Sweet & Crispy Summer Delight: Easy Onion Kimchi
How to Make Fresh Onion Kimchi: A Summer Side Dish Recipe
Beat the summer slump with this incredibly easy, crunchy, and sweet onion kimchi! Onions are packed with quercetin, a beneficial compound known to improve blood circulation and help prevent high blood pressure. While we love onions in our household – in stews, pickles, or simply sautéed – this time, we’re turning them into a delightful kimchi. No need for complicated sticky rice paste or lengthy marinating processes; this recipe is straightforward and guaranteed to be delicious. It’s the perfect side dish to invigorate your appetite during warmer months.
Kimchi Ingredients
- 3 medium-sized fresh onions
- 5 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (e.g., anchovy or sand lance)
- 3 Tbsp corn syrup (or rice syrup)
- 1 Tbsp salted shrimp (minced)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 50g chives
- 1 tsp salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare 3 medium-sized fresh onions. Wash them thoroughly. I personally prefer onions from Changnyeong as they tend to be firmer and store better, but this is just my observation. To store onions longer, keep them in a dry, shaded area and allow the outer skin to dry slightly.
Step 2
In a bowl, combine 1 Tbsp fish sauce, 1 Tbsp minced salted shrimp, 5 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 tsp sugar, 3 Tbsp corn syrup, and 1 Tbsp minced garlic. Mix these seasoning ingredients well until fully incorporated. You can use honey or oligosaccharide instead of corn syrup, and anchovy fish sauce is a fine substitute for sand lance fish sauce. Feel free to mix the seasonings beforehand or add them directly to the onions and mix.
Step 3
Now, let’s cut the onions into bite-sized pieces. Since my onions are on the smaller side, I’ve cut them in half first.
Step 4
Next, cut the halved onions into a cross shape (like quarters). This helps the seasoning penetrate better, resulting in a more flavorful kimchi. Place the cut onions into the bowl.
Step 5
Wash the chives well and cut them into approximately 4cm lengths. Adding chives will enhance the aroma and overall taste of the onion kimchi.
Step 6
Begin mixing the onions with the prepared seasoning. As you mix, you’ll notice some onion layers separating. For any pieces that remain clumped, gently rub them with your hands to ensure the seasoning coats them evenly.
Step 7
Once the onions are mostly coated, add 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds, 1 tsp salt, and the chopped chives. Mix everything together gently.
Step 8
Carefully toss all the ingredients together until well combined. Be gentle to avoid mashing the onions.
Step 9
Your delicious onion kimchi is ready! While you can enjoy it immediately, I highly recommend letting it rest in the refrigerator for about 8 hours. This allows the flavors to meld, mellowing out any strong spiciness and bringing out a delightful sweet crunchiness. Enjoy this refreshing summer side dish!
