Crispy Chonggak Kimchi (Radish Kimchi)
How to Make Delicious Chonggak Kimchi Using Seasonal Daellan Radishes (Inspired by Chef Baek Jong-won)
Let’s make deliciously crispy chonggak kimchi at home! This recipe uses seasonal daellan radishes and is a simplified version inspired by Chef Baek Jong-won, making your kimchi-making process easier.
Kimchi Ingredients- 2 bunches of Altarri radishes (Chonggak kimchi radishes)
- 1/2 cup fish sauce (anchovy or sand lance)
- 1/2 cup plum extract
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cup gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, approx. 100g)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- Salt to taste (for seasoning adjustment)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Today, we’ll be making delicious chonggak kimchi using daellan radishes, which are in season. It’s not as difficult as you might think, so follow along step-by-step!
Step 2
First, it’s important to prepare the chonggak radishes properly. Remove any wilted outer leaves from the radish greens. Then, wash the radishes and greens thoroughly under running water to remove all dirt. After preparing them, salt the radishes for at least 30 minutes. Since we’ll be seasoning with fish sauce later, be careful not to salt them for too long, or they might become too salty. After salting, rinse the radishes two to three times in cold water to reduce the saltiness. Drain them well in a colander to remove excess water. Properly draining the water is crucial for preventing the kimchi from becoming watery and maintaining its crisp texture.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the delicious seasoning for the chonggak kimchi! We’ll base this recipe on two bunches of small chonggak radishes. In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup of fish sauce (anchovy or sand lance), 1/2 cup of plum extract for a touch of sweetness, 1 tsp of sugar, 1 cup (about 100g) of gochugaru for spicy flavor, and 1 Tbsp of minced garlic. Mix these ingredients thoroughly. Taste the seasoning as you mix, and if it feels a bit bland, you can add a little salt to adjust it to your preference. Besides preparing the ingredients and salting the radishes, the rest of the process is simply mixing everything with this seasoning. It’s really quite simple, isn’t it?
Step 4
This hand-mixed chonggak kimchi will look so appetizing just by looking at it. The vibrant colors and the harmony of fresh ingredients are sure to whet your appetite.
Step 5
And there you have it! Your delicious chonggak kimchi is now complete. After a period of fermentation, you’ll be able to enjoy an even deeper flavor. Enjoy your crispy and flavorful chonggak kimchi!
