Kimchi Kickstart Ridiculously Easy Fresh Kimchi

Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a bit of zing in your life? This Easy Homemade Fresh Kimchi Recipe is your answer. Forget complicated recipes and endless fermentation.
This kimchi is bursting with flavor, ready in under an hour.
Brief Overview
Kimchi is a Korean staple, traditionally fermented. But, honestly , who has time for that these days? This is Napa Cabbage Kimchi Recipe simplified.
It's a super easy recipe, ready in 40 minutes and yields about 4 cups.
Main Benefits
Kimchi is packed with probiotics, great for your gut. This Fresh Kimchi recipe is perfect for quick weeknight meals. What makes it special? It’s the ridiculously easy prep! No fermentation needed.
Why You'll Love This Fresh Kimchi Recipe
Ever stared blankly at a kimchi recipe feeling overwhelmed? I get it! Traditional kimchi can be a faff. That's why I wanted to create this Easy Kimchi Recipe for Beginners .
This is all about speed and flavor.
Kimchi Kickstart : Ridiculously Easy Fresh Kimchi
This is a super simple kimchi recipe that delivers big flavor. No fermentation is needed and can be achieved in under an hour! Inspired by traditional Korean kimchi making, this recipe is adapted for the busy home cook.
This Spicy Korean dish is packed with fresh, vibrant flavors, spicy, tangy, and a touch sweet.
look into into Deliciousness : A Flavor Explosion
This Fresh Kimchi Recipe is all about freshness and speed. No long waits here! With our No Ferment Kimchi Recipe you get that amazing spicy, tangy taste in no time.
It’s a flavour bomb.
Making Kimchi Easy : step-by-step Simplicity
Worried about difficulty? Don't be! Our Easy Kimchi Recipe is designed for everyone. From the spice lover to the first time kimchi maker, this Homemade Kimchi without Fermentation recipe is a breeze.
It is perfect for quick weeknight meals.
The Magic Behind the Kimchi Paste Recipe
The secret's in the paste! The blend of gochugaru, fish sauce, and ginger gives this kimchi its signature kick. It's not just about the heat, it is about that complex umami flavor.
You know? It's what makes you go back for more. I like to keep the ingredients fresh, for an authentic experience.
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Kimchi Kickstart
Alright, ready to dive into the Easy Homemade Fresh Kimchi Recipe ? Before we get our hands dirty, let’s gather everything we need.
Don't worry; you probably have most of this already! I promise this Fresh Kimchi Recipe is straightforward.
Main Ingredients for Our Napa Cabbage Kimchi Recipe
Here's what you'll need for about 4 cups of kimchi, perfect as a condiment.
- Napa Cabbage : 1 medium (about 2 lbs / 900g ), cored and chopped. Choose a firm cabbage with tightly packed leaves. That's key for good texture!
- Kosher or Sea Salt : 2 tablespoons . This helps soften the cabbage.
- Water : 1 cup (240 ml) .
- Korean Gochugaru : 4 tablespoons (60ml) . Honestly , don't skip this! It's essential for the color and the Spicy Korean flavor we're after.
- Fish Sauce : 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Don't be scared, it adds serious umami.
- Rice Vinegar : 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
- Fresh Ginger : 1 tablespoon grated (15ml) and 1/4 cup grated (60ml) . That's quite a lot of ginger, so be sure to buy fresh!
- Garlic : 2 cloves, minced.
- Granulated Sugar : 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
- Soy Sauce : 2 tablespoons (30ml) .
- Carrot : 1 medium, peeled and julienned.
- Scallions : 4 , thinly sliced.
Seasoning Notes
Okay, let’s talk flavor. Gochugaru, fish sauce, and ginger are your power trio. They make THE Kimchi Paste Recipe . Don't sub regular chilli powder for the gochugaru.
For a vegan option, skip the fish sauce and add extra soy sauce plus a pinch of seaweed flakes. It works a treat! Want it spicier? Add more gochugaru.
Easy peasy!
Equipment Needed
No fancy gadgets here. Just the basics for our Easy Kimchi Recipe for Beginners .
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Colander
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Airtight Container for Storage. You don't want the whole fridge smelling of Kimchi.
That’s it! Ready to make some seriously delicious, Homemade Kimchi without Fermentation ? Grab those ingredients and let’s get cooking! This Quick Weeknight Meals side will be ready in no time!
Kimchi Kickstart: Ridiculously Easy Homemade Fresh Kimchi Recipe
Oh my gosh, are you ready for this? This is not your average kimchi. This Easy Homemade Fresh Kimchi Recipe is so simple, it's almost criminal.
We're skipping the fermentation. That's right, no waiting weeks for that kimchi tang! I know! Some traditionalists might raise an eyebrow, but honestly? It tastes amazing, and that's all that matters, innit?
Prep Steps: The Essential Mise en Place
Right, before we dive in, let’s get our ducks in a row. Or our cabbages in a row, should I say.
Get your ingredients prepped and ready to go. It is the key to stress free cooking.
- Chop your Napa Cabbage Kimchi Recipe (about 2 lbs worth) into rough chunks.
- Julienne one medium carrot. Finely slice four scallions.
- Mince two cloves of garlic and grate a tablespoon of fresh ginger.
Seriously, having everything prepped saves you a ton of time. Also, a quick safety reminder: watch your fingers when chopping! We don't want any kitchen mishaps.
No Ferment Kimchi Recipe step-by-step Process
Alright, let's get this show on the road.
