Tasty Fermented Foods: The Best Cucumber Kimchi Recipe
If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious way to add vibrant color and flavor to your diet, look no further than fermented foods. Fermented foods have become all the rage lately and for a good reason. They’re full of probiotic goodness and beneficial bacteria that help keep your gut healthy and your digestion running smoothly.
This post will share our favorite cucumber kimchi recipe, a spicy and flavorful Korean side dish. This simple recipe is easy to make and stores well in the fridge for up to a month. You can customize it to your tastes and preferences. Learn how to make this tasty and healthy fermented food dish.
What Is Kimchi?
Kimchi is an essential part of the traditional Korean diet. You can make this dish by salting and fermenting vegetables, usually cabbage and other root vegetables such as radishes. The fermentation process produces lactic acid, which gives kimchi its unique sour flavor. In addition to being a delicious side dish, kimchi has many vitamins and minerals and may have many health benefits.
Origins of Kimchi
Kimchi has been eaten in Korea for centuries as a side dish or banchan. Its origins may have come from China during the Tang dynasty. The recipe for kimchi evolved to include the unique blend of flavors and spices that we know today.
Types of Kimchi
There are hundreds of variations of kimchi worldwide, but the most popular type in Korea utilizes napa cabbage. Other common types include cucumber kimchi, radish kimchi, and water kimchi. In the United States, it’s becoming more popular for people to experiment with different varieties of vegetables to make unique kimchi at home using a fermentation kit.
Benefits of Eating Fermented Foods
Fermented foods are full of beneficial probiotics that can help boost your immune system, aid digestion, and improve your overall health. Probiotic foods are also rich in vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, and phosphorus. Fermented foods like kimchi are low in calories but high in flavor, making them a great option for those looking to lose weight while still getting all the nutrition they need.
Cucumber Kimchi Recipe
You will need cucumbers, sea salt, gochugaru, minced ginger, fish cause, coconut sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and diakon radish.
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers into thin spears or half moons. Place them in a large bowl and sprinkle them evenly with salt. Gently stir to combine, then let it sit for 20 minutes. Rinse the cucumbers under cold water until most of the salt has been rinsed away, then set aside to drain.
- Mix gochugaru flakes, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, sugar, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and daikon radish. Stir until all ingredients form a paste, then set aside.
- In a large bowl, toss the cucumbers with the prepared paste until everything mixes in with the spices, then transfer the mixture to an airtight container or jar. Place a lid on top, then let sit at room temperature for 1-2 days before moving the dish to the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
Tips on Making Cucumber Kimchi
When choosing cucumbers for kimchi, select firm ones without bruises or discoloration. Avoid soft or overripe cucumbers, as they may become mushy when fermented. Cut the cucumbers into thin spears or half moons for easier eating and better absorption of the seasoning paste.
Store the finished kimchi in an airtight container or jar to prolong its shelf life in the fridge. The residual sugars from the fermentation process can continue to ferment even at lower temperatures, so proper storage is crucial.
Serving Suggestions
Kimchi goes well with almost any meal, but you can add it to dishes like noodle soup or fried rice for a quick way to add flavor. You can also serve it as a side dish alongside grilled meats or steamed vegetables for an easy dinner party meal that’s sure to impress your guests. Try using it as an ingredient in marinades or sauces for an extra kick of flavor you won’t find anywhere else.
Conclusion
Fermented foods are a great way to boost your health and add some flavor to your meals. Cucumber kimchi is a delicious and versatile side dish that’s sure to please. With its unique blend of spicy, sour, and savory flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. With our easy and customizable cucumber kimchi recipe, you can create your unique dish quickly. So why wait? Try cucumber kimchi today, and let your taste buds be the judge.