Sweet Pear Kimchi (Bae-Kkakdugi) Made with Fresh Pears
Super Simple Pear Kimchi Recipe Using Fresh, Aromatic Pears
A simple recipe for pear kimchi that highlights the sweetness and crispness of seasonal fresh pears. This recipe minimizes seasoning to let the natural flavor of the pear shine, making it an excellent side dish.
Ingredients- ½ Pear (recommend a fresh, firm Wonhwang pear)
- 1 Tbsp Fish Sauce (Kkanari Aekjeot)
- 1 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, adjustable for spice)
- A little Ginger Juice (½ tsp) (balances the cooling nature of the pear)
- 1 tsp Plum Extract (optional sweetener)
- ½ tsp Minced Garlic
- A few Scallions (2-3 stalks, for garnish, optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash half of a fresh pear thoroughly and prepare it. You can peel the skin according to your preference, or leave it on. Cut the pear into approximately 1.5cm cubes. Cutting them larger enhances the satisfying bite.
Step 2
Add the seasoning ingredients to the cubed pear. Include 1 Tbsp of gochugaru, ½ Tbsp of fish sauce, ½ tsp of minced garlic, and ½ tsp of ginger juice. Ginger juice helps to moderate the naturally cooling properties of the pear, aiding digestion and removing any subtle gaminess. If you prefer a sweeter taste, add 1 tsp of plum extract. It’s best to start with less seasoning and adjust to your taste after mixing, rather than adding too much initially.
Step 3
Gently toss the pear with the seasoning. Since the amount of pear is small, using a spoon makes mixing easy. The pear will release moisture, allowing the seasoning to coat it quickly. Be careful not to toss too vigorously, as this can mash the pear. After a short while, the gochugaru will evenly coat the pear, giving it a beautiful color.
Step 4
Your super simple, instant pear kimchi is ready! Transfer it to a serving dish and garnish with finely chopped scallions, if desired. (The scallion garnish is optional.) Since pears release water, it’s recommended to make only small batches that you can consume soon after preparation. Enjoy your meal with this crisp and sweet pear kimchi, adding a delightful touch to your table!
