This EASY kimchi recipe has a fusion of Asian and Southwest flavors. A spicy, tangy, and oh, so easy homemade kimchi recipe! This paleo kimchi recipe takes very little time to prep and make. The hardest part is waiting for it to ferment. A vegan friendly healthy side dish. This is the BEST kimchi I’ve ever tasted!
An Asian Southwest Fusion EASY kimchi recipe, say what?!! What happened to the Fall food and all things sticky, coffee, and toffee. Well, we’re taking a little sugar break today to feed the gut with the good stuff! No, really! This EASY Kimchi Recipe is gonna do wonders ya’ll!
In fact, I’m kind of giddy for these next few recipes I’m sharing. They are not only easy to make, but so so nourishing and with a little cultural/ethnic flair. I’ve found that to be true with many ethnic or ancestral recipes. Like… say…. sushi!!! They have a purpose and function for our overall health and well being. That whole real food focus, ya, it’s smart and just plain tasty.
Today’s easy kimchi recipe was inspired by my love of fermented foods and gut health. Plus, I just can’t get enough of different flavored kimchi “style” recipes these days. “I just can’t get enough, I just can’t get enough.” Who sings that? LOL! Tangent.
But really, the science and nutrition nerd in me geeks out! But also, it’s so needed right now. Restoring the the body, mind, and soul takes extra energy and nutrients. And let’s be honest here, our gut can always use extra TLC. Amen?!!
So let’s talk kimchi. What is it and what can we benefit from adding it into our diet?
Get THEE KIMCHEE Facts:
The main ingredients of kimchi include napa cabbage or daikon radish, green onion, sometimes cucumber, and red chili paste (sauce). Then you can add in more spices like ginger, garlic, and authentic Korean chili powder. But these days, there so much more you can add into this cultural dish. I know, it’s probably sacrilegious, but it’s true.
More on that with my Asian Southwest Fusion easy kimchi recipe below!
What does kimchi taste like? Kinda like an Asian style sauerkraut. Spicy and sour due to the fermentation process, and the kimchi fermentation produces live probiotic cultures. The ones that feed your gut with GOOD bacteria.
Kimchi (kimchee) is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties as well as vitamins A, B, and C! Plus, the good bacteria (as mentioned above) helps with digestion and even fighting yeast overgrowth (like SIBO, leaky gut, etc.) source
Think of kimchi like a superfood similar to that of kefir yogurt or kombucha. The longer kimchi ferments, usually the greater the health benefits. And might I add, the spicier it gets, like whoa!
Okay let’s jump to his super duper easy kimchi recipe.
Yes I tweaked it a bit by adding roasted southwest peppers (versus another pepper or veggie), but hey, it’s all about the overall result, right? Spicy, flavorful, and nourishing all around!!
Grab a knife and some Napa cabbage and let’s cut right to it. See what I did there?
Asian Southwest Fusion EASY Kimchi Recipe (Paleo, Vegan Friendly)
Ingredients
For the Veggie Base
- 1 head of Nappa cabbage (asian)
- 1 + tbsp kosher salt (see notes for uses)
- 2 -3 tsp sugar (sugar ferments/dissolves which makes it paleo friendly)
the extra fusion ingredients and asian spices to blend
- 2 roasted red peppers (can be from jar) or few tbsp of other pepper (green chiles, jalapeno, etc).
- 2 - 4 tbsp Korean chili powder (or chili pepper flakes if you can't find the Korean). Although the taste and spice will be different. See notes for less spicy version.
- 1/4 c red onion
- 2 tbsp fish sauce (or rice vinegar/GF tamari sauce if vegan)
- 5 garlic cloves peeled
- 1-2 tsp fresh grated ginger
- 1 spring onion - chopped (do not blend, but chopped and mix before sealing)
You will need a large bowl and sterile jars.
Instructions
- First cut your cabbage vertically. Trim the end. The cut into 3 or four more sections.
- Soak cabbage in sugar/salt mixture to brine. If you are using a course sea salt, you might want to add a little extra salt.
- Cover in a bowl and set aside. Let sit at room temperature until cabbage is wilted, at least 2 hour and up to 12. It should release about 1/4 to 1/2 cup liquid.
