Vegan Kimchi

Ingredients:

• 1 medium Napa cabbage
• 1/4 cup sea salt
• 2 cups daikon radish, julienned
• 1 cup carrots, julienned
• 4 green onions, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free option)
• 1 tablespoon sugar or alternative sweetener
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon salted fermented shrimp paste (optional for traditional flavor, omit for vegan version)
• 1 cup water (for soaking cabbage)

Cooking Steps:

Step 1: Cut the Napa cabbage in half lengthwise, and then into quarters. Remove the core and cut the cabbage into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Dissolve 1/4 cup of sea salt in 1 cup of water. Soak the cabbage pieces in the saltwater, making sure to separate the leaves. Let it soak for 2-3 hours, turning occasionally.

Step 3: While the cabbage is soaking, prepare the julienned daikon radish, carrots, green onions, minced garlic, and minced ginger.

Step 4: Drain the soaked cabbage and rinse it thoroughly to remove excess salt. Squeeze out any remaining water.

Step 5: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained cabbage, julienned daikon radish, julienned carrots, chopped green onions, minced garlic, and minced ginger.

Step 6: In a separate bowl, mix gochugaru, soy sauce or tamari, sugar, sesame oil, and optional salted fermented shrimp paste. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Step 7: Add the seasoning mixture to the vegetables and mix thoroughly, ensuring even coating.

Step 8: Pack the Vegan Kimchi tightly into clean, sterilized jars, leaving some space at the top for expansion during fermentation.

Step 9: Seal the jars and let them sit at room temperature for 1-2 days to ferment. After the initial fermentation, store the jars in the refrigerator.

Step 10: Once fermented to your liking, enjoy the Vegan Kimchi as a flavorful side dish or condiment!

Experiment with the fermentation time to achieve your preferred level of tanginess, and savor the unique and vibrant flavors of homemade Vegan Kimchi.