How do I ferment kimchi at home?

Unlock the magic of fermentation! Our guide to fermenting Kimchi at home will have you creating tangy goodness with ease. Time to pickle!

You'll need

Items needed to answer the question, How do I ferment Kimchi at home. Items include: Napa cabbage Korean red chili flakes Garlic cloves Ginger Fish sauce Sugar Salt

Napa cabbage 1 large head
Korean red chili flakes 2 tablespoons
Garlic cloves 5 cloves
Ginger 1-inch piece, grated
Fish sauce 2 tablespoons
Sugar 1 tablespoon
Salt 1/4 cup

Take note
Please exercise caution when working with chili peppers and garlic. It's also important to keep your fermentation vessel clean to prevent any unwanted bacteria or mold growth.

1

Gather Your Ingredients

Collect your ingredients for this Kimchi adventure. You'll need Napa cabbage, Korean red chili flakes, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, sugar, and salt. Optional add-ins can include daikon radish, carrots, and green onions.

2

Clean and Prep

Thoroughly wash your Napa cabbage, then cut it into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle the cabbage with salt and let it sit for about 2 hours until it wilts. Rinse the cabbage well to remove excess salt.

3

Mix Your Kimchi Paste

In a bowl, combine Korean red chili flakes, minced garlic, grated ginger, fish sauce, sugar, and any additional spices or seasonings you desire. Mix well to create a flavorful paste.

4

Massage and Ferment

Using clean hands, massage the Kimchi paste into the wilted Napa cabbage, making sure every piece is coated. Transfer the cabbage to a clean glass jar or fermentation vessel, pressing it down firmly to remove any air pockets.

5

Let the Magic Happen

Cover the jar loosely with a lid or a cloth to allow gases to escape during fermentation. Let the Kimchi ferment at room temperature for 2-5 days, depending on your desired level of tanginess. Remember to burp the jar daily to release any built-up pressure!

6

Chill and Enjoy

Once fermented to your liking, transfer the Kimchi to the refrigerator for additional aging and flavor development. It's best to wait at least a week before indulging in your homemade Kimchi. Serve it with rice, noodles, or anything your heart desires!