EASY Kimchi Recipe with Asian Southwest fusion flavor - Cotter Crunch (2024)

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This EASY kimchi recipe has a fusion ofAsian and Southwest-inspired flavors. Aspicy, tangy, and oh, so delicious homemade kimchi! This recipetakes very little time to prep and make; the hardest part is waiting for it to ferment.Avegan-friendly, healthy side dish andthe BEST kimchi I’ve ever tasted!

EASY Kimchi Recipe with Asian Southwest fusion flavor - Cotter Crunch (1)

An Asian Southwest Fusion EASY kimchi recipe – say what?!! What happened to the Fall food and all things sticky, coffee, and toffee? Well, we’re taking a little sugar break today to feed the gut with the good stuff! No, really! Thishomemade kimchi is gonna do wonders ya’ll!

In fact, I’m kind of giddy for these next few recipes I’m sharing. They are not only easy to make but so so nourishing and with a little cultural/ethnicflair. I’ve found that to be true with many ethnic or ancestral recipes. Like… say…. sushi!!!They have a purpose and function for our overall health and well being. That whole real food focus, ya, it’s smart and just plain tasty.

HOW TO MAKE THIS EASY KIMCHI RECIPE

ASIAN SOUTHWEST FUSION EASY KIMCHI

Today’s easy kimchi recipe was inspired by my love of fermented foods and gut health. Plus, I just can’t get enough of thedifferent flavors of kimchi “style” recipes these days. “I just can’t get enough, I just can’t get enough.” Who sings that? LOL! Tangent.

But really, the science and nutrition nerd in me geeks out! But also, it’s so needed right now. Restoring the body, mind, and soul takes extra energy and nutrients. And let’s be honest here, our gut can always use extra TLC. Amen?!!

What is kimchi?

So let’s talk kimchi. What is it and what can we benefit from adding it to our diet?

EASY Kimchi Recipe with Asian Southwest fusion flavor - Cotter Crunch (2)

Get the KIMCHEE facts:

The main ingredients of kimchi include:

  • napa cabbage or daikon radish
  • green onion
  • sometimes cucumber, and
  • red chili paste (sauce)

Then you can add more spices like ginger, garlic, and authentic Korean chili powder. But these days, there is so much more you can add to this cultural dish. I know, it’s probably sacrilegious, but it’s true.

More on that with my Asian Southwest Fusion easy kimchi recipe below!

What does kimchi taste like?

Kimchitastes kinda like Asian style sauerkraut. Spicy and sour due to the fermentation process, and the kimchifermentation produces live probiotic cultures. The ones that feed your gut with GOOD bacteria.

Kimchi (kimchee) is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties as well as vitamins A, B, and C! Plus, thegood bacteria (as mentioned above) helps with digestion and even fighting yeast overgrowth (like SIBO, leaky gut, etc.)source

Think of kimchi like asuperfood similar to thatof kefir yogurtor kombucha. The longer kimchi ferments, usually the greater the health benefits. And might I add, the spicier it gets, like whoa!

EASY Kimchi Recipe with Asian Southwest fusion flavor - Cotter Crunch (3)

Okay, let’s jump to this super duper easy homemade kimchi recipe.

How do you make homemade kimchi?

I tweaked the kimchi a bit, adding roasted southwest peppers (versus another pepper or veggie), but hey, it’s all about the overall result, right? Spicy, flavorful, and nourishing all around!!

EASY Kimchi Recipe with Asian Southwest fusion flavor - Cotter Crunch (4)

Grab a knife and some Napa cabbage and let’s cut right to it. See what I did there?

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EASY Kimchi Recipe with Asian Southwest fusion flavor - Cotter Crunch (5)

Asian Southwest Fusion Easy Kimchi Recipe

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  • Author: Lindsay Cotter
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: 2 cups 1x
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Description

This EASY kimchi recipe has a fusion ofAsian and Southwest flavors. Aspicy, tangy, and oh, so delicious homemade kimchi! Avegan-friendly, paleo, healthy side dish andthe BEST kimchi I’ve ever tasted!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Veggie Base:

  • 1 head of Napa cabbage (Asian)
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt (see notes for uses)
  • 23 teaspoons sugar (sugar ferments/dissolves which makes it paleo friendly)

Fusion ingredients and Asian spices to blend:

  • 2 roasted red peppers (can be from a jar) or few tablespoons of other pepper (green chiles, jalapeno, etc).
  • 24 tablespoons Korean chili powder (or chili pepper flakes if you can’t find the Korean). Although the taste and spice will be different. See notes for a less spicy version.
  • ¼ cup red onion
  • 2 tablespoon fish sauce (or rice vinegar/GF tamari sauce if vegan)
  • 5 garlic cloves peeled
  • 12 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
  • 1 spring onion – chopped (do not blend, but mix in before sealing)
  • You will also need a large bowl and sterile canning jars.

