This easy Kimchi recipe is simple to make at home and takes only 30 minutes of hands-on time before Mother Nature takes over! Full of healthy, gut-healthy probiotics, this authentic kimchi is vegan-adaptable, gluten-free, and can be made as spicy or as mild as you like! Includes a video.
We are never in as much joy as when we are engaged in the well-being of others. ~ Adyashanti
Kimchi is essentially fermented cabbage -similar to sauerkraut in how it is made, but seasoned with Korean spices: garlic, fish sauce, ginger & Korean chilies. Kimchi is the heart and soul of Korean cooking, and delicious with so many things!
Want to know the best thing about Kimchi? Kimchi is alive! Full of living, healthy, good bacteria or probiotics that support the gut, boost immunity, energize the body, and aid digestion, it is believed to fight cancer, lower cholesterol, and regulate blood sugar.
Why You’ll Love This Kimchi Recipe!
- Simple ingredients. Familiar, whole-food ingredients like cabbage, spices, optional fish sauce, salt, dried Korean chilies, and sugar are called for here. Nothing processed!
- Vegan-adaptable. This recipe calls for fish sauce but can easily be made vegan. You can also leave out the sugar if you prefer.
- Incredibly nutritious! Kimchi is full of gut-healthy probiotics (specifically lactobacillus bacteria) that support a diverse gut microbiome. It also boosts the immune system, energizes the body, lowers cholesterol, and regulates blood sugar- along with so many other benefits!
Kimchi Ingredients
- Napa Cabbage: This is the main ingredient and the heart of the recipe. Opt for organic or locally grown. Yes, you can substitute other cabbage, but Napa Cabbage is traditional.
- Fine Sea Salt– salt is key to fermenting, inhibiting bad bacteria growth while promoting good bacteria.
- Ginger: Adds a fragrant and subtly spicy taste.
- Garlic: Aromatic and pungent, garlic is key to enriching the flavor.
- Scallions (green onions): Brings in a bit of onion-like flavor, crunchy texture and color!
- Daikon: Subtly sweet and crunchy, daikon radish adds substance and texture.
- Fish Sauce, Shrimp paste, or Miso paste: Adds salt, umami, and depth of flavor. Shrimp paste is traditional, but fish sauce and miso (vegan option) both work too.
- Korean Chili Flakes: We use dried chili flakes (called Gochugaru)here for the purest, cleanest flavor(no preservatives, oils, or flavorings). Feel free to sub Gochujang paste if you prefer.
- Optional: Glutenous rice flour can be added to thicken.
- Equipment: An 8-cup mason jar and a fermentation weight are handy.
This easy kimchi recipe makes enough to fill a large two-quart jar (about 8 cups).
Kimchi Variations
Like so many things, there are so many variations to kimchi, and people have their own personal preferences. I just wanted to provide you with a starting point, and I’m sure you will adapt to your own tastes!
- Sugar is optional- some people add it, some don’t!
- Matchstick carrots would make a nice addition if you want more vegetables.
How to make Kimchi (Step-by-step Instructions)
*See the recipe card and video below!
Step one: Save 1-2 outer leaves of napa cabbage and place them in the fridge while you prep the recipe. (You will use these later). Using a cutting board, cut the napa cabbage into 1-inch cubes with a sharp knife.
Step two: Place the chopped napa cabbage in a bowl and toss with 1/4 cup sea salt.
Step three: Fill the bowl with filtered water and stir, and soak the napa cabbage for 6-8 hours, stirring every couple hours.
Place plate over the napa cabbage to keep it submerged.
Step Four: After 6-8 hours, drain (making sure to save the brine) and rinse, pressing the liquid out.
Step Five: Make the Kimchi Paste
As I stated earlier, I prefer to use Korean Chili Flakes called “Gochugaru” vs. the Korean fermented Chili Paste called “Gochujang”. Feel free to use Gochujang if you please. Totally up to you. Either way, you will make the paste below.
Many people ask if they can use regular old chili flakes- yes, but they are much spicier!!! Gochugaru is fruitier and less spicy, so you can use more and get more flavor. You could try subbing dried Arbol Chilies if you absolutely can’t get the Korean Chili flakes – or even use fresh red chilies to make the paste.
In a food processor, make a paste with garlic, ginger, shallot, Korean chili flakes (or Gochujang) and optional fish sauce (or miso) and sugar. If you want a mild version, use half the chili flakes. The fish sauce really adds a delicious complexity and depth, but you can, of course, keep it vegan with miso paste.
