Crispy and Fresh Napa Cabbage Kimchi (Geotjeori) Recipe
Crispy and Fresh Napa Cabbage Kimchi (Geotjeori) Recipe
Easy Homemade Crispy Napa Cabbage Geotjeori
Introducing a delicious Napa Cabbage Geotjeori, perfect as a refreshing side dish when you’re tired of regular kimchi. The key to great Geotjeori is preserving the cabbage’s natural nutty flavor and crisp texture. We’ll lightly salt the cabbage to maintain its crunch and use simple seasonings to highlight the fresh taste of the cabbage. This flavorful Geotjeori is sure to become a new favorite! Let’s get started.
Geotjeori Ingredients- 6 leaves of young Napa cabbage
- 5 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Saeujeot (fermented salted shrimp), strained to use only the solids
- 1/2 Tbsp Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp Fish sauce (or anchovy sauce)
- 5 stalks Scallions
- Generous amount of Sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s begin making our crispy and fresh Napa Cabbage Geotjeori!
Step 2
Wash the young Napa cabbage thoroughly under running water. Make sure to clean between the leaves to remove any dirt or debris. Gently shake off excess water or pat dry with paper towels. It’s important to remove as much moisture as possible, as remaining water can dilute the seasoning.
Step 3
Cut the washed cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Typically, cutting them into 2-3 cm wide strips makes it easier for the seasoning to coat evenly and for eating. If the thick parts of the stem are too large, make a shallow cut with your knife to help the seasoning penetrate better.
Step 4
Now it’s time to mix the seasonings. To the cut cabbage, add 1 Tbsp of minced garlic and the chopped scallions (cut into about 5 cm lengths after cleaning). Next, add 5 Tbsp of Gochugaru, 1/2 Tbsp of sugar, and 1 Tbsp of fish sauce.
Step 5
Saeujeot adds a wonderful umami flavor, but it can be quite salty. While measuring 1 Tbsp, it’s recommended to strain it through a sieve to use only the solid shrimp bits, or to start by adding a smaller amount and adjusting to taste. Taste as you go!
Step 6
Once all the seasoning ingredients are added, gently mix everything together. Avoid mashing or squeezing the cabbage too hard, as this can diminish its crisp texture. Instead, use your hands to gently toss and fold the ingredients until well combined.
Step 7
As you mix, keep an eye on the color of the cabbage. If it looks like it needs more chili flakes for color or spice, add them gradually. It’s better to add more bit by bit rather than all at once, to avoid making it too salty or the color too dark.
Step 8
Transfer the well-mixed Geotjeori to a pretty serving dish. Arranging the leaves neatly will make it look even more appetizing.
Step 9
Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of sesame seeds over the top for added nutty flavor. Rubbing the sesame seeds between your palms before sprinkling will release more of their fragrant aroma.
Step 10
Ta-da! Your fresh and crispy Napa Cabbage Geotjeori is complete. It’s delicious to eat right away, or you can let it sit for a short while to develop a slightly different flavor. Enjoy your delicious meal with this refreshing Geotjeori!
