Fresh Napa Cabbage Kimchi (Geotjeori)
Crisp and Refreshing Napa Cabbage Kimchi Recipe
If you have some baby napa cabbage on hand, try making this delicious and fresh geotjeori! It’s a simple yet incredibly appetizing side dish.
Main Ingredients- 1 Baby Napa Cabbage (Al-baegi-baechu)
- 1 stalk Scallions or Green Onion
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp Fermented Shrimp Paste (Saeu-jeot)
- 1 Tbsp Anchovy Fish Sauce (Myeolchi-aekjeot)
- 1 Tbsp Tuna Fish Sauce (Chamchi-aekjeot)
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract (Maesil-cheong)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced Ginger
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean Red Pepper Flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Fermented Shrimp Paste (Saeu-jeot)
- 1 Tbsp Anchovy Fish Sauce (Myeolchi-aekjeot)
- 1 Tbsp Tuna Fish Sauce (Chamchi-aekjeot)
- 1 Tbsp Plum Extract (Maesil-cheong)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp Minced Ginger
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean Red Pepper Flakes)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the baby napa cabbage thoroughly under running water and drain it very well. Geotjeori tastes best and stays crisp when excess water is removed, allowing the seasoning to coat the leaves properly.
Step 2
In a bowl, add 1 tablespoon of fermented shrimp paste. Shrimp paste is crucial for adding a deep umami flavor to the geotjeori.
Step 3
Add 1 tablespoon of anchovy fish sauce and 1 tablespoon of tuna fish sauce. Using both types of fish sauce together creates a more complex and rich taste.
Step 4
Add 2 tablespoons of gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes). (You can add Cheongyang chili powder for extra spiciness, if you prefer.)
Step 5
Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Freshly minced garlic significantly enhances the aroma and flavor of the geotjeori.
Step 6
Add 0.5 tablespoon of minced ginger and 1 tablespoon of plum extract for a touch of sweetness. Ginger helps to cut through any potential ‘green’ taste, and plum extract adds sweetness and a nice sheen.
Step 7
Finely chop the scallions or green onion into pieces about 2-3 cm long. Use both the white and green parts for added color and flavor.
Step 8
Combine all the prepared seasoning ingredients in the bowl and mix well to create the seasoning paste. Stir until all components are evenly incorporated.
Step 9
Add the well-drained baby napa cabbage to the seasoning paste and gently toss to coat. Be careful not to mash the cabbage; use your hands to lightly mix it. Add the chopped scallions or green onion and mix everything together thoroughly. If you have any leftover seasoning, it’s also delicious mixed with other vegetables or greens. Geotjeori is best enjoyed fresh!
