Asian > Korean > Kimchi

Traditional Chonggak Kimchi Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 lbs of chonggak radish
- 1/2 cup of coarse sea salt
- 1/2 cup of sweet rice flour
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1/2 cup of hot pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup of fish sauce
- 1/2 cup of chopped scallions
- 1/4 cup of minced garlic
- 1/4 cup of minced ginger
- 1/4 cup of water

Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Food processor or blender
- Glass jars with lids

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Rinse the chonggak radish and cut off the tops. Cut the radish into 2-inch pieces.

2. In a large mixing bowl, add the radish pieces and sprinkle with the coarse sea salt. Mix well and let it sit for 2 hours.

3. Rinse the salted radish pieces thoroughly with cold water and drain.

4. In a food processor or blender, grind the sweet rice flour into a fine powder.

5. In a small saucepan, mix the sweet rice flour powder, sugar, hot pepper flakes, fish sauce, scallions, garlic, ginger, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes a paste.

6. Add the paste to the radish pieces and mix well, making sure that each piece is coated evenly.

7. Pack the radish mixture tightly into glass jars, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top.

8. Close the lids tightly and let the jars sit at room temperature for 1-2 days to ferment.

9. After 1-2 days, open the lids and press down on the kimchi with a spoon to release any air bubbles.

10. Close the lids again and store the kimchi in the refrigerator for at least 1 week before serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 2 hours
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Room temperature for fermentation
- Refrigerator temperature for storage
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 2000mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Korean radish or daikon can be used instead of chonggak radish
- Regular flour can be used instead of sweet rice flour
- Honey or maple syrup can be used instead of sugar
- Soy sauce can be used instead of fish sauce

Variations:
- Add sliced carrots or cucumbers for extra crunch
- Use different types of hot pepper flakes for different levels of spiciness
- Add oysters or shrimp for a seafood twist

Tips and tricks:
- Use gloves when mixing the kimchi to avoid staining your hands with the hot pepper flakes
- Make sure to pack the kimchi tightly into the jars to prevent air bubbles from forming
- Taste the kimchi after a few days of fermentation to check the level of sourness and adjust accordingly

Storage instructions:
- Store the kimchi in the refrigerator for up to 1 month

Reheating instructions:
- Kimchi is typically served cold and does not need to be reheated

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the kimchi in a small bowl as a side dish
- Use the kimchi as a topping for rice bowls or Korean tacos

Garnishes:
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped scallions for extra flavor and texture

Pairings:
- Serve with grilled meats or fish
- Pair with steamed rice and other Korean side dishes

Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed rice
- Korean-style pickled vegetables
- Spicy tofu soup

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the kimchi is too salty, rinse the radish pieces more thoroughly before mixing with the paste
- If the kimchi is not sour enough, let it ferment for a few more days before storing in the refrigerator

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to use clean utensils and jars when making the kimchi to prevent contamination
- Store the kimchi in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage

Food history:
- Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made from fermented vegetables, typically cabbage or radish. It has been a staple in Korean cuisine for centuries and is known for its spicy and sour flavor.

Flavor profiles:
- Spicy, sour, umami

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a side dish or topping for rice bowls or Korean tacos

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Region: Korean

Taste: Spicy, Tangy, Sour, Salty, Umami