Crispy and Sweet Kohlrabi Kimchi (Kkakdugi)
How to Make Delicious Kohlrabi Kkakdugi Easily
Experience a delightful twist on traditional kkakdugi! This kohlrabi version offers a wonderfully crisp texture and a pleasant natural sweetness that’s different from radish kkakdugi. It’s simple to make with common ingredients and will quickly become a favorite in your kimchi refrigerator. Perfect as a side dish with rice, or a refreshing accompaniment to noodles and tteokbokki!
Main Ingredients- 1 kohlrabi
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 Tbsp salt (for salting kohlrabi)
- 3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (anchovy or similar)
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (or syrup)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 Tbsp salt (for salting kohlrabi)
- 3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (anchovy or similar)
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (or syrup)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, peel the tough outer skin of the kohlrabi. Then, cut it into bite-sized cubes, about 1.5 to 2 cm in size, similar to how you’d cut radish for kkakdugi. Cutting them too small might reduce the crispness, so aim for a consistent, medium size.
Step 2
Place the cubed kohlrabi in a bowl and sprinkle with 1 Tbsp of salt. Mix well and let it sit for 30 minutes to salt. This process draws out moisture. After 30 minutes, drain the salted kohlrabi, discarding the liquid. You can lightly rinse it under cold running water to remove excess saltiness, but make sure to squeeze out all the water thoroughly afterward to prevent sogginess and ensure the seasoning adheres well.
Step 3
Return the well-drained kohlrabi to a clean bowl. Add the seasoning ingredients: 3 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 Tbsp fish sauce, 2 Tbsp plum extract for a touch of sweetness, and 1/2 Tbsp sugar. Gently mix everything together, ensuring the kohlrabi is evenly coated with the seasoning. Be careful not to mash the kohlrabi while mixing; a gentle toss is best.
Step 4
Finally, add 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds for nutty flavor and mix once more. Your delicious kohlrabi kkakdugi is ready! While it’s tasty right away, letting it rest in the refrigerator for about a day will allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Store in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy!
