with a pinch of cayenne. Gochugaru is milder and fruitier than standard flakes, so go by taste.

Is Fresh Napa Cabbage Kimchi spicy?

Moderately. The heat in Fresh Napa Cabbage Kimchi comes from 1/4 cup Korean red pepper flakes. For a milder plate, halve the gochugaru; nothing else in the method changes. For more, add it at the table rather than in the pot, so everyone sets their own level.

Does Fresh Napa Cabbage Kimchi contain sesame?

Yes: 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds. The full allergen list for this entry is fish and sesame. Seeds used as a garnish can simply be left off; the oil has no true substitute. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

Can I freeze Fresh Napa Cabbage Kimchi?

It is not a good candidate. Refrigerate what is left of Fresh Napa Cabbage Kimchi within two hours and eat it within three days. Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

Serve it with

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