Kimchi Radish Pickle Recipe (2024)

Recipe from Lauryn Chun and Olga Massov

Adapted by Melissa Clark

Kimchi Radish Pickle Recipe (1)

Total Time
45 minutes plus overnight pickling
Rating
4(110)
Notes
Read community notes

Featured in: A Crunchy End to Winter

  • or to save this recipe.

  • Subscriber benefit: give recipes to anyone

    As a subscriber, you have

    10 gift recipes to give each month. Anyone can view them - even nonsubscribers.

    Learn more.

    Subscribe

  • Print Options

    Include recipe photo

Advertisem*nt

Ingredients

Yield:1 quart

  • pounds radishes (a mix of different types, if possible)
  • tablespoons coarse kosher salt
  • 2tablespoons Korean chile flakes (not powder)
  • 1inch-long piece of fresh ginger root, peeled and grated
  • 1large garlic clove, minced or grated
  • 3anchovy fillets (optional)
  • ½teaspoon sugar

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Nutritional analysis per serving (8 servings)

27 calories; 0 grams fat; 0 grams saturated fat; 0 grams monounsaturated fat; 0 grams polyunsaturated fat; 5 grams carbohydrates; 2 grams dietary fiber; 2 grams sugars; 1 gram protein; 244 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Powered by

Kimchi Radish Pickle Recipe (2)

Preparation

  1. Step

    1

    Scrub radishes well with a vegetable brush under cool running water. If using thick-skinned radishes such as watermelon, peel away any hairy or brown spots (you can either leave the rest of the skin on or peel radishes completely). If using small table radishes (usually red, purple, pink or white), trim away roots and most of the green stems, leaving ⅛ inch on top. Halve or quarter smaller radishes; cut larger radishes into bite-size wedges.

  2. Step

    2

    Place radishes in a bowl and toss with salt. Let rest for 20 minutes. Drain radishes in a colander set over a bowl, reserving brined juices. Rinse radishes quickly, then shake them to remove excess water.

  3. Step

    3

    Prepare the chile paste: In a large bowl, stir together ¼ cup water with chile flakes, ginger, garlic, anchovies (if using) and sugar. Add drained radishes and mix well to coat with paste. Pack into a 1-quart jar (or 2 smaller jars), then pour the reserved brine into the bowl with the chile paste residue, swish it around to capture leftover seasonings, and pour brine into jar (the liquid will not cover the radishes). Cover and let stand at room temperature overnight. Refrigerate and eat within 1 week.

Ratings

4

out of 5

110

user ratings

Your rating

or to rate this recipe.

Have you cooked this?

or to mark this recipe as cooked.

Private Notes

Leave a Private Note on this recipe and see it here.

Cooking Notes

AW

This is hilarious. No one here seems to know what this kimchi is supposed to look like, including the writer and the photographer. On the sodium intake below, kimchi is a side dish, NOT a la carte! It could be interesting try this, but care to call it for what it is: fusion/korean 'style' instead of labeling it 'Korean'? The radishes featured in the picture will give it a very different taste and texture from the Korean radishes. There should be a note on the ingredients and the dish.

Anita Kusick

It isn't just the type of radish at issue. Maybe Jackie Nobles had a bitter pickle b/c of lack of sugar in this recipe. After reading reviews, I looked at other radish kimchi recipes on web--tossed daikon with equal parts salt & sugar...one even added a couple of tablespoons of milk at the end to help fermentation along.

rjsp

See if you can find a Korean grocery store -- where you'll find Korean red chili flakes in kilogram or half-kilo bags. It's a bright red, paprika-scented chili, not terribly hot (per unit weight) as chilis go -- but Koreans use it in heroic quantities, or perhaps demonic -- depending on your attitude to hot.

