Sweet & Crunchy Pear Kimchi (Baekgakdugi)
A Delicious Way to Use Leftover Pears After Chuseok: Making Refreshing Pear Kimchi with a Sweet and Spicy Kick
Pears are in season and absolutely delicious right now. If you have any pears left over from Chuseok or received as gifts, try transforming them into a unique dish instead of just eating them plain. ‘Pear Kimchi’ (Baekgakdugi) is a delightful side dish that stimulates the appetite with its sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. The pear’s natural coolness and sweetness, combined with the slight heat from chili powder and garlic, and the deep umami from fish sauce, create an unexpectedly wonderful taste experience. It’s incredibly easy to make, so why not try making some delicious pear kimchi with your leftover pears this year for a special treat!
Main Ingredients- 1-2 Pears (medium size)
- A small bunch of scallions, chopped (approx. 1 Tbsp)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (approx. 1 Tbsp)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare 1 to 2 pears, depending on their size. If you plan to eat it soon, using chilled pears from the refrigerator will enhance the crunchy and refreshing texture.
Step 2
Just like you would cut radish for Kkakdugi (cubed kimchi), cut the prepared pears into uniform cubes, about 1.5 to 2 cm in size. Avoid cutting them too small, as they might become mushy. Aim for bite-sized pieces.
Step 3
Place all the cubed pears into a large mixing bowl. Depending on the size of the pears, even one pear can fill the bowl considerably.
Step 4
Finely chop the scallions into lengths of about 1 to 2 cm. If you don’t have scallions, it’s okay to omit them, but they add a nice color and fragrant aroma.
Step 5
Let’s take a look at the seasoning ingredients for our pear kimchi. We have the cubed pears, chopped scallions, minced garlic, gochugaru, fish sauce, and sesame seeds for garnish.
Step 6
Add 1 tablespoon of gochugaru to the pears in the bowl. If you prefer a spicier taste, feel free to add a little more. Gently mix to coat the pear pieces evenly with the chili flakes.
Step 7
Add the chopped scallions as well. As mentioned, omitting them is fine, but they really make the kimchi look more appetizing.
Step 8
Add about 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of minced garlic. If you enjoy a strong garlic flavor, use 1 teaspoon; if you prefer a milder hint, 1/2 teaspoon is recommended.
Step 9
Using a spatula or your hands, gently mix everything together, being careful not to mash the pear pieces. It’s important to maintain the pear’s crisp texture.
Step 10
Now, add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of anchovy sauce (or fish sauce) to enhance the umami flavor. Fish sauce adds depth to kimchi and helps create a taste profile similar to regular kimchi. It’s a good idea to start with a smaller amount and add more after tasting.
Step 11
Gently mix until all the seasoning ingredients are well combined with the pears. This brings us to about 80% completion of making pear kimchi! Isn’t it incredibly simple and quick?
Step 12
Finally, sprinkle some sesame seeds over the top for a visually appealing finish. Your delicious pear kimchi is ready! It’s a feast for the eyes, and on your palate, the cool sweetness of the pear harmonizes wonderfully with the spicy and savory notes of the seasoning. The delightful crunch is just the icing on the cake!