Step Six: Peel and cut the daikon radish (or carrots) into match sticks, about 2-3 inches long. Cut the scallions.
Step Seven: Cut the scallions into 1-2 inch pieces.
Step Eight: Combine the Kimchi. Place the drained cabbage along with the daikon, scallions and chili paste into the bowl. Massage the cabbage with gloved hands.
FYI: This is a very mild version shown below, so not very red in color, (2 tablespoons chili flakes). You can add more chili flakes if you want it spicier – I normally add 4-6 tablespoons.
Step Nine: Pack the Kimchi.
Pack tightly into a large two-quart jar (half-gallon, 64 oz) or large crock. (Or use two, quart-sized mason jars.) You want a good two inches of space at the top to catch the flavorful liquid that will release.
TIP: I have had great success with this Fermentation Kit that has crystal weights that fit perfectly in a wide-mouth mason jar. It is so convenient for small-batch ferments. This fermentation kit includes the jars which is a great option too!
Cover with the cabbage leaf you saved in the fridge, and press down. Pour a little of the brine into the jar, just enough to cover the cabbage.
The cabbage leaf will help keep the chopped pieces of cabbage contained and submerged. Add a fermentation weight, pressing down to keep the cabbage leaf submerged under the brine. Anything that floats to the top and touches air can mold. So remove with a slotted spoon. Cover lightly with a lid (do not screw on tight) and place on a rimmed pan or bowl ( to collect any overflow).
Step Ten: Lacto-Fermentation
Set the jar somewhere dark and cool like the basement for 3-5 days. 60F-70F is ideal. Use a thermometer! A lower kitchen cabinet away from the stove or appliances can also be a cool spot. Fermentation happens faster in warmer climates and slows in cooler climates.
Check daily, pushing down the cabbage under the brine if need be and removing floaters. Remember, anything that touches air can mold.
After 2 days, the salt will have inhibited the bad bacteria enough to make more room for the good bacteria to feed on the cabbage and grow. As they “eat” the cabbage, they create gas and a tangy byproduct. This is how you know it is fermenting!
How do you know if kimchi is fermenting?
- After 3 days, tap the jar to see if any bubbles rise to the top; bubbles indicating that it is fermenting. If there is any overflow, this is also a good sign of fermentation.
- Smell, or taste the kimchi for tanginess. If it tastes sour or tangy, this is a sign of fermentation. If it just tastes salty, it is not fermented. Let it it sit a few more days.
- Continue to ferment for 2 to 3 more days. If you want it tangier or softer, ferment longer, and when satisfied, place it the fridge, keeping in mind it will continue to ferment and create lactic acid, albeit more slowly. It will develop more flavor and complexity over the next two weeks in the fridge, and the spice level will mellow with time!
FAQs
The ideal temperature for fermenting kimchi is 65 degrees. 65 F is perfect! The cooler it is, the slower it will take to ferment. The warmer, the faster. The longer you ferment the tangier and softer the kimchi will get. I prefer slightly crunchy kimchi, so ideally, 3-5 days at 65F is my favorite! Going too much over 70 degrees can actually have negative effects on the flavor.
If your kimchi is too watery for your taste, you can thicken it. To thicken kimchi, stir in a little glutenous rice powder. Some traditional recipes also use soybean powder.
Keep fermented kimchi in the refrigerator. Kimchi can not be made shelf-stable without killing the probiotics. Store in a 2-quart jar or crock with the lid on, pressing it down under the brine after each use. It will keep for months on end in the fridge when the kimchi is submerged below the brine….getting better and more flavorful with time!
Kimchi tastes sour, tangy, salty, spicy, and pungent! It’s similar to sauerkraut in that it is fermented cabbage, but kimchi is packed with flavor, umami and a little (or a lot) of heat! The fermentation process is what gives kimchi its sour flavor.
Because kimchi is naturally fermented, it is full of healthy bacteria, good for the gut and good for immunity. But besides being a healthy thing to incorporate into our diets, Kimchi adds so much flavor to things we are already making at home!
WAYS TO USE KIMCHI
We add napa cabbage kimchi to so many things! It is a huge flavor booster, and FULL of natural, gut-healing bacteria that support your microbiome, boost your mood, and bolster your immune system!
Here are a few of our favorite ways to use kimchi!
- Kimchi Fried Rice
- Kimchi Noodles
- Kimchi Burritos
- Kimchi Soup Recipe
- Seoul Bowl!
- On Buddha Bowls
- As a side dish with dinner, simply drizzled with toasted sesame oil and with a sprinkle of sesame seeds!
