Crisp and Sweet Winter Napa Cabbage Kimchi (Geotjeori)
Crisp and Sweet Winter Napa Cabbage Kimchi (Geotjeori)
The Ultimate Appetizer! Quick and Easy Napa Cabbage Geotjeori
Here’s a recipe for Nappa cabbage geotjeori that truly captures the sweet, fresh flavor of winter cabbage. It’s incredibly simple and quick to make, perfect for busy days, and tastes absolutely delicious. The satisfying crunch of fresh cabbage combined with the tangy and slightly sweet dressing makes this a perfect side dish that will have you reaching for more rice!
Main Ingredients- 1/4 head of baby Napa cabbage (a small, tightly packed head)
- 1/2 Tbsp sesame oil (for a nutty aroma)
Geotjeori Seasoning- 3 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru) (adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 Tbsp fish sauce (anchovy or sand lance) (key for umami!)
- 1 Tbsp vinegar (for a bright, tangy flavor)
- 1 Tbsp sugar (to balance the flavors)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 pinch of salt (to fine-tune the seasoning)
- 3 Tbsp red pepper flakes (gochugaru) (adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 Tbsp fish sauce (anchovy or sand lance) (key for umami!)
- 1 Tbsp vinegar (for a bright, tangy flavor)
- 1 Tbsp sugar (to balance the flavors)
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 pinch of salt (to fine-tune the seasoning)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the baby Napa cabbage thoroughly under running water. Make sure to clean off any dirt or debris from the outer leaves. Gently shake off excess water.
Step 2
Cut the baby Napa cabbage into bite-sized pieces. For the best texture, chop it into thick strips about 2-3 cm wide rather than very thin shreds.
Step 3
It’s important to drain the cut cabbage well. While you prepare the seasoning, let the cabbage sit in a colander. This allows excess water to drip off naturally, which prevents the geotjeori from becoming watery and helps the dressing adhere better.
Step 4
In a bowl, combine all the seasoning ingredients: red pepper flakes, fish sauce, vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, sesame seeds, and salt. Mix them well with a spoon until you have a uniform dressing. Ensure all components are evenly distributed.
Step 5
Add the drained Napa cabbage to the prepared dressing and toss gently. The initial seasoning might taste a little mild. Taste it and adjust the seasoning by adding more fish sauce or salt according to your preference. Adjusting the taste is key!
Step 6
Toss the cabbage gently to coat evenly with the dressing. Finally, drizzle in the sesame oil and give it a light mix. Adding sesame oil enhances the nutty aroma, elevating the flavor of your geotjeori.
Step 7
Transfer the finished Napa cabbage geotjeori to a serving dish. It’s delicious on its own, but pairs wonderfully with hearty dishes like Janchi-guksu (banquet noodles) or grilled meats. You can also enjoy it as a flavorful topping for rice bowls (bibimbap). Enjoy this refreshing winter cabbage geotjeori!
