Korean Mak-kimchi, Easy Napa Cabbage Kimchi

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Sunchang Traditional Gochujang Village

📍 Where this dish comes from: Sunchang · Sunchang Traditional Gochujang Village
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Korean Mak-kimchi, plated and ready to serve

Mak-kimchi, "easy kimchi," is napa cabbage cut into bite-size pieces before seasoning, which makes it much quicker than whole-head kimchi. This keto version skips the usual rice porridge and sugar.

Korean Mak-kimchi, plated and ready to serve

Korean Mak-kimchi, Easy Napa Cabbage Kimchi

Mak-kimchi, "easy kimchi," is napa cabbage cut into bite-size pieces before seasoning, which makes it much quicker than whole-head kimchi. This keto version skips the usual rice porridge and sugar.
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Korean
Servings: 1 about 2 quarts

Ingredients

  • 1 large napa cabbage (about 4 pounds)
  • 1/2 cup coarse sea salt
  • 1/2 cup gochugaru
  • 1/4 cup fish sauce
  • 2 tablespoons salted shrimp (saeujeot) minced
  • 2 tablespoons allulose
  • 8 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 1/2 small onion grated
  • 1 cup daikon julienned
  • 4 scallions cut into 1-inch pieces

Instructions

  • Cut the cabbage into 2-inch pieces. Toss with the salt in a large bowl and let sit for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, tossing every 30 minutes, until the thick parts bend without snapping.
  • Rinse the cabbage three times in cold water and drain well for 20 minutes.
  • Mix the gochugaru, fish sauce, salted shrimp, allulose, garlic, ginger and onion into a paste. Add the daikon and scallions.
  • Wearing gloves, toss the cabbage with the paste until every piece is coated. Pack tightly into clean jars, pressing out air and leaving 2 inches at the top.
  • Leave at room temperature for 1 to 2 days until it smells tangy and bubbles appear, then refrigerate. It continues to develop flavor for weeks.

Notes

Tip: Press down on the kimchi with a clean spoon each day while it ferments at room temperature, so the cabbage stays submerged in its juices.
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This recipe is from The Ultimate Korean Keto Cookbook by Gisele Costello, Chapter 10: Sauces & Kimchi (Sunchang Traditional Gochujang Village). See all Korean recipes

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