How to Make Delectable Kimchi without Fish Sauce: A Barbecue Guide

By Avi Green August 07, 2024

Are you a barbecue enthusiast who's also keen on trying out something tangy and fermented? Kimchi is a fantastic side dish that can beautifully complement your grilled meats. Typically, kimchi recipes call for fish sauce to enhance the umami flavor. But what if you want to skip the fish sauce?

Whether it's due to dietary restrictions, allergies, or personal preference, making kimchi without fish sauce is entirely possible and still mouthwateringly delicious. This guide will walk you through the process from start to finish, catering specifically to barbecue lovers who want to experiment with this Korean delicacy. Follow along, and you might discover a new favorite side dish for your next grilling party.

Why Make Kimchi without Fish Sauce?

Many people choose to omit fish sauce for various reasons:

Vegan or Vegetarian Lifestyle
Allergies to Seafood
Dietary Restrictