Carole Pecks Fresh Cucumber Kimchi Recipes

CUCUMBER KIMCHI (OI KIMCHI)

Steps:

• Cut off both ends of the cucumber. Divide the cucumber into 3 pieces then cross cut each piece length ways. You should end up with 4 to 5 cm (1.5 inch) length cucumber pieces. Put the cucumber into a large bowl then scatter the coarse sea salt around on top. Gently mix them so that the cucumber gets pickled evenly. Set it aside for 20 minutes.
• Gently brush off the salt from the cucumber then transfer the cucumber into a clean bowl. Pour in the kimchi sauce then mix them gently. (If using) Add the carrots and garlic chives then mix with the rest again. Transfer into a glass container and cover.
• Keep it at room temperature for about 12 to 18 hours then move it to the fridge. Serve once chilled.

CUCUMBER KIMCHI

Steps:

• Mix 8 cups water with 3/4 cup salt, stirring until the salt dissolves to make a brine.
• Cut about 1/4 inch from each end of the cucumbers. Cut the cucumbers in half in the middle, not lengthwise. Hold the cucumber facing the circular middle. Cut them in half lengthwise, leaving about 1/2 inch at the end uncut. Cut them in half lengthwise again, perpendicular to your first cut, leaving the end uncut. You should have 4 semi-equal parts of cucumber, cut but still attached. Make two incisions, about 1/2 inch deep, on the top of the cucumber piece, then cut two more perpendicular to create a 3-by-3 grid. Repeat on all ends. This will help the cucumber catch and absorb the flavors. Repeat with the remaining cucumbers.
• Soak the cucumbers in the saltwater for 30 minutes, no longer. Remove the cucumbers from the brine. Combine the onion, green onions, garlic chives, garlic, ground chile, 1 tablespoon salt and 1 teaspoon optional sugar in a large bowl. I recommend wearing gloves for this.
• Set three 1-quart jars on your work surface. Using your fingers, separate the cucumber quarters and stuff the chile mix into the cucumbers. Divide them evenly among the jars, pressing the cucumbers down firmly into the jars, so that all of the cucumbers are standing up, filling towards towards the top.
• Stir 1 teaspoon of sugar into 1/3 cup water until the sugar is completely dissolved. Pour the sugar water over the cucumbers.
• Let it sit 1 day, at room temperature, before serving. Cucumber kimchi ferments very quickly. Refrigerate after opening and consume within 3 to 4 days.

CAROLE PECK'S FRESH CUCUMBER KIMCHI

Steps:

• Cut off ends of cucumbers, quarter and cut into 3-inch lengths. Mix in a bowl with half the salt, and set aside for 3 hours.
• Drain the cucumber, and gently squeeze out excess liquid. Toss together the remaining salt and the daikon, ground chilies, garlic, ginger and scallions, and mix with the cucumber. Avoid touching your eyes or sensitive parts of your skin during this process; the chilies are very hot. You may want to wear disposable rubber gloves.
• Just before serving, add the sesame oil and seeds, and toss. Serve immediately or refrigerate. Keeps well for a week, becoming spicier every day.

CUCUMBER KIMCHI

Steps:

• Put the cucumbers in a large heatproof bowl. In a saucepan, whisk together 1 tablespoon salt and 2 cups water; bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then pour over the cucumbers and let sit 5 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water, then return the cucumbers to the bowl. Toss with 1 teaspoon each salt and sugar; let sit 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, pulse the garlic, ginger and 2 tablespoons water in a mini food processor until finely chopped, scraping down the sides. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the gochugaru, fish sauce, vinegar and remaining 1/2 teaspoon sugar.
• Drain and rinse the cucumbers. Blot dry, then toss with the sauce. Transfer to a medium jar; let sit 4 to 6 hours at room temperature. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

KIMCHI

Steps:

• Cut the cabbages lengthwise into quarters, then across into thick ribbons. Put the cabbage in a big bowl and use your hands to toss it with the salt. Pour in cold water to cover the cabbage. It will float, so invert a plate on top, or a zipper-lock plastic bag of water, or whatever is handy, to keep it submerged. Cover the bowl with a towel and leave it out overnight.
• The next day, use your hands to lift the cabbage out of the brine and put it in a big bowl. (Keep the brine, too.) In a small bowl, make a chili paste of the soy sauce, fish sauce and Korean chili powder. (Check the ingredients list to make sure you get pure chili powder, not the kind that has salt mixed in.)
• Add the chili paste to the cabbage along with the scallions, garlic, ginger and, if you like, the carrot sticks. Mix the kimchi well and pack it into hard plastic or glass containers. Pour in enough of the brine to cover the vegetables.
• Cover the containers and leave out at room temperature (but not more than 75 degrees, or it ferments too fast). Taste it after three or four days, and every day after. As the vegetables shrink, the kimchi can be combined in ever-smaller containers; just keep it covered with brine.
• When it tastes good to you, it's done.

CUCUMBER KIMCHI (OI SOBAEGI)

Steps:

• Cut cucumber into 4-inch pieces and cut each piece into quarters. Place cucumber pieces in a bowl, add salt, and mix until coated. Let cucumbers stand at room temperature until liquid has been extracted, about 30 minutes; drain.
• Combine scallions, vinegar, garlic, ginger, chile oil, Korean chile powder, sugar, and fish sauce in a non-reactive bowl.
• Stir cucumbers into the vinegar mixture; cover bowl with plastic wrap. Refrigerate cucumber mixture until chilled and flavors have blended, at least 30 minutes.