Instructions

  1. Cut the cabbage vertically. Trim the end. Then cut into 3 or four more sections.
  2. Soak cabbage in sugar/salt mixture to brine. If you are using coarse sea salt, add a little extra salt.
  3. Cover in a bowl and set aside. Let sit at room temperature until cabbage is wilted, at least 2 hours and up to 12. It should release about ¼ to ½ cup liquid.
  4. Reserve 1 -2 tablespoons brine liquid from soak (at the bottom of the bowl).
  5. Next gently rinse off your cabbage with purified water. You will want to wash off the majority of the salt, but not all of it. you need enough salt for the fermentation process.
  6. Squeeze the cabbage over a bowl to get extra juice.
  7. Place cabbage, juice, and 1-2 tablespoons brine in a bowl.
  8. Next, blend your fusion ingredients (spices, peppers, paste). Use afood processor or blender. Keep the green onion for later. Do not blend that.
  9. Mix blended spices/sauce with cabbage and juice/brine in a large bowl. Coat evenly, using clean hands to mix if needed. Mix in the green onion last.
  10. Pack the mixture and all leftover juice/reserve into 1 large mason jar or 2 small jars.
  11. Seal jar tightly and place in a dark area at room temperature for 2-5 days. Check at 2 days and taste to see if it’s to your liking.
  12. You can eat it right away or place in the fridge to ferment for a few more days. Then check it around day 7.
  13. Store in the fridge for 3-4 weeks.I found it tasted best after 4-5 days at 77F. Then I placed it in the fridge for one more day. Enjoyed it all the following week.

Notes

Important Note:

Each batch will probably taste a little different depending on how long you ferment and the amount and type of peppers/spices/salt you use. Test it out a few ways to find your favorite ingredient combo and amount.

  • If you don’t want the kimchi to be super spicy, use less chili powder. Use more for extra spicy! Same goes with the salt, rinse off more if desired, but the flavor will be less potent.
  • Here’s the Korean chili powder I used. Or you can sub with chili pepper flakes. You can also use a different pepper. The mild kind.

Nutritional Information

  • Nutrition shown below is for a 2 oz. serving.
  • Nutrition shown is without fermentation process, so sodium should be reduced a littleafter.
  • Prep Time: 2 hr
  • Category: side
  • Method: no cook
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 oz.
  • Calories: 38
  • Sugar: 5.1g
  • Sodium: 733.3mg
  • Fat: 0.2g
  • Saturated Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 8.8g
  • Fiber: 2.6g
  • Protein: 1.6g
  • Cholesterol: 0

If you are looking for substitutions for the Korean Chili Powder, Serious Eats hasgreat tips!

EASY Kimchi Recipe with Asian Southwest fusion flavor - Cotter Crunch (6)

Don’t worry, this easy kimchi recipe takes like 10 minutes to make. The hardest part is waiting for cabbage to wilt, and then for the whole batch to ferment. But that’s the KEY for flavor and nourishment. No more instant gratification. Haha. Unless you just want to go buy some. Butthat wouldn’t be fun now, would it? LOL!

EASY Kimchi Recipe with Asian Southwest fusion flavor - Cotter Crunch (7)

P.S This homemade kimchi is AWESOME on burgers, in salads, on eggs, and more! YUM!

[Tweet “An #easy kimchi recipe with Asian Southwest Fusion flavors! Simple, #paleo, and a healthy!”]

Ever tried Kimchi or made your own easy kimchi recipe?

If you did, please tell me how you made it! I love more tips too.

Cheers to almost Friday!

EASY Kimchi Recipe with Asian Southwest fusion flavor - Cotter Crunch (8)
EASY Kimchi Recipe with Asian Southwest fusion flavor - Cotter Crunch (9)
EASY Kimchi Recipe with Asian Southwest fusion flavor - Cotter Crunch (2024)

FAQs

What do Asians eat kimchi with? ›

As the national dish of South Korea, kimchi is a staple in kitchens around the world. This fermented cabbage dish can be served as a side dish, over a bed of rice, folded into scrambled eggs, whirred into tomato sauce, or even just eaten as is.

