Kimchee

Ingredients

  • 1 large head Chinese cabbage (Napa), 2 to 21/2 pounds
  • 1/3 cup coarse sea salt or kosher salt
  • 4 green onions, sliced
  • 1 cup slivered daikon
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons each: crushed red chili pepper flakes, ground ginger and sugar
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Preparation

Step 1

Cut cabbage crosswise into 1½-inch thick slices. Lay slices down; cut crosswise into 1frac12;-inch slices (creating 1frac12;-inch squares of cabbage). Combine cabbage and salt in a large bowl, tossing well. Cover; let stand 3 to 4 hours or until cabbage wilts. Transfer to a colander; rinse well with cold water. Drain and repeat rinsing once to remove all excess salt. Transfer cabbage to a clean dish towel; roll up and press to absorb excess moisture. Transfer cabbage to a large bowl; add remaining ingredients and toss well.* Pack mixture into a clean glass jars with tight fitting lids (washed spaghetti sauce jars work well). Store in cool dark place for two to three days. Refrigerate up to two weeks.

*At this point, some of the kimchee may be used as a fresh condiment to serve right away before fermenting the rest.

Standing time: 3 to 4 hours
Fermenting time: 2 to 3 days