Small Batch Kimchi Food

TRADITIONAL KIMCHI (NAPA CABBAGE KIMCHI)

Steps:

• Cut the thick white part of the cabbage lengthwise in half. Then, slowly pull apart by hand to separate into two pieces. Do the same for each half to make quarters. Running the knife through all the way would unnecessarily cut off the cabbage leaves.
• In a large bowl, dissolve 1/2 cup of salt in 5 cups of water. Thoroughly bathe each cabbage quarter in the salt water one at a time, shake off excess water back into the bowl, and then transfer to another bowl.
• Using the other half cup of salt and starting from the outermost leaf, generously sprinkle salt over the thick white part of each leaf (similar to salting a piece of meat). Try to salt all the cabbage quarters with 1/2 cup salt, but you can use a little more if needed. Repeat with the rest of the cabbage quarters. Pour the remaining salt water from the first bowl over the cabbage. Set aside for about 6 - 8 hours, rotating the bottom ones to the top every 2 - 3 hours.
• The cabbages should be ready to be washed when the white parts of the leaves are easily bendable. Rinse thoroughly 3 times, especially between the white parts. Drain well, cut side down.
• Meanwhile, make the optional dashima broth by boiling a small piece (2 to 3 inch square) in 1.5 cup of water for 5 minutes, and cool. Mix the rice powder with 1/2 cup water (or optional dashima broth) and simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a thin paste, and cool.
• Prepare the garlic, ginger and saeujeot. Combine all the seasoning ingredients, including the rice paste and about 1/2 cup water (or the optional dashima broth), and mix well. Set aside until the red pepper flakes to dissolve slightly and become pasty.
• Cut the radish and optional pear into matchsticks (use a mandoline if desired), transferring to a large bowl. Cut the scallions diagonally into about 1-inch long pieces. Add the prepared seasoning mix to the radish, and mix well by hand. Throw in the scallions, and mix everything lightly. Taste a little bit. It should be a little too salty to eat as is. You can add salt, more salted shrimp or fish sauce, as needed. Let it sit for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld nicely.
• Cut off the tough stem part from each cabbage quarter, leaving enough to hold the leaves together. Place one cabbage quarter in the bowl with the radish mix. Spread the radish mix over each leaf, one to two tablespoons for large leaves. (Eyeball the stuffing into 4 parts and use one part for each cabbage quarter.)
• Fold the leaf part of the cabbage over toward the stem and nicely wrap it with the outermost leaf. Place it, cut side up, in a jar or airtight container. Repeat with the remaining cabbages. If you have lose large leaves, you can use them to cover the top of the kimchi (see note 1). Once all the cabbages are in the jar or airtight container, press down hard to remove air pockets. Rinse the bowl that contained the radish mix with 1/2 cup of water (or any remaining optional dashima broth) and pour into the kimchi container. Close the lid.
• Leave it out at room temperature for a full day or two, depending on the weather and how fast you want your kimchi to ripen. A half day is recommended during hot summer days. Then, store in the fridge. (See note 2.)

SMALL-BATCH KIMCHI

Steps:

• Slice the napa cabbage in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. Then, score each half lengthwise again, cutting halfway through, and use your hands to pull it apart (making four sections total). Trim out damaged parts as needed.
• Trim away the core portions and slice cabbage into smaller pieces, about 2-inches. Put the cabbage in a large mixing bowl.
• In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup coarse sea salt and 1 cup water. Stir until dissolved. Measure and set aside 1/3 cup coarse sea salt.
• Pour the salted water into the bowl with the cabbage. Next, sprinkle the reserved salt all over the cabbage. Use your hands to spread salt evenly. Wear gloves as needed, salt may sting sensitive skin. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside for 1 hour.
• Uncover, toss and flip cabbage leaves, and cover again. Let them brine for another hour.
• Into a small bowl, combine rice flour and hot water, pouring hot water a little at a time while stirring until smooth. Set aside to cool. This paste will provide moisture for the spicy sauce and help speed up the fermentation.
• Make spicy paste by combining minced garlic, gochugaru, anchovy extract, plum syrup and sugar in a medium size bowl. Add in cooled rice paste and stir well until well combined. Taste and adjust for heat, adding more gochugaru if desired. Lastly, finely chop the green onions and add them inches.
• Wash brined cabbage three times and set in a strainer for 10-15 minutes to let the excess water drain. This step is important! If you don't wash the cabbage properly, you will have a very salty kimchi. The white cabbage parts will be less salty then the green leafy parts-that's normal.
• In a large bowl, combine drained cabbage and spicy paste mixture. Using a glove, work the paste into the cabbage until the paste has been well incorporated. This will help with even flavoring and fermentation.
• Stuff kimchi into a clean glass jar. Press down firmly to remove any air. Leave some room at the top of the jar to prevent spillage.
• Leave the jar at room temperature overnight or for 1-2 days. Enjoy your fresh kimchi and store it in the fridge.