Probiotic Benefits of Fermented Foods!
There are so many reasons to consume fermented foods and probiotics daily, like this gut shot that contains strains of live probiotic cultures. Here are the benefits of consuming live active cultures:
- Improved Digestion: Probiotics can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, preventing dysbiosis or leaky gut. Probiotics aid in digestion and nutrient absorption. Read more.
- Enhanced Immunity: A healthy gut contributes to a strong immune system, and probiotics can help support this by promoting a balanced gut microbiome. Further information.
- Mental Health Support: Some studies suggest that probiotics may have a positive impact on mental health, potentially helping to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Explore the study.
- Reduced Inflammation: Certain probiotic strains have been linked to a reduction in inflammation in the body, which may benefit overall health. Read this.
- Metabolic Health. Adding fermented foods to the diet can play a role in preventing and managing metabolic conditions, such as obesity and diabetes. The metabolites produced during fermentation can help regulate appetite and improve insulin sensitivity. Some fermented foods have been associated with better weight management.
- Cardiovascular Health. The bioactive peptides produced during the fermentation process have been recognized for their role in cardiovascular health. These substances can lower blood pressure and have anti-thrombotic properties, which are important in the prevention of heart disease. Check out the research.
More Favorite Fermented Foods!
Enjoy the process of making Kimchi! Please ⭐️ rate the recipe (always appreciated) and tell us how it goes in the comments below.
On the homefront: Many years ago now, we catered a Korean wedding. I remember meeting with the bride and groom and listening very carefully about the importance of the kimchi being served. It had to be “just right”.
Truth be told I was nervous, I had never made it back then, but the bride’s mother was kind enough to send me her personal kimchi recipe and thankfully I had time to practice it a few times before the big day.
In the end, they were happy. And wherever they are now, I hope they are still. I’ve never counted the number of weddings we’ve catered, but every so often, a couple pops into my mind, most often when I’m cooking, and I can’t help but give them a little nod and wish them well.
xoxo
How to make Kimchi | step-by-step video
How to make Kimchi
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 days
- Total Time: 72 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 cups 1x
- Category: fermented, sides, preserved
- Method: fermented
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This easy Kimchi recipe is simple to make and takes only 30 minutes of hands-on time before Mother Nature takes over! Full of healthy, gut-healthy probiotics, this authentic kimchi is vegan-adaptable, gluten-free, and can be made as spicy or as mild as you like! Includes a video.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds napa cabbage, (large napa cabbage)
- 1/4 cup sea salt (60 grams)
- 2 cups daikon radish, cut into matchstick strips (optional, or use carrots)
- 1 bunch scallions, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, sliced ( 2-3 disks, peels ok)
- 6 cloves garlic, whole
- 1 shallot, quartered (optional)
- 2–6 tablespoons Korean-style red pepper flakes (gochugaru) or sub gochujang – see notes!
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or use vegan fish sauce, shrimp paste, miso paste, or soy sauce), more to taste
- 2 teaspoons sugar ( or an alternative like honey, brown rice syrup)
- OPTIONAL:1 tablespoon glutenous rice powder (see notes)
Instructions
- SALT THE CABBAGE (6-8 hours): *Reserve 1-2 outer leaves of the napa cabbage and refrigerate for later use. Core and cut the remaining cabbage into 1-inch pieces and place in a large bowl with the salt and toss well. Add enough cool water to cover the cabbage and stir until salt is dissolved. Keep the cabbage submerged with a plate over the bowl and let this stand at room temperature 6-8 hours (giving a stir midway through if possible) or overnight.
- Drain the cabbage, saving the brine. Rinse the cabbage (not excessively, just a little quick rinse), drain, squeeze out any excess water, or blot with paper towels, and place it back in the bowl, adding the daikon radish and scallions.
- Make the PASTE: Place the ginger, garlic, shallot, red pepper flakes, fish sauce (or alternatives) and sugar in your food processor. Add optional rice powder (see notes!) Process until well combined, pulsing, until it becomes a thick paste.
- MASSAGE: Scoop the paste over the cabbage and using tongs or gloves, mix and massage the vegetables and the red pepper mixture together really well, until well coated.
- PACK the cabbage into a large, two-quart jar (or two, quart jars) or a crock, leaving 1-2 inches room at the top for juices to release. Add a little of the reserved brine to just cover the vegetables, pressing them down a bit ( so they are submerged) Place the whole cabbage leaf over top, pressing down- this should help keep the kimchi submerged under the brine. You can also use a fermentation weight placed over top of the whole leaf to keep it submerged. Or a small zip lock filled with water. Basically anything that touches air may mold – but no worries if this happens (see notes) it is not ruined.
