Traditional Napa Cabbage Kimchi
CATEGORIES
INGREDIENTS
- Servings: 3 quarts
- 2 large heads napa cabbage (3 1/4 pounds each)—halved, cored and cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2/3 cup kosher salt
- 10 garlic cloves, halved
- 1/2 small onion, chopped
- One 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons Asian fish sauce
- 1/2 pound daikon, peeled and cut into matchsticks
- 1 bunch scallions, cut into 2-inch lengths
- 3/4 cup gochugaru (Korean coarse red pepper powder); Korean red pepper paste and powder are available online
DIRECTIONS
- In each of 2 very large bowls, layer the cabbage with the salt. Let stand for 45 minutes. Toss the cabbage well and let stand for 45 minutes longer.
- Fill a sink with cold water. Swirl the cabbage in it to remove the salt; drain and repeat. Drain the cabbage well, lightly pat dry with paper towels and transfer to a very large bowl.
- In a mini food processor, combine the garlic, onion, ginger and sugar and puree. Add the fish sauce and process until blended.
- Add the daikon and scallions to the cabbage and toss. Add the garlic mixture and the red pepper powder and toss thoroughly. Pack the cabbage into three 1-quart jars. Press plastic wrap on the surface of the kimchi and put the caps on loosely. Let stand at room temperature for 3 days, until the cabbage is tangy and bubbling. Store in the refrigerator.
- The kimchi can be refrigerated for up to 6 months.