Kimchi, a staple of Korean cuisine, is a side dish that contains fermented vegetables, ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, sugar, and fish flavors. It has several variations and tastes delicious alongside different foods, including noodles, soups, barbecue, and fried rice. If you’re thinking about trying it for the first time, take a few moments to learn more about it.

What Is Kimchi?

Kimchi’s robust flavor is one of the reasons why it’s so popular in Korean cuisine. It’s spicy from the pepper flakes and sour from the fermentation process. The dish is most frequently made with napa cabbage, but other varieties may feature radishes, cucumbers, green onions, watercress, and onions. 

Besides being tasty, kimchi is extremely healthy. It’s low in calories and packed with nutrients, including vitamins A and C, riboflavin, and iron. Since the dish is fermented, it contains helpful gut bacteria known as probiotics, which can reduce inflammation and improve digestive health. Having the right balance of healthy gut bacteria also helps the body absorb more nutrients from food.

What’s the Process for Making Kimchi?

Preparing this side takes several days. The cook first salts the vegetables and slices them up, then mixes them with a spicy paste made of red pepper flakes, ginger, garlic, fish sauce or salted shrimp paste, and sugar.

Once the cabbage is covered, it’s placed in a jar and allowed to sit at room temperature for up to five days, giving it ample time to ferment. The side tastes best after one or two weeks.

If you want to try kimchi or another Korean staple, stop by Han-Mi in Chattanooga, TN. This restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, serving traditional Korean cuisine with an American twist. Whether you order kimchi or Dak-Galbi stir-fry, rest assured that the dish is made with fresh ingredients. They also accommodate dietary restrictions and will gladly answer any questions you have about the menu. Call (423) 541-7273 to ask about their food, or visit their website to explore their menu.