Crispy and Sweet Pear Kimchi (Baekgimchi) – A Delightful Fall Harvest Dish!
Creative Use of Holiday Fruits: Easy & Delicious Baekgimchi (Pear Kimchi)
This recipe introduces an incredibly simple and quick ‘instant’ pear kimchi (Baekgimchi) made with minimal seasoning. Even if you use pears that aren’t very sweet or flavorful, the resulting kimchi is wonderfully crisp and naturally sweet, making it a perfect side dish that will have you reaching for more rice! It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover holiday fruits.
Main Ingredients- 1 pear (medium-sized)
Seasoning Ingredients- 3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (anchovy or tuna sauce can be used)
- 0.5 Tbsp shrimp paste brine (or finely minced shrimp paste)
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (adds sweetness and depth)
- 0.5 Tbsp brown sugar (balances acidity and enhances umami)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for nutty aroma)
- 3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp fish sauce (anchovy or tuna sauce can be used)
- 0.5 Tbsp shrimp paste brine (or finely minced shrimp paste)
- 2 Tbsp plum extract (adds sweetness and depth)
- 0.5 Tbsp brown sugar (balances acidity and enhances umami)
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for nutty aroma)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, peel the pear completely. Then, dice it into bite-sized cubes, about 1.5cm to 2cm in size. Aim for pieces that are easy to eat in one bite.
Step 2
Place the diced pear into a mixing bowl. Add all the seasoning ingredients: 3 Tbsp gochugaru, 1 Tbsp fish sauce, 0.5 Tbsp shrimp paste brine, 2 Tbsp plum extract, 0.5 Tbsp brown sugar, and 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds.
Step 3
Using a spoon or your hands, gently mix the seasoning ingredients with the pear until evenly coated. Mixing quickly before the pear releases too much moisture is key to maintaining its crispness.
Step 4
Add the diced pear to the bowl with the prepared seasoning. Carefully toss everything together to ensure the pear pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning. Be gentle to avoid mashing the pear.
Step 5
Once the pear and seasoning are well combined, your delicious pear kimchi is ready! You can enjoy it immediately, or let it chill in the refrigerator for a short while to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. Serve it alongside your holiday meals for a wonderful culinary experience.
