Crispy and Delicious Napa Cabbage Kimchi (Geotjeori)
Crispy and Delicious Napa Cabbage Kimchi (Geotjeori)
Don’t Miss Out Before Kimchi Season! Fail-Proof Napa Cabbage Kimchi (Geotjeori) Recipe by Durimoon
Learn how to make refreshing and flavorful Napa cabbage kimchi (geotjeori) with this easy-to-follow recipe. It’s so delicious, it’ll disappear in no time! Perfect for when you want fresh kimchi.
Geotjeori Ingredients- 1 head Napa cabbage (approx. 1.3kg)
- 1 cup coarse sea salt (for brining)
- 300g Korean radish (daikon)
- 1 handful chives
- 3 green onions
- 3 green chili peppers (Jalapeños or similar)
- 3 red chili peppers (e.g., red jalapeños or Korean red peppers)
- 1 apple (medium)
- 1 onion (medium)
- 150ml anchovy sauce (fish sauce)
- 1 cup anchovy-kelp broth (200ml)
- 3 tablespoons cooked rice
- 4 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1.5 cups Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 0.5 tablespoon raw sugar (or regular sugar)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start with one head of fresh Napa cabbage (about 1.3kg). A medium-sized head works best. Cut it into large pieces (quarters or sixths) and wash thoroughly under running water. Make sure to clean between the leaves as they can hold dirt.
Step 2
Sprinkle 1 cup of coarse sea salt evenly over the washed cabbage. Pay special attention to the thick stem parts, ensuring the salt penetrates well. Let it brine for about 1 hour, or until the cabbage leaves are flexible and bend easily.
Step 3
Prepare the vegetables for the seasoning paste. Roughly chop 1 medium apple, 1 medium onion, and 3 red chili peppers. You can remove the seeds from the chilies if you prefer less heat.
Step 4
In a blender, combine the chopped apple, onion, and red chili peppers. Add 150ml of anchovy sauce (fish sauce) and 1 cup (200ml) of anchovy-kelp broth. Blend these ingredients until smooth.
Step 5
Add 3 tablespoons of cooked rice to the blender. The rice helps to thicken the sauce and add a subtle sweetness. (Don’t forget this step, even if the recipe writer did!). Blend again until the mixture is completely smooth and no rice grains remain.
Step 6
Now, let’s make the main seasoning paste for the geotjeori. Pour the blended mixture into a large bowl. Add 1.5 cups of Korean chili flakes (gochugaru), 1 tablespoon of minced ginger, 0.5 tablespoon of raw sugar, and 4 tablespoons of minced garlic. Mix everything together to create a rich paste.
Step 7
Stir the seasoning paste thoroughly with a spatula or spoon until all ingredients are well combined. Let it sit for a moment to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 8
Prepare the fresh vegetables for the kimchi. Julienne 300g of Korean radish. Slice 3 green onions diagonally. Cut 3 green chili peppers and 1 handful of chives into bite-sized pieces. These fresh vegetables will add texture and vibrant flavor.
Step 9
Check the brined cabbage. If the stems bend like a bow, it’s perfectly brined and ready.
Step 10
Rinse the brined cabbage 2-3 times under cold running water to remove excess salt. Drain the cabbage thoroughly in a colander. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to ensure most of the water has dripped off. This step is crucial for the seasoning to adhere well without being watery.
Step 11
Once the cabbage is well-drained, add about half a cup (approx. 80ml) of gochugaru and gently toss. This preliminary coating helps the cabbage absorb the color and flavor more evenly, almost like a pre-seasoning.
Step 12
Now, add the prepared seasoning paste and all the chopped vegetables to the cabbage. Gently mix everything together, being careful not to mash the cabbage. Fold and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 13
Finally, taste the geotjeori and adjust the seasoning if necessary, using more anchovy sauce if needed. (The recipe author added 5 extra spoons). The kimchi is delicious to eat immediately, but letting it sit at room temperature for 1-2 days before refrigerating will develop even deeper flavors.
Step 14
Enjoy this freshly made, delicious Napa cabbage kimchi! A spoonful served over a bowl of warm rice is incredibly satisfying. It’s a perfect dish to enjoy when you’re craving something fresh and flavorful.
