Crisp and Fresh Napa Cabbage Kimchi (Geotjeori)
Easy and Quick Recipe for Napa Cabbage Geotjeori
Introducing a delicious Napa cabbage kimchi (Geotjeori) that’s perfectly crisp and fresh when made right before eating. You can easily make flavorful Geotjeori with one head of fresh Napa cabbage, without complicated steps. It’s especially delicious when made in small batches and enjoyed immediately!
Ingredients
- 1 head of young Napa cabbage
- 1/2 cup coarse sea salt (for salting)
- 6 stalks of green onions
- 6 Tbsp red chili flakes (gochugaru)
- 1.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- A pinch of ginger powder
- 1 Tbsp salted fermented shrimp (saeu-jeot)
- 2 Tbsp fish sauce (anchovy or sand lance)
- 1/2 cup apple juice (from about 1/2 fresh apple, grated)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesil-cheong)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
For this Napa cabbage Geotjeori, young Napa cabbage with a crisp texture is ideal. Trim the outer leaves and wash them thoroughly.
Step 2
Cut off the base of the young Napa cabbage, then separate the leaves by hand. Cut the leaves in half lengthwise, and then slice them diagonally into bite-sized pieces. Avoid cutting them too small, as they might become mushy. Aim for a moderate size.
Step 3
Place the prepared cabbage in a colander to drain excess water briefly. Sprinkle the coarse sea salt evenly over the cabbage and mix. Let it salt for about 15-20 minutes until the cabbage wilts. Flip the cabbage halfway through to ensure even salting.
Step 4
Prepare the seasoning ingredients in a large bowl. Start with the red chili flakes, then finely mince the salted fermented shrimp and add it to the bowl – saeu-jeot is key to the flavor of Geotjeori!
Step 5
Grate half a fresh apple and squeeze out the juice. Add the apple juice to the seasoning. Apple juice adds a natural sweetness and tenderizes the cabbage.
Step 6
Add 2 tablespoons of fish sauce (either anchovy or sand lance type). Fish sauce adds a deep umami flavor to the Geotjeori.
Step 7
Add 1.5 tablespoons of minced garlic.
Step 8
Add a pinch of ginger powder for a subtle spicy aroma. Be careful not to add too much ginger, as it can overpower the flavor.
Step 9
Add 1 tablespoon of plum extract for a touch of natural sweetness.
Step 10
Stir all the prepared seasoning ingredients together thoroughly with a spoon. Let the seasoning mixture sit for a moment to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 11
Wash and finely chop the green onions. Add the chopped green onions to the seasoning and gently mix to complete the Geotjeori seasoning. The fresh scent of green onions enhances the taste of the kimchi.
Step 12
Rinse the salted Napa cabbage under cold running water to remove any excess saltiness. It’s crucial to drain the rinsed cabbage thoroughly in a colander. If there’s too much water, the Geotjeori can become bland.
Step 13
Add the drained Napa cabbage to the bowl with the seasoning. Gently toss to coat the cabbage evenly with the seasoning. Be careful not to mix too vigorously, as this can bruise the cabbage.
Step 14
Finally, sprinkle generously with sesame seeds to finish. Your crisp and delicious Napa cabbage Geotjeori is ready! It’s much simpler to make than you might think. Enjoy the fresh taste right away!
