Spicy and Sweet Crunchy Napa Cabbage Kimchi (Geotjeori)
Spicy and Sweet Crunchy Napa Cabbage Kimchi (Geotjeori)
A Must-Have Korean Side Dish: The Golden Recipe for Napa Cabbage Geotjeori
Introducing a delicious Napa Cabbage Geotjeori, made with the tender middle leaves of the cabbage, offering a delightful crisp texture and a perfect balance of spicy and sweet flavors. It’s exceptionally tasty when freshly made, and pairs wonderfully with Dongji Patjuk (Red Bean Porridge), enhancing its overall taste. This easy-to-follow recipe allows you to enjoy fresh Geotjeori at home anytime!
Main Ingredients- 300g Napa cabbage middle leaves
- A little green onion
- A little carrot
- 1 red chili pepper
- A little sesame seeds
- A little sesame oil
Seasoning Ingredients- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp ginger syrup
- 1 Tbsp plum syrup
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp salted shrimp
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 2 Tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp ginger syrup
- 1 Tbsp plum syrup
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp salted shrimp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thoroughly wash the fresh middle leaves of the Napa cabbage under running water. After washing, drain the cabbage completely in a colander. This ensures the seasoning clings well to the leaves without becoming watery.
Step 2
Once drained, cut the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, about 4-5cm in length. Cutting them too small might reduce the satisfying crunch, so maintaining a good size is recommended.
Step 3
Clean the green onion, remove any tough outer layers, and slice it thinly on an angle (about 3-4cm long). Also, slice the red chili pepper thinly on an angle after removing the seeds. These add beautiful color to the Geotjeori.
Step 4
Peel the carrot, wash it, and then julienne it into thin strips. The carrot adds vibrant color and a refreshing crunch.
Step 5
Now, let’s prepare the delicious seasoning for the Geotjeori. Start by placing 2 tablespoons of Gochugaru (Korean chili powder) into a bowl. This is a key ingredient for the Geotjeori’s spiciness.
Step 6
Add 1 tablespoon of fresh minced garlic. The pungent aroma of garlic will significantly enhance the overall flavor of the Geotjeori.
Step 7
Next, add 2 tablespoons of fish sauce for a savory umami boost. You can substitute with anchovy sauce if preferred.
Step 8
Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped salted shrimp. Salted shrimp adds a deep, complex savory flavor.
Step 9
Incorporate 1 teaspoon of ginger syrup. If you don’t have ginger syrup, you can use a very small amount of finely minced fresh ginger. The aromatic quality of ginger helps cut through any richness.
Step 10
Add 1 tablespoon of sugar for a touch of sweetness. It complements the natural sweetness of the cabbage beautifully.
Step 11
Finally, add 1 tablespoon of plum syrup for a sweet and tangy flavor profile and a lovely sheen.
Step 12
Using a spoon or spatula, mix all the prepared seasoning ingredients thoroughly until well combined. It’s important to stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Step 13
Your delicious Geotjeori seasoning is now ready!
Step 14
Pour the prepared seasoning over the clean cabbage leaves.
Step 15
Add the seasoned cabbage to the bowl, and then add the prepared vegetables.
Step 16
Add the sliced red chili pepper, julienned carrot, and sliced green onion to the cabbage, and gently mix everything together with the seasoning.
Step 17
When mixing, be gentle and avoid pressing down too hard to maintain the cabbage’s crisp texture. The key is to toss lightly so the cabbage doesn’t become soggy.
Step 18
Finally, sprinkle some sesame seeds over the top for a beautiful finish and nutty flavor. The delicious Napa Cabbage Geotjeori is complete! Drizzle with a little sesame oil just before serving for extra aroma and taste. Enjoy it with Dongji Patjuk or Bossam (boiled pork).
