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Hands holding a bowl of chopped cabbage and cucumber over a light surface.

Grandma's Mild Kimchi

developed & tested by:

Carissa Erzen
My Grandma's simple kimchi is mild yet flavorful, and easy to make with just cabbage, cucumbers and salt.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Korean
Servings 30 servings
Calories 10 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium head of cabbage (napa cabbage is traditional, but savoy or green cabbage work as well)
  • 4 cups cucumber, sliced in half lengthwise and sliced again into half-moon pieces (you can use any type of cucumber including Korean cucumbers, Persian cucumbers, Kirby cucumbers, or English cucumbers)
  • 2 Tablespoons fine sea salt (or non-iodized table salt)

Instructions
 

  • Chop the cabbage into large bite-sized pieces. Mix it with the sliced cucumber in a large bowl. Sprinkle the salt on top and stir so the salt evenly coats the vegetables. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
  • Stir the vegetables again, then cover and let it rest another 30 minutes.
    Continue stirring and resting at 30 minute intervals until a total of 3 to 4 hours have surpassed. Water will pool at the bottom of the bowl, having been drawn out of the vegetables by the salt.
  • Thoroughly rinse the cabbage and cucumber in a large colander or strainer with water, until the vegetables taste slightly salty, but not overly salted. Rinsing with water is just to remove the excess salt, since a lot of the salt will have diffused into the vegetables.
  • Pack the vegetables into clean glass jars and secure the lids on the jars. Enjoy right away, or transfer to the fridge for up to a few weeks.

Notes

  • Spice Level: This kimchi is not spicy, and can be enjoyed with everything from rice and pasta to eggs and salad.
  • Storing: Since this kimchi is quick-pickled, you can store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a few weeks. Traditional kimchi is often fermented for days or even weeks. But I like this quick version when I want a mild green side dish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 servingCalories: 10kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 0.5gFat: 0.1gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.01gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 471mgPotassium: 76mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 42IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 0.2mg
Keyword homemade kimchi, Korean kimchi
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