Best 3 Napa Cabbage Kimchi Aka Paechu Kimchi Recipes

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Napa cabbage kimchi, also known as paechu kimchi, is a traditional Korean dish that is made from fermented napa cabbage, gochugaru (Korean chili powder), garlic, ginger, and various seasonings. It is a staple food in Korea and is often served as a side dish or condiment to enhance the flavor of other dishes. Kimchi is believed to have numerous health benefits, including aiding digestion, boosting the immune system, and reducing inflammation. For those who are new to making kimchi, the process may seem daunting at first, but with the right ingredients and a little patience, you can easily craft this delicious and nutritious dish in your own kitchen. This article provides a detailed guide on how to prepare your own napa cabbage kimchi, along with helpful tips and tricks to ensure the best results.

Let's cook with our recipes!

TRADITIONAL NAPA CABBAGE KIMCHI



Traditional Napa Cabbage Kimchi image

This is the mother of all kimchi. When Koreans say "kimchi," this is the kind that comes to everyone's minds. Good either fresh or fermented, it goes with everything from meats to noodles. You will need a one-gallon glass jar or four 1-quart jars.

Provided by Cecilia Hae-Jin Lee

Categories     Garlic     Pepper     Vegetable     Side     Lunar New Year     Shrimp     Radish     Cabbage     Pescatarian     Dairy Free     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free

Yield Makes enough kimchi to fill 1-gallon jar

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup plus 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt or kosher salt
Water
2 heads Napa cabbage, cut into quarters or 2-inch wedges, depending on size of cabbage
1 bulb garlic, cloves separated and peeled
1 (2-inch) piece of ginger root
1/4 cup fish sauce or Korean salted shrimp
1 Asian radish, peeled and grated
1 bunch of green onions, cut into 1-inch lengths
1/2 cup Korean chili powder
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Sesame oil (optional)
Sesame seeds (optional)

Steps:

  • 1. Dissolve 1 cup salt in 1/2 gallon water. Soak cabbage in the salt water for 3 to 4 hours.
  • 2. Combine garlic, ginger, and fish sauce or shrimp in food processor or blender until finely minced.
  • 3. In large bowl, combine radish, green onions, mustard greens, garlic mixture, chili powder, 1 tablespoon salt and optional sugar. Toss gently but thoroughly. (If mixing with your hands, be sure to wear rubber gloves to avoid chili burn.)
  • 4. Remove cabbage from water and rinse thoroughly. Drain cabbage in colander, squeezing as much water from the leaves as possible. Take cabbage and stuff radish mixture between leaves, working from outside in, starting with largest leaf to smallest. Do not overstuff, but make sure radish mixture adequately fills leaves. When entire cabbage is stuffed, take one of the larger leaves and wrap tightly around the rest of the cabbage. Divide cabbage among 4 (1-quart) jars or 1-gallon jar, pressing down firmly to remove any air bubbles.
  • 5. Let sit for 2 to 3 days in a cool place before serving. Remove kimchi from jar and slice into 1-inch-length pieces. If serving before kimchi is fermented, sprinkle with a little bit of sesame oil and sesame seeds. Refrigerate after opening.

NAPA CABBAGE KIMCHI



Napa Cabbage Kimchi image

This classic recipe from chef David Chang's "Momofuku" cookbook is used to make his Brussels Sprouts with Kimchi Puree and Bacon dish.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Cuisine-Inspired Recipes     Korean-Inspired Recipes

Yield Makes 1 to 1 1/2 quarts

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 small to medium head Napa cabbage, discolored or loose outer leaves discarded
2 tablespoons coarse salt
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
20 cloves garlic, minced
20 slices peeled fresh ginger, minced
1/2 cup kochukaru (Korean chile powder)
1/4 cup fish sauce
1/2 cup usukuchi (light soy sauce)
2 teaspoons jarred salted shrimp
1/2 cup (1-inch) scallion pieces
1/2 cup julienned carrots

Steps:

  • Halve cabbage lengthwise. Cut halves crosswise into 1-inch-wide pieces. In a large bowl, toss cabbage with salt and 2 tablespoons sugar. Transfer to refrigerator and let stand overnight.
  • In a large bowl, combine garlic, ginger, kochukaru, fish sauce, usukuchi, shrimp, and remaining 1/2 cup sugar. If mixture is very thick, add water, 1/3 cup at a time, until consistency is just thicker than a creamy salad dressing. Stir in scallions and carrots.
  • Drain cabbage and add to bowl with garlic mixture. Cover and transfer to refrigerator for at least 24 hours. It is best when kept refrigerated for 2 weeks but will keep refrigerated for up to 1 month.

NAPA CABBAGE KIMCHI (AKA PAECHU KIMCHI)



Napa Cabbage Kimchi (aka paechu kimchi) image

Provided by David Chang

Categories     Garlic     Ginger     Leafy Green     Vegetable     Chill     Cabbage     Advance Prep Required

Yield Makes 1 to 1 1/2 quarts

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 small to medium head Napa cabbage, discolored or loose outer leaves discarded
2 tablespoons kosher or coarse sea salt
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
20 garlic cloves, minced
20 slices peeled fresh ginger, minced
1/2 cup kochukaru (Korean chile powder)
1/4 cup fish sauce
1/4 cup usukuchi (light soy sauce)
2 teaspoons jarred salted shrimp
1/2 cup 1-inch pieces scallions (greens and whites)
1/2 cup julienned carrots

Steps:

  • 1. Cut the cabbage lengthwise in half, then cut the halves crosswise into 1-inch-wide-pieces. Toss the cabbage with the salt and 2 tablespoons of the sugar in a bowl. Let sit overnight in the refrigerator.
  • 2. Combine the garlic, ginger, kochukaru, fish sauce, soy sauce, shrimp, and remaining 1/2 cup sugar in a large bowl. If it is very thick, add water 1/3 cup at a time until the brine is just thicker than a creamy salad dressing but no longer a sludge. Stir in the scallions and carrots.
  • 3. Drain the cabbage and add it to the brine. Cover and refrigerate. Though the kimchi will be tasty after 24 hours, it will be better in a week and at its prime in 2 weeks. It will still be good for another couple weeks after that, though it will grow incrementally stronger and funkier.

Tips:

  • Choose fresh, high-quality Napa cabbage for the best flavor and texture.
  • Make sure to wash the cabbage thoroughly before using it.
  • Use a sharp knife to cut the cabbage into even pieces.
  • Salting the cabbage helps to draw out the moisture and makes it more tender.
  • Be sure to wear gloves when handling the chili peppers, as they can irritate your skin.
  • You can adjust the amount of chili powder and garlic to your taste.
  • Kimchi is a fermented food, so it will continue to develop in flavor over time. Be patient and let it ferment for at least a week before enjoying it.

Conclusion:

Napa cabbage kimchi is a delicious and versatile side dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of meals. It is also a healthy and probiotic-rich food that can boost your gut health. With a little planning and effort, you can easily make kimchi at home. So, next time you're looking for a flavorful and unique side dish, give kimchi a try!

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