RJ

And also read the "Earth" section in Michael Pollan's book Cooked and read about fermenting actual kimchi. Totally interesting!

jawa

Made this a few times now and it’s really good. (Did not use the fish sauce.) I’m aware this recipe is not authentic. I’ve made traditional radish kimchi before and it, too, is delicious. But I get a lot of French radishes from my CSA, and it’s nice to be able to use them up in this fashion. Everyone in my family devours these.

mauifran

Amen to that AW. I live in Hawaii and Radish Kimchi is made with Korean Radish or it's cousin Japanese Daikon. If you are going to make something do it right or at least say this is not the usual radish it is made with!!!!!

jawa

Made this a few times now and it’s really good. (Did not use the fish sauce.) I’m aware this recipe is not authentic. I’ve made traditional radish kimchi before and it, too, is delicious. But I get a lot of French radishes from my CSA, and it’s nice to be able to use them up in this fashion. Everyone in my family devours these.

Anne

Got Korean radishes (not daikon) at the local Asian market. Much better. and the flaked Korean chile. Excellent.

LBT

I liked these! I made them a tad too salty (my error) so will be more careful next time. It was a great way to use up a bounty of garden radishes, authentic or not.

Anita Kusick

It isn't just the type of radish at issue. Maybe Jackie Nobles had a bitter pickle b/c of lack of sugar in this recipe. After reading reviews, I looked at other radish kimchi recipes on web--tossed daikon with equal parts salt & sugar...one even added a couple of tablespoons of milk at the end to help fermentation along.

Jackie nobles

Awful....bitter, I mixed red radishes and Chinese radish followed directions. After 1 day on the counter and 1 day in the fridge they weren't good. Leaving in the fridge another few days, will try again....but I think into the trash they will go.

AW

This is hilarious. No one here seems to know what this kimchi is supposed to look like, including the writer and the photographer. On the sodium intake below, kimchi is a side dish, NOT a la carte! It could be interesting try this, but care to call it for what it is: fusion/korean 'style' instead of labeling it 'Korean'? The radishes featured in the picture will give it a very different taste and texture from the Korean radishes. There should be a note on the ingredients and the dish.

mauifran

Amen to that AW. I live in Hawaii and Radish Kimchi is made with Korean Radish or it's cousin Japanese Daikon. If you are going to make something do it right or at least say this is not the usual radish it is made with!!!!!

Harriet

Why are there so many carbs in this dish? There is not much sugar

Donna

all vegetables are carbs ...

Antyj

Where does one get Korean chile flakes, and how spicy is it?

mauifran

Try an Asian market in your town!!!!!

rjsp

See if you can find a Korean grocery store -- where you'll find Korean red chili flakes in kilogram or half-kilo bags. It's a bright red, paprika-scented chili, not terribly hot (per unit weight) as chilis go -- but Koreans use it in heroic quantities, or perhaps demonic -- depending on your attitude to hot.

Sam Sengupta

I am already bought! Now, all I ahve to do is to try it. Thanks.

RJ

And also read the "Earth" section in Michael Pollan's book Cooked and read about fermenting actual kimchi. Totally interesting!

Private notes are only visible to you.

Kimchi Radish Pickle Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How long does radish kimchi take to ferment? ›

After 3 days, transfer container to refrigerator and continue to ferment for at least 2 more days before eating. After 5 total days of fermentation, begin tasting kimchi daily until it has reached desired flavor.

Can you use regular radish instead of daikon in kimchi? ›

Korean radish is a large, mild white radish used in all kinds of dishes including soups and side dishes. It is shorter and rounder than daikon, but either can be used for this radish kimchi. I start by peeling it, cutting it into 2 inch pieces, and then making thin slices.

How long does kimchi radish last in the fridge? ›

It's best to store the radish kimchi in glass containers or BPA free kimchi containers. Stored properly and kept refrigerated, the radish kimchi can last 6 months or more. Also, make sure to always use a clean utensil with taking any kimchi out of the container.

How long does kkakdugi last? ›

How long will the Kkakdugi stay good? Kkakdugi tastes good for up to 3-6 months.

How do you know if kimchi is fermented enough? ›

If it smells sour or looks bubbly, you've already got some fermentation going. You probably don't need to let it sit at room temp for more than a few hours (unless you like it really sour).

