Kim Chee(Korean Pickles)
Kim Chee is a flavorful Korean-style pickle featuring crisp cucumbers infused with spicy, tangy, and savory flavors, perfect for those who enjoy bold, fermented vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring 2 cups water and 4 tablespoons salt to a boil; pour over peeled and sliced cucumbers. Let stand for 1 1/2 hours.
- Drain the water from the cucumbers and pour a mixture of 1 1/2 cups water, 1/4 cup white vinegar, 2 teaspoons Accent, chopped red chili peppers, and 2 teaspoons sugar over the cucumbers. Let stand for 1/2 hour.
- Refrigerate the cucumbers for 24 hours before eating.
- Can be stored in canning jars if desired.
- Will keep about 6 to 8 weeks. Delicious with sandwiches.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, use Kirby cucumbers instead of regular ones. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the number of chili peppers or omit them altogether. You can replace white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a slightly different taste. Make sure to slice the cucumbers evenly for uniform pickling. This recipe can also be adapted for other vegetables, like radishes or carrots, similar to Pickled Zucchini (Squash).
Serving Suggestions
Kim chee makes a delightful side dish for grilled meats or sandwiches, adding a spicy, tangy kick to your meal. It pairs beautifully with Bulgoki(Korean) or can be enjoyed on its own as a refreshing snack. Consider serving it alongside rice or in a wrap for a quick lunch. This dish also complements Asian-inspired salads and rice bowls perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store the kim chee in airtight canning jars in the refrigerator. It will maintain its flavor and crispness for about 6 to 8 weeks. To enjoy leftovers, simply serve them cold straight from the fridge or allow them to come to room temperature. Avoid reheating, as this can make the cucumbers soggy and diminish their crunchy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kim Chee(Korean Pickles) contains roughly 421 calories, with 9g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (62% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1393mg per serving (61% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does kim chee need to marinate before eating?
For the best flavor, allow the cucumbers to marinate for at least 24 hours in the refrigerator. This will give the flavors time to meld and enhance the overall taste. If you're short on time, a minimum of 30 minutes can provide a decent flavor, but the longer marination will yield the best results.
Can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can easily adjust the spice level by varying the number of chili peppers used. For a milder version, reduce the amount or use milder peppers. Alternatively, if you prefer more heat, add additional peppers or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the mixture before marinating.
What can I do if the kim chee is too salty?
If you find the kim chee too salty, you can dilute it by adding a bit more water and vinegar mixture to the jar. Alternatively, you can rinse the cucumbers briefly before serving to remove excess salt. Balancing flavors can also help; consider adding a touch more sugar to counteract the saltiness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).