- Reserve 1 -2 tbsp brine liquid from soak (at the bottom of the bowl).
- Next gently rinse off your cabbage with purified water. You will want to wash majority of the salt, but not all of it. you need enough salt for the fermentation
- Squeeze the cabbage over a bowl to get extra juice.
- Place in cabbage, juice, and 1-2 tbsp brine in bowl.
- Next blend your fusion ingredients (spices, peppers, paste). Use food processor or blender. Keep the green onion for later. Do not blend that.
- Mix blended spices/sauce with cabbage and juice/brine in a large bowl. I use my hands to coat it. Mix in the green onion last.
- Pack the mixture and all leftover juice/reserve in a large mason jar or 2 small jars.
- Seal jar tight and place in dark area at room temperature for 2-5 days. Check at 2 days and taste to see if its to your liking.
- You can eat right away or Place in fridge to ferment for a few more days. Then check it around day 7.
- Store in fridge for up to 3 weeks or 1 month.
I found it tasted best after 4-5 days at 77F. Then I placed it fridge for one more day. Enjoyed it all the following week.
- IMPORTANT Each batch will probably taste a little different depending on how long you ferment and the amount and type of peppers/spices/salt you use. Test it out a few ways to find your favorite ingredient combo and amount.
Recipe Notes
If you don't want the kimchi to be super spicy, use less chili powder. Use more for extra spicy!
Same goes with the salt, rinse off more if desired, but flavor will be less potent.
Here's the Korean chili powder I used. Or you can sub with chili pepper flakes. You can also use a different pepper. The mild kind.
I found it best tasted after 4-5 days at 77F. Then I placed it fridge for one more day. Enjoyed it all the following week.
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Did you make this recipe?
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If you are looking for substitutions for the Korean Chili Powder, Serious Eats has a great tips!
Nutrition for 2 oz –
This is without fermentation process, so sodium should be reduced a little after.
Don’t worry, this easy kimchi recipe takes like 10 minutes to make. The hardest part is waiting for cabbage to wilt, and then for the whole batch to ferment. But that’s the KEY for flavor and nourishment. No more instant gratification. Haha. Unless you just want to go buy some. But that wouldn’t be fun now, would it? LOL!
P.S this little side/veggie dish is AWESOME on burgers, in salads, on eggs, and more! YUM!
Ever tried Kimchi or made your own easy kimchi?
If you did, please tell me how you made it! I love more tips too.
Cheers to almost Friday!
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All hail the mighty kimchi! The fancy spicy brother of ou beloved sauerkrout!
Haha! Yes, Rebecca!!
KIMCHI IS MY JAM. OMG it is one of my favorite things ever. I am definitely making this. pinned. to my lapel 😀
Oh yeah, it’s my jam too for sure! Thanks Susie! Let me know what you think!
I can’t wait to try your version, I have been meaning to make a new batch.
And you are right, kimchi is a great side to anything! Mmmm!
keep me posted!!! i tested this 3 times. Each one coming out to taste differently, but good! I’d love your feedback.
I can’t remember the last time I had kimchi. It’s been awhile! I need that Korean chili powder in my life.
Oh then now’s the perfect time to make this Megan! You definitely need some kimchi haha
I recently became a BIG kimchi fan…for the benefits for gut but also for the flavor..but i never thought of making my own…SO MUCH CHEAPER!!! and it sounds like a fun process to wait and check, wait and check 🙂
Yes, I agree Sarah – the benefits are great! So much cheaper is a big plus too! It’s really worth the wait… trust me! 🙂
So excited for this! I adore kimchi and I love how easy you have made it. Time to hunt out some Korean chili powder and some big jars! I should have known my beautiful Cotter would give me exactly what I was looking for 🙂
you are too kind. Keep me posted on this! will you? I found it different each batch.
This was a useful post and I think it is rather easy to see from the other comments as well that this post is well written and useful. I bookmarked this blog a while ago because of the useful content and I am never being disappointed. Keep up the good work.
Thank you for the vegan option! I absolutely love kimchi….ONLY if it’s made right. Sometimes I get unlucky! 🙁 and I’ve always wanted to try fermenting my own foods, such as kombucha and cabbage! SO yummy!