- Salt the Cabbage: Toss the chopped cabbage with 2 tablespoons of salt and 1 cup of water . Massage the salt into the leaves.
- Let it sit for 20 minutes to wilt.
- Make the Paste: Whisk together 4 tablespoons of gochugaru , 2 tablespoons of fish sauce , 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar , 1 tablespoon of ginger , 2 minced garlic cloves , 1 tablespoon of sugar , and 2 tablespoons of soy sauce .
- Rinse and Drain: Rinse the salted cabbage under cold water. Drain it well, pressing out excess water.
- Combine Everything: Transfer the cabbage to a bowl and add the paste, carrot, and scallions. Mix well!
- Let it Rest: Transfer the kimchi to an airtight container and let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes .
Pro Tips for Spicy Korean Flavors
Honestly, the key to this Fresh Kimchi Recipe is the gochugaru. Don't skimp on it! It gives the kimchi that authentic Spicy Korean flavor.
If you can't find gochugaru, then you cant make this! End of. Also, don't be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning.
Add more gochugaru for spice or a touch of sugar for sweetness.
Common mistake? Over salting the cabbage! Make sure you rinse it thoroughly. Finally, this Homemade Kimchi without Fermentation keeps in the fridge for up to a week.
The flavor actually improves over time! I even added some to my cheese toastie as a test, and my lord was that good!
Now go get cooking! And don't forget to tag me in your kimchi creations!
Recipe Notes
Alright, so you've got the gist of the Easy Homemade Fresh Kimchi Recipe down. But before you dive headfirst into a kimchi making frenzy, let's chew the fat about a few crucial things.
It's like, the little secrets that take your kimchi from "meh" to "OMG, this is amazing!"
Ace Serving Suggestions
Okay, so plating and presentation? Honestly, it's all about making your grub look good . Think vibrant colours! A spoonful of this Fresh Kimchi on top of a steaming bowl of rice? Gorgeous.
For complementary sides, keep it simple. I reckon some steamed rice and maybe a bit of grilled chicken or tofu would be banging.
And to drink? A crisp lager or even some sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon. Sorted!
Ace Storage Tips
So, refrigeration guidelines, yeah? Once your Fresh Kimchi Recipe is made, whack it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to a week.
The flavour actually develops more over time. Bonus.
Freezing? Nah, wouldn’t recommend it. It’ll lose its texture. Reheating? Don’t bother. Kimchi is best served cold, straight from the fridge.
Ace Variations
Got dietary needs? No worries!
Want a vegan Kimchi Recipe ? Swap the fish sauce for soy sauce and a pinch of seaweed flakes. Sorted.
Feeling adventurous? Chuck in some daikon radish for a bit of a twist on this Napa Cabbage Kimchi Recipe .
Ace Nutrition Basics
Right, simplified nutrition info. Each serving of this Easy Homemade Fresh Kimchi Recipe is roughly 45 calories.
It’s got about 2 grams of protein, 1 gram of fat, and 7 grams of carbs. It's also a great source of fiber and probiotics! All those lovely spices are great for you.
It may be considered as one of your Quick Weeknight Meals . And for all those beginners, consider this to be a great Easy Kimchi Recipe for Beginners .
Right, so there you have it. My thoughts on serving, storing, varying, and understanding the nutrition of your Easy Homemade Fresh Kimchi Recipe .
Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! Go on, get kimchi fying!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this Easy Homemade Fresh Kimchi Recipe actually spicy? I'm a bit of a wimp!
The spice level depends on the gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) you use. Some brands are hotter than others, so start with less and taste as you go. You can always add more if you're feeling brave like Bear Grylls tackling a jungle!
Can I make this Easy Homemade Fresh Kimchi Recipe vegan? I'm not really into fish sauce.
Absolutely! Simply substitute the fish sauce with an equal amount of soy sauce or tamari and a pinch of dried seaweed flakes to give it that umami flavour. A lot of people use Miso Paste as well. Nobody will know the difference, promise! It's like a secret recipe hack.
How long does this "fresh" kimchi last, and how should I store it? I don't want to end up like that cheese I left in the fridge for 6 months
This kimchi is best enjoyed within a week, stored in an airtight container in the fridge. While it won’t have the super sour tang of fermented kimchi, the flavour will continue to develop over a few days.
Just make sure your container is airtight you don’t want your fridge smelling like kimchi for weeks!
I can't find gochugaru. What's a good substitute? I only have regular chilli powder in my cupboard.
Gochugaru is really key to the authentic kimchi flavour, and has become so popular over the past years! It brings a unique smokiness and vibrant red colour. While you can use regular chili powder in a pinch, the flavour will be quite different and may be very spicy.
Try to find gochugaru online or in an Asian supermarket for the best results, it really is worth it!
Can I use different vegetables in this Easy Homemade Fresh Kimchi Recipe? I'm not a massive cabbage fan.
Definitely! You can get creative. Daikon radish, cucumbers, or even green beans work well. Just remember to adjust the salting time accordingly, as some vegetables release more water than others. It's your kimchi, make it your own think of it as your culinary 'signature dish'!
Is there any nutritional value in this kimchi? Besides making my tastebuds sing?
Absolutely! Kimchi is a nutritional powerhouse. It's low in calories and packed with vitamins, minerals, and probiotics. The fermentation process (even the short resting period in this recipe) can promote gut health. It's a win-win: delicious and good for you much better than that dodgy kebab after a night out!
Kimchi Kickstart Ridiculously Easy Fresh Kimchi

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 45 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 1g |
| Fiber | 2g |