Kimchi

Ingredients:

• 1 head napa cabbage (about 2 pounds)
• 1/4 cup iodine-free sea salt or kosher salt
• Water, preferably distilled or filtered
• 1 tbsp grated garlic
• 1 tsp grated peeled fresh ginger
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp fish sauce or salted shrimp paste, or 3 tablespoons water
• 1 to 5 tbsp Korean red pepper flakes (gochutgaru)
• 8 oz Korean radish or daikon radish, peeled and cut into matchsticks
• 4 medium scallions, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

Directions:

1. Cut cabbage lengthwise through the stem into quarters. Cut the cores from each piece. Cut each quarter into 2-inch strips.
2. Place cabbage in large bowl and sprinkle with salt. Massage the salt into the cabbage until it softens. Cover cabbage with water. Put a plate on top and weigh it down with something heavy, like a jar or can. Let stand for 1 to 2 hours.
3. Rinse the cabbage under cold water 3 times. Set aside to drain in a colander for 20 minutes.
4. Rinse and dry the bowl you used for salting. Add the garlic, ginger, sugar, and fish sauce, shrimp paste, or water and stir into a smooth paste. Stir in the gochutgaru, using 1 tablespoon for mild and up to 5 tablespoons for spicy. Set aside until the cabbage is ready.
5. Combine the vegetables and spice paste. Gently squeeze any remaining water from the cabbage and add it to the spice paste. Add the radish and scallions.
6. Using your hands, gently work the paste into the vegetables until they are thoroughly coated. Gloves are recommended to protect your hands.
7. Pack the kimchi into a 1-quart jar. Press down on the kimchi until the brine rises to cover the vegetables, leaving at least 1 inch of space at the top. Seal the jar.
8. Let it ferment for 1 to 5 days. Place a bowl or plate under the jar to help catch any overflow. Let the jar stand at cool room temperature, out of direct sunlight. You may see bubbles inside the jar and brine may seep out of the lid.
9. Check the kimchi once a day, opening the jar and pressing down on the vegetables with a clean finger or spoon to keep them submerged under the brine. Taste a little at this point! When the kimchi tastes ripe enough for your liking, transfer the jar to the refrigerator. You may eat it right away, but it's best after another week or two.