Aromatic Basil Kimchi Recipe
The Viral Basil Kimchi: Lee Young-ja’s Famous Recipe
Ever wondered about putting expensive basil into kimchi? This recipe brings the trendy ‘Basil Kimchi’ from the popular Korean TV show ‘The Manager’ right into your kitchen! Inspired by Lee Young-ja’s viral method, this version uses a quarter of the original ingredients, perfect for when your home-grown basil is abundant. Basil’s fresh, vibrant aroma makes this kimchi unique, but it’s best enjoyed immediately after mixing as the leaves can wilt if left in the seasoning for too long. You might initially question this combination, but wait until you try it! Place a spoonful over warm, steamed white rice, and prepare for a delightful surprise. Just like how basil enhances other dishes in Western cuisine, its flavor finds a wonderful synergy with rice in this kimchi. The delicious seasoning blend itself is so versatile, it would likely make any vegetable taste great as kimchi. I even tried it with Jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles) out of curiosity, but confirmed that classic white rice is indeed the perfect pairing for this basil kimchi! Experience a new level of flavor with this unique and fragrant basil kimchi.
Main Ingredients- 100g fresh basil leaves
Kimchi Seasoning- 1 Tbsp. anchovy sauce (or crab-based fish sauce)
- 1/4 Tbsp. seasoned soy sauce
- 1/4 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp. red pepper powder (gochugaru)
- 25ml pear juice (approx. 2.5 Tbsp.)
- 1/3 Tbsp. minced garlic
- 1 stalk green onion (scallion), finely chopped
- A pinch of sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp. anchovy sauce (or crab-based fish sauce)
- 1/4 Tbsp. seasoned soy sauce
- 1/4 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp. red pepper powder (gochugaru)
- 25ml pear juice (approx. 2.5 Tbsp.)
- 1/3 Tbsp. minced garlic
- 1 stalk green onion (scallion), finely chopped
- A pinch of sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
To ensure cleanliness, fill a bowl with 500ml of water and add 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Soak the basil leaves in this mixture for about 10 minutes to sanitize them. This is the first step to preparing your basil hygienically.
Step 2
Finely chop the green onion and mince the garlic. Having these aromatics prepped and ready will make the seasoning process much smoother. Fresh ingredients are key to great flavor!
Step 3
In a separate bowl, combine all the kimchi seasoning ingredients: anchovy sauce, seasoned soy sauce, brown sugar, red pepper powder, pear juice, and minced garlic. Mix them thoroughly to create a flavorful seasoning base. Feel free to taste and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
Step 4
After sanitizing, rinse the basil leaves under running water 3-4 times. Then, place them in a colander to drain thoroughly. Basil leaves have a cupped shape, so water can easily get trapped. Gently shake the colander side-to-side and up-and-down to remove as much moisture as possible. Properly draining the basil prevents the seasoning from becoming watery and ensures it coats the leaves well.
Step 5
For the best texture and freshness, it’s ideal to mix the basil kimchi right before serving. Pour the prepared seasoning over the drained basil leaves.
Step 6
Gently toss the basil leaves with the seasoning using your hands, being careful not to crush them. Ensure the leaves are evenly coated. Finally, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for added nutty flavor. Your fragrant and delicious basil kimchi is now ready to be enjoyed!