What happens if you ferment kimchi for too long? ›

The kimchi will taste a lot more sour if it's gone bad.

A taste test should really be the last step so you avoid consuming anything that could possibly make you sick. Kimchi that has been kept for a long time will also have a rather rubbery and soggy texture as opposed to the crunchiness of freshly made kimchi.

Why is my radish kimchi slimy? ›

Kimchi spoilage and over-fermentation

If kimchi over-ferments, it will have a very vinegary odor and taste. It is not pleasant to eat raw, so it is often used for soups and stews. If any fermentation gets soft and slimy, then it is a sign of spoilage.

Is radish kimchi good for gut health? ›

Along with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, kimchi contains natural probiotic bacteria. If you eat them regularly, the probiotics in fermented foods can be beneficial to your gut microbiome.

Why is my radish kimchi salty? ›

Ferment longer: Kimchi may need more time to ferment to balance out saltiness or bitterness. Transfer some into a small container and leave out at room temp for 1-2 days and taste to see that helps. If so, leave the jar in the fridge to ferment longer.

Why is my kimchi radish bitter? ›

Why does my Kimchi taste bitter/salty? Your Kimchi has probably not fermented enough. Freshly made Kimchi from Korea is known to be slightly bitter and more salty! But this will change overtime to a tangy and umami flavour as it ferments in the fridge.

How can you tell if a radish has gone bad? ›

Radishes that are approximately 1 inch in diameter will be more tender and crisp. Avoid radishes that are soft, dull-colored, and have white or brown scars or black spots; if the radish tops are yellow, limp, or slimy, the radishes are old or have not been refrigerated properly. Remove radish greens before storing.

Why does my kimchi taste carbonated? ›

Fizzling Kimchi, similar to a can of carbonated soda, is perfectly normal. The fizzing sound and effervescent taste is a product of fermentation. This means your Kimchi is nicely fermented, enjoy!

Does Korean pickled radish go bad? ›

Stored in its pickling liquid, it will keep in the refrigerator for a few months.

Is kkakdugi healthy? ›

Kkakdugi is served cold and is usually consumed when the radish is crisp. Kkakdugi, along with other types of kimchi, is a popular dish in Korea and is believed to share many of the health benefits of kimchi, due to the fermentation process.

Does Korean pickled radish expire? ›

Pickles will last about 1 month.

How long should I let my kimchi ferment? ›

The kimchi fermentation process is very short in comparison to making sauerkraut. Kimchi ferments at room temperature in only 1-2 days or more slowly in the refrigerator. For safety, kimchi should be stored refrigerated and is best eaten within 1 week, as the quality of kimchi deteriorates with longer fermentation.

How long can you ferment kimchi before it goes bad? ›

Kimchi technically doesn't really expire because it is already fermented. If it's properly fermented and refrigerated, it should be good up to 12 months or more from when it's jarred (or crock-potted).

Why is my radish kimchi bitter? ›

Why does my Kimchi taste bitter/salty? Your Kimchi has probably not fermented enough. Freshly made Kimchi from Korea is known to be slightly bitter and more salty! But this will change overtime to a tangy and umami flavour as it ferments in the fridge.

Is radish kimchi supposed to be bitter? ›

Unlike Napa cabbage kimchi, you cannot eat this before it is fermented because the radish will be too bitter. However, once it is fermented, the radish turns into a great flavorful kimchi. The bite-sized pieces are just perfect for eating and it matches with many other kinds of Korean food.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Carmelo Roob

Last Updated:

Views: 6351

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (65 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Carmelo Roob

Birthday: 1995-01-09

Address: Apt. 915 481 Sipes Cliff, New Gonzalobury, CO 80176

Phone: +6773780339780

Job: Sales Executive

Hobby: Gaming, Jogging, Rugby, Video gaming, Handball, Ice skating, Web surfing

Introduction: My name is Carmelo Roob, I am a modern, handsome, delightful, comfortable, attractive, vast, good person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.