How to Make Kimchi

Learning how to make Kimchi is fun and easy! Once you make it and have it on hand, you’ll use it in all sorts of recipes.

Making Kimchi has been on my culinary bucket list for years. I think it’s definitely something many of us think of as a daunting task — at least I did.

Inspiration

So I was thrilled when Melissa’s Produce invited me to be a part of  Chef Ernest Miller’s food preserving class. Chef Miller — sometimes referred to as the Huell Howser of California food — is also a historian, educator, consultant and speaker — he not only teaches in kitchens, but also in museums and schools.

Where does Kimchi come in? 

Chef Miller is the lead instructor for the Master Food Preservers of Los Angeles County and the founder of Rancho La Merced Provisions, through which he invented the best fermentation kit on the market — the Air-Lock Lacto-Fermentation Kit. 

You really need a kit like this to make Kimchi and other fermented foods properly at home.  There’s a whole lot of science to this — in fact, I felt like I was in a lab of some sort while we were preparing the Kimchi.

What is Kimchi?

• Kimchi is the national dish of Korea and it refers to a variety of pickled vegetables which are typically consumed daily, at almost every meal. 
• This was originally a way to preserve vegetables for the winter months, and the average Korean consumes nearly 40-pounds of kimchi per year.

Takeaways from Chef Miller:

• Fermented foods are healthier than raw foods.
• Kimchi and other fermented foods are probiotic foods.  They contain Lactobacillus, which is the same bacteria used to make yogurt, and is valued for its ability to aid in digestion and keep a healthy balance of bacteria in our systems.
• Only 3 ingredients are needed for fermentation of vegetables; water, salt and the vegetables.

Top left:  The ingredients and the Air-Lock Lacto-Fermentation Kit | Bottom Left: Preparing the vegetables | Right: After about 1 week of fermenting

Some people say “everything is better with butter,” (I agree with that on some level) — but, my newest culinary saying is that “everything is better with Kimchi!” 

You’ll get it when you see my Grilled Sirloin Steak-Kimchi Sandwich and Kimchi Egg Ramen.

Left: Chef Ernest Miller | Right:  Two of my favorite food blogger friends: Priscilla of She’s Cookin‘ and Cathy of She Paused for Thought

Here I am prepping away. Photo credit: Cathy Arkle

Thank you to Melissa’s Produce for another amazing event. Robert Schueller, this was one of the best — so educational and so much fun!

If you’ve never fermented foods before, I think you’ll be amazed at just how easy it can be and learning how to make kimchi is fun!

Below is Chef Miller’s recipe.

This is not a sponsored post.  I’m a huge Melissa’s Produce fan and have been working with them for a few years now. I was given the Air-Lock Lacto-Fermentation Kit from Chef Miller to try it out.

Kimchi Recipe

Valentina K. Wein

Learning how to make Kimchi is fun and easy! Once you make it and have it on hand, you'll use it in all sorts of recipes.

Makes 1 (3 liter jar)

Print

Prep Time 20 mins

Fermentation Time 14 d

Course Salad, Ingredient

Cuisine Asian

Servings 16

Calories 26 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 ounce for every 3-pounds of vegetables pickling canning, kosher or sea salt
• 3 pounds Napa Cabbage, cored and coarsely chopped
• 8 ounces Daikon radish
• 8 ounces carrot, super thinly sliced
• 4 green onions, finely choppped (white and green parts)
• 3 to 4 cloves garlic, chopped, minced or whole
• 2 teaspoons dried red pepper for kimchi (you can find this in Korean markets, or you can use chile paste as a substitute)
• 3 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated or super thinly sliced

Instructions

 

• Mix all ingredients thoroughly and pack firmly into your clean jar. Be sure the jar is filled to the "max" line but no higher. Place a clean notched weighting jar on the kimchi. This weight is to force water out of the kimchi and keep the kimchi submerged under the brine.
• Seal your jar, gently twist the airlock into place and fill with brine or distilled vinegar to the fill line.
• Store at 70 - 80°F. Kimchi will be fully fermented in about 1-2 weeks. At 60-65°F, fermentation may take 2-4 weeks.

Notes

• At temperatures lower than 60°F, the Kimchi may not ferment.
• Above 80°F, it may become too soft.
• Fully fermented Kimchi can be kept in the refrigerator, tightly covered for several months.

Calorie count is only an estimate.

Keywords Asian side dishes, great for sandwiches, great in soups

Have you tried this recipe?I'd love to see it on Instagram! Tag me at @cookingontheweekends or leave a comment & rating below.

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