Crispy Napa Cabbage Kimchi (Geotjeori)
Spicy and Sweet Crispy Napa Cabbage Kimchi (Geotjeori)
I bought a medium-sized head of young Napa cabbage at the traditional market and decided to make a fresh kimchi (geotjeori) using some chives I had at home. This geotjeori is best enjoyed immediately after making it! Young Napa cabbage seems to be in season right now. Making smaller batches more frequently ensures maximum freshness and flavor.
Ingredients- 1/4 medium young Napa cabbage
- A handful of chives
Seasoning- 2 Tbsp Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 3 Tbsp anchovy sauce (myeolchi aekjeot)
- 2/3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp salted shrimp (saeujeot)
- Sesame seeds, to taste
- 2 Tbsp Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 3 Tbsp anchovy sauce (myeolchi aekjeot)
- 2/3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp salted shrimp (saeujeot)
- Sesame seeds, to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Cut the 1/4 head of young Napa cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt and let it wilt for 30 minutes, turning the pieces once or twice during this time. Rinse the wilted cabbage under cold water and drain thoroughly. Cut the chives into manageable lengths. Have the drained cabbage and cut chives ready.
Step 2
In a mixing bowl, combine the drained young Napa cabbage and the chopped chives. Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
Step 3
Add 2 tablespoons of Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) to color the mixture.
Step 4
Stir in 1 tablespoon of sugar for a touch of sweetness.
Step 5
Pour in 3 tablespoons of anchovy sauce (myeolchi aekjeot) for a rich umami flavor.
Step 6
Add 2/3 tablespoon of soy sauce to enhance the overall taste.
Step 7
Incorporate 1 teaspoon of salted shrimp (saeujeot) for seasoning. Gently toss everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cabbage mushy. The goal is to coat the ingredients evenly without bruising them.
Step 8
Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish. You’ve now created a delicious young Napa cabbage kimchi (geotjeori) that is perfectly spicy, slightly sweet, and wonderfully crisp!
