This recipe makes about 1 quart of kimchi.

Dissolve salt in a large bowl. Add cabbage pieces and weigh them down with a plate. Let the cabbage soak in the water for at least 12 hours.

After the 12 hours, drain the cabbage (saving the salty water aka brine) and rinse with cold water. Return cabbage to the large bowl and add all remaining ingredients. Mix well. Transfer mixture into a quart jar.

Note: If there's excess space at the top of the jar, push the bag portion of a freezer baggie into the mouth of the jar draping the edge around the outside of the mouth. Fill the bag with leftover brine until the jar is completely filled. Seal the jar.

Let the kimchi ferment in a cool dark place for 4 to 6 days (the longer you store it, the more sour it will become). My Uncle Jin used to bury it in his backyard.

That's actually a common practice in Korea. Just make sure the temperature doesn't exceed 68 degrees wherever you decide to store it.

Once the kimchi is fermented, remove the freezer bag if used.

Kimchi will keep in the refrigerator for up to a month.


Kimchi is spicy, pickled, fermented cabbage (other vegetables can be used). It's an important part of a traditional Korean breakfast. It's served as a condiment during other meals.

Mr Breakfast would like to thank Mr Breakfast for this recipe.

Overall Average Rating = 5 (out of 5)

Based on 3 votes.

From sansan

Rating (out of 5):

Kimchi is my favorite food!

Comment submitted: 7/17/2013 (#16169)



From Swanee

What?! No mu?!
We had a Korean exchange student live with us a couple of years ago. He and I made kimchi, with the help of numerous phone calls with his grandma. We settled on using Daikon radishes instead of the unobtainable mu. It was great stuff! I think it one of the best breakfasts in the world.

Comment submitted: 3/22/2009 (#7820)



From eleanor

Your method is very good and neat. I learnt a different method while touring in Korea. I still remember the steps but unfortunately , have forgotten the ingredients. Recently , I hear someone say must add fish sauce. Another friend taught me to keep it in Tupperware. So, I would like to learn it the original perfect Korean style , like the one I ate in Korea. Thank you.

Comment submitted: 1/23/2008 (#4464)



From Nice & Spicy

Rating (out of 5):

It's the best... Spicy, nice, and just great!! I love it...

Comment submitted: 7/17/2007 (#3224)



From New Fave

Rating (out of 5):

Great!!!! I found my new fave food! =)

Comment submitted: 12/10/2006 (#923)



From spuddude

For an extra texture use 1/2 to 1 cup shredded chinese turnip.

Comment submitted: 11/7/2006 (#663)

---