- FERMENT (3-4 days) Cover loosely with a lid (allowing air to escape) and place the jar in a baking dish (or big bowl) to collect any juices that may escape. (The idea though, is to keep as much of the flavorful juice in the jar, so don’t overfill.) Leave this somewhere dark and cool (55F-65F is ideal) for 3 days. A basement or lower cooler cabinet in the pantry or kitchen away from appliances works best.
- EVENING OF DAY 3: Check for fermentation action or bubbles. Tap the jar and see if tiny bubbles rise to the top. Check for overflow (which also indicates fermentation). If you see bubbles, it is ready to store in the refrigerator where it will continue to ferment and develop more flavor slowly. For a softer tangier kimchi, you can continue to ferment for 3 more days or longer. If no action, give it another day or two. If you don’t see bubbles when tapping the jar, it just may need a couple more days- especially in cooler climates. Be patient. See the troubleshooting section below.
- REFRIGERATE: After you see bubbles (usually 3-5 days) the kimchi is ready, but it won’t achieve its full flavor and complexity, until about 2 weeks (in the fridge) slowly fermenting. The longer you ferment, the more complex and tangy the taste. If you like a fizzy brine, tighten the lid, burping every week or so. If you don’t want to think about it, give the lid one loose twist, so it’s on there, but gases can escape.
- Maintenance: This will keep for months on end in the fridge (as long as it is submerged in the brine) and will continue to ferment very slowly, getting more and more flavorful. Feel free to remove the cabbage leaf and just press kimchi down under the brine, after each use. ( See notes for adding more brine.)
- SERVE: Serve it as side dish: scoop it out using a slotted spoon, place in a small bowl, drizzle with sesame oil , toasted sesame seeds, and fresh scallions. Or Use it in Kimchi Fried Rice, Kimchi Burritos, Seoul Bowls, Kimchi Soup!
Notes
For milder kimchi, start with 2 tablespoons Korean chili flakes ( you can always stir in more). I like a spicy version with 6 tablespoons. 4 tablespoons is medium spicy.
If substituting with gochujang paste, add 2-6 tablespoons. You can always start conservatively and add more to taste after fermentation.
If you like your kimchi, thick, and less watery, you can use sweet glutenous rice powder to thicken. This is not the same as rice flour! Cook 1 tablespoon glutenous rice powder with ½ cup water, in a small pot over medium heat, stirring constantly until it boils. Let cool, still whisking occasionally. Add to the chili paste in the food processor. Continue with recipe.
BRINE If you need or want to add more salt brine to the kimchi, to keep it submerged, mix water and salt at this ratio: 1 cup water and 1 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt. Stir it together first, pour over the kimchi.
TROUBLESHOOTING:
- MOLD If your cabbage leaf that is holding the kimchi down, happens to mold, just remove it, wipe out the rim of the jar as best you can, and replace it with a fresh one. Basically, if cabbage touches air here, it will mold, so after each use, press the kimchi down under the brine.
- NO BUBBLES: Check the temp of the kimchi using a kitchen thermometer. Ideally, you want this between 50-70F. 60-65 is best.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 20
- Sugar: 1.6 g
- Sodium: 822.5 mg
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3.9 g
- Fiber: 0.4 g
- Protein: 1.3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Very good and not so intimidating recipe. Her directions where very clear and gentle and I loved making the Kimchi came out real good.
Thanks so much Maria! Glad this worked for you!
I left my just made kimchi out for longer than 3- 4 days, maybe more like 5-6 days. There was a bit of mold on the cabbage leaves- I threw them out and washed down the side of the container and lid and submerged the kimchi in remaining liquid. Will it still be ok to consume?
Thank you.
Hi Monique, This is your call. If you think you got it all, perhaps? Some would argue to salvage it. Lately, I’ve been very cautious of mold, whereas in the past, I was more lax. Personally, honestly, I would start over. Do you what feel is best.
Hi. Thanks. How unfortunate. I’ve been making your recipe for over a year now and love it! I have never had mold before. Is it because i left it out too long before putting it in the fridge?
Thanks.
I’m sorry. Most likely, cabbage was exposed to air and not completely submerged. My best guess.
My friend recommended this recipe, I’ve been making it for around two years. I use the gochujang paste and keep it fairly mild. It never disappoints! Your recipe and tips are so helpful, thanks!
Perfect, and great to hear!