How to eat kimchi for gut health? ›

Here are just a few ways you might like to try kimchi:
  1. kimchi fried rice.
  2. kimchi dumplings (steamed or pan-fried)
  3. kimchi “jjigae” stew (with beef)
  4. spicy soft tofu stew.
  5. kimchi pancakes.
  6. kimchi with tofu (often eaten as a snack with a drink)
  7. kimchi with noodles (hot or cold)
  8. kimchi pasta.
Mar 18, 2024

Is kimchi a crunch? ›

“Kimchi is usually crunchy but depending on the vegetable it could be otherwise. But it'll still be flavorful from all the ginger, garlic and scallions, salty from the fish sauce, and tangy from the sugar that turns into lactic acid in the process,” Yamash*ta says. “Kimchi gets more and more tangy as it ferments.”

Should kimchi be soft or crunchy? ›

As kimchi is made with cabbage, the texture should be crunchy, with a tangy, spicy, sour flavour.

What happens when you start eating kimchi? ›

Probiotics may improve heart health by reducing cholesterol and inflammation. The fiber, antioxidants, and nutrients in kimchi can also help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, which can boost heart health. Early research suggests kimchi may strengthen your immune system.

How long does kimchi last in the fridge? ›

If you have store-bought kimchi that's been opened, it will be good for 3-4 days at room temperature and up to 6 months when refrigerated. Signs of your kimchi going bad include mold growth, an alcoholic smell, and an extremely sour taste.

Can you eat kimchi everyday? ›

Cabbage and radish kimchi, a popular fermented vegetable dish, in particular were effective in reducing the risk of obesity and abdominal obesity in both men and women.

Is kimchi better hot or cold? ›

You can eat kimchi straight out of the fridge, or you can throw it in a small skillet and heat it up with 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of vegetable oil. It tastes great both ways! Some people prefer the cold, spicy taste, while others find the tangy texture best when heated up.

Does kimchi clean your bowels? ›

Kimchi can be an excellent alternative to taking laxatives. It has a high fibre content, which helps keep the digestive system in good condition. Many studies have shown that fibre can control constipation, diarrhoea, and other digestive problems.

Does kimchi make your stomach flat? ›

Kimchi, in small quantities will feed your gut with the good bacteria (probiotics), which help keep your tummy flat and reduce gas and bloating.

Is store bought kimchi still healthy? ›

Conclusion - if you want to enjoy the health benefits of live bacteria in kimchi only buy if the label says : “live bacteria” and “unpasteurised”. There are lots of small brands in health food shops with these terms on them - but they still don't seem to have hit the big retailers yet.

Why is my kimchi not good? ›

Kimchi spoilage and over-fermentation

Kimchi should only be fermented for a few days at room temperature and then put into the refrigerator. It will continue to ferment at a cool temperature. If kimchi over-ferments, it will have a very vinegary odor and taste.

What is burping kimchi? ›

Burping involves opening the lid of the jar to release any pent up gasses from fermentation as avoid leakages. Burping the Kimchi every few days will also help to avoid leakages. You do not need to burp your Kimchi if they're stored in jars that allow gas to escape (or if you've consumed a fair bit of Kimchi already!).

Why is my store bought kimchi not crunchy? ›

Like veggies that soften as part of the natural rotting process, even fermented foods can lose their crunch with time. Glab says, "Over time, a fermented kimchi will lose its crunch, and flavors will dull, so there is a specific time frame within which kimchi is at its best."

Should kimchi be eaten hot or cold? ›

So do you eat kimchi hot or cold? If you are eating kimchi because of the amazing live cultures and nutrient availability it offers, we recommend eating it cold. Try some of our own favorite cold kimchi recipes to get started: Cold noodles with kimchi.

Is kimchi meant to be served hot or cold? ›

Kimchi can be eaten basically however you want. You can eat it cold straight from the container. You can use it as an ingredient in soups, noodles, Korean pancakes, and fried rice. You can even chop it up small, sautee it in butter and add it to things like hotdogs, quesadillas, or grilled cheese.

Should kimchi be heated before eating? ›

Kimchi is a versatile dish that people can add to many meals. People can eat it as a side dish, use it as an ingredient in other meals, or eat it on its own. Although individuals can cook kimchi, keep in mind that heating any fermented foods can start to kill off the healthy probiotics.

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