Mul Kimchi, also known as water kimchi, is a traditional Korean side dish that is light, refreshing, and slightly tangy. Unlike the spicy and robust flavors of regular kimchi, Mul Kimchi is milder and often enjoyed for its crisp texture and cooling effect. It's a perfect accompaniment to many Korean meals, especially during hot summer months. This article will guide you through the process of making Mul Kimchi at home, including the necessary ingredients, step-by-step preparation instructions, tips, variations, calorie information, and a concluding summary.
Ingredients
To make Mul Kimchi, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 medium Napa cabbage (about 2 pounds)
- 1 large Korean radish (mu) or daikon radish
- 2 carrots
- 1 bunch of green onions
- 1 Asian pear (optional)
- 1 small apple (optional)
- 1/4 cup coarse sea salt
- 8 cups water
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2-3 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce for a vegetarian option)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru), optional for a mild spice
Preparation Instructions
Preparing the Vegetables
- Cabbage: Cut the Napa cabbage into quarters lengthwise, and then cut each quarter into bite-sized pieces. Place the cabbage in a large bowl and sprinkle with the coarse sea salt. Toss to coat evenly and let it sit for about 1-2 hours, turning occasionally to ensure even salting.
- Radish and Carrots: Peel the radish and carrots, then cut them into thin matchstick-sized pieces. You can use a mandoline slicer for uniform thickness.
- Green Onions: Trim the green onions and cut them into 2-inch long pieces.
- Asian Pear and Apple (if using): Core and slice the pear and apple into thin slices. These add a natural sweetness to the kimchi.
Preparing the Brine
- Mix the Brine: In a large bowl, combine 8 cups of water with the minced garlic, ginger, fish sauce (or soy sauce), and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- Rinse the Cabbage: After the cabbage has soaked, rinse it thoroughly under cold water to remove the excess salt. Drain well.
Assembling the Kimchi
- In a large container or a jar, start layering the cabbage, radish, carrots, green onions, pear, and apple slices.
- Pour the prepared brine over the vegetables, ensuring everything is submerged. If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle in the Korean red pepper flakes.
- Cover the container loosely and let it sit at room temperature for 1-2 days to ferment. After that, transfer the container to the refrigerator. Mul Kimchi is best consumed within 1-2 weeks for optimal freshness and flavor.
Tips
- Salting the Cabbage: Be sure to rinse the cabbage thoroughly after salting to avoid overly salty kimchi.
- Submersion: Use a clean, heavy object to keep the vegetables submerged in the brine during fermentation. This helps prevent mold and ensures even fermentation.
- Temperature: Fermentation time can vary based on the room temperature. Warmer temperatures will speed up fermentation, while cooler temperatures will slow it down.
- Serving: Mul Kimchi is typically served chilled. It's a great side dish for spicy Korean dishes or grilled meats.
Variations
- Vegetarian/Vegan Mul Kimchi: Substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or a vegan fish sauce alternative.
- Fruit Variations: Try adding different fruits like pineapple or grapes for a unique twist.
- Spicy Mul Kimchi: Increase the amount of Korean red pepper flakes to add more heat to your Mul Kimchi.
Calorie Information
Mul Kimchi is a low-calorie side dish. On average, a serving (about 100 grams) of Mul Kimchi contains approximately:
- Calories: 30-40
- Carbohydrates: 7-9 grams
- Protein: 1-2 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Fiber: 2-3 grams
These values can vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients and their quantities used in the recipe.
Conclusion
Mul Kimchi is a delightful and refreshing variation of traditional kimchi, offering a lighter, crispier texture with a subtle tangy flavor. It's simple to prepare at home and can be customized with various fruits and vegetables to suit your taste. Whether you're a seasoned kimchi enthusiast or a newcomer to Korean cuisine, Mul Kimchi is a versatile and healthy addition to any meal. Enjoy making and savoring this delicious Korean side dish!