Second attempt at making kimchi, first with this recipe – so much more successful! It’s been quite quite cold here so it took an entire week to get bubbly enough but I am ecstatic with the results. Thank you so much for taking the time to put such a detailed guide together.
Thanks Nora- so happy this worked fo you!
What is the serving size?
Hi Laurie, it is 1/4th cup!
I have left my cabbage soaking in the salt water for two days now. Is it still OK to proceed, or do I need to toss and start over?
Thanks
Opps! I think it should be fine?? I’m not positive but worth a try.
Great recipe! But FYI, there’s no evidence that MSG causes headaches — that’s a common myth (and one that continues to hurt Chinese restaurants).
I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe. Msg only affects some people- including me. Some people are just more sensitive to it. It is not unhealthy or bad for you- it just affects some of us differently, like gluten could or dairy might.
Excellent Recipe for Kimchi!
Great to hear!
Thank you for the clear concise instructions. My kimchi turned out perfectly after 5 days and can’t wait to make this Kimchi Recipe again. Highly recommend.
Thanks so much Al- happy you are enjoying your kimchi!
Thank you for this very nice and simple recipe. I’ve just finished the first 3 days of fermentation and lots of bubbles! However the water seems to have become a little thicker/slightly sticky, is that normal or would you discard? I don’t see any mold.
My guess is it is ok, but does it smell ok to you?
Hi,
First, thank you so much for your beautiful inspiring recipes. For the kimchi, do u think I can use black radish as I can’t find daïkon in the South of France and tey are grown locally?
Thanks,
Emily
yes, I think that should work!
If you place the kimchi into smaller jars when it tastes the way you want it, do you still need to have the layer of brine on top?
Hey Johnny, I have, and it is usually just fine. I usually wait until it ferments a couple of weeks int. the fridge first though…
I don’t think you could find a simpler recipe to make an honest to goodness, full flavoured kimchi. I’m addicted. I make it a bit milder, add carrot and red pepper sticks and lots of garlic. Fermented foods are only becoming more common for taste and good health. Thank you for this and your other recipes that I have tried. Happy 2023!
Perfect and love it Evan!
Thank you for this recipe! The Korean meal, kimchi, usually contains Korean radishes, Napa cabbage, and various flavors such as ginger, garlic, pepper, and fish sauce. Drying and salting are the oldest food conservation methodology’s most well-known practices. Likewise, the most common way of making kimchi includes tenderizing the vegetables to draw out the water.
Thanks Nancy!
My kimchi smells a bit mouldy (even though there was no mould!)
Is it still okay to eat?
I personally would not eat it if it smells like mold. Did you check the rim and lid area?
Brilliant recipe. Works well every time and fairly forgiving if you don’t get it quite right. All who have tried it state it is the best they have eaten
Thank you
Thanks so much!
It’s not vegan if it has fish sauce.
It is vegan-adaptable, using miso paste or our vegan fish sacue.
If using the fermenting jars how do you keep the lid loose?
If your fermenting jar has an airlock, then it doesn’t need to be loose. 🙂
This is the very best Kimchi. It is better than the all the Asian stores and restaurants in our area and even when we travel. We order Kimchi every time just to compare and we have yet to find one that is better. Thank you so much for sharing this awesome recipe! It is a staple for our family.
Wow- high praise! thanks so much!
The only fish sauce I can get where i live is the “Thai kitchen” variety. Think it will be ok?
Yes, Ally should be just fine!
Just a thought to make your recipe more accessible… The references to “quarts” and “cups” are meaningless to anyone outside theUS….
Hi Harry our metric converter is “down” right now, it should be back up and running in a few days.
This recipe makes a really nice kimchi. About to make our second batch. My wife is Japanese, so one of the things we use it for is kimchinabe, which is great warming comfort food in winter
Oh cool Brian!
My apt usually stays warm betw. 70-80, should I wait to the winter to make it or fermentation in the frig?
Hi Linda- Do you have a cooler? Some people have good luck with that. The fridge may be too cold as they are often 36-45F.
Love this recipe, second batch I’m making. I grow my own cabbages in the Scottish Highlands and make this at the end of the growing season. So I have lovely kimchi through the cold season.
Amazing, I love this visual Ballal! Home grown cabbage just makes it that much more special.
I am curious if regular green cabbage would work for making this kimchi instead of Napa cabbage? I have a ton of regular cabbage to use and would love to be able to make kimchi with it. Thanks!
Yes, I honestly think most cabbages would work here. I get this question a lot. 🙂