Good kimchi starts with properly salting the napa cabbage so it wilts but stays crunchy, which is the step most people rush. The paste needs real gochugaru for color and a fermented note from fish sauce, and then you leave it at room temperature until it starts to bubble and sour on its own.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep1 hr
Cook0 min
Makes1 large jar
CuisineKorean
Cost$$
Gluten-freeDairy-free
Contains fish
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for1large jar
Gochugaru
Korean chili flakes give kimchi its red color and clean heat; the fresher the flakes, the brighter the batch.
A light hand — your arteries say thanks. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
No-cook
The Method
Salt the cabbageQuarter the cabbage, salt between every leaf, and rest 1-2 hours until the leaves bend without snapping. Rinse three times and drain well to control the final saltiness.
Make the pasteBlend garlic, ginger, fish sauce, sugar, and gochugaru into a loose paste; some cooks add a cooled rice-flour porridge to help it cling.
CoatWearing gloves, rub the paste into every leaf and fold in julienned daikon and scallion. Pack tight into a jar, pressing out air pockets.
FermentLeave at room temperature 1-3 days until it bubbles and tastes sour, then refrigerate. Taste daily; warmth speeds it up.
Can you make Homemade Kimchi in an air fryer? — Not needed
No cooking needed here — this one comes together without heat, so the air fryer sits it out.
Can you freeze Homemade Kimchi? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make Homemade Kimchi ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is Homemade Kimchi gluten-free? — Yes
Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.
Is Homemade Kimchi vegan? — No
No — it contains seafood, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.
Community Notes
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