Easy Vegan Kimchi Paste (100g Powder)
This recipe uses your 100g of kimchi paste powder to season 5 pounds (about 2.3 kg) of vegetables.
Ingredients (for 5 lbs kimchi)
- 5 lbs napa cabbage (or mix of cabbage + radish)
- 1/2 cup salt (for brining)
- 100g vegan kimchi paste powder
- 1 cup warm water (to hydrate paste)
- optional green onions
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prep and Salt the Vegetables
- Cut napa cabbage into quarters lengthwise, then into bite-sized pieces.
- Rinse lightly, then toss with salt, making sure all leaves are coated.
- Let sit for 1.5 to 2 hours, tossing every 30 minutes.
- The cabbage should soften and release water.
2. Rinse and Drain
- Rinse the salted cabbage thoroughly 2–3 times to remove excess salt.
- Drain well (let sit in a colander for 20–30 minutes).
3. Make the Paste
- In a bowl, mix 100g kimchi powder with 1 cup warm water.
- Stir until it forms a thick, spreadable paste.
4. Combine
- In a large bowl, mix cabbage with green onions.
- Add the paste and massage thoroughly (use gloves if you like).
- Make sure every piece is well coated.
5. Pack and Ferment
- Pack tightly into a clean jar or container, pressing down to remove air pockets.
- Leave about 1–2 inches of space at the top.
- Seal loosely or use a fermentation lid.
6. Fermentation
- Leave at room temperature for 1–3 days, depending on how tangy you like it.
- You may see bubbles—this is normal.
- Once it reaches your desired flavor, transfer to the refrigerator.
Final Notes
- Flavor deepens over time—kimchi is often best after a week or more in the fridge.
- If it gets too sour, use it in cooking: fried rice, stews, or pancakes.
- Clean utensils are key—avoid introducing contaminants during fermentation.
- You can always add fish sauce if you want a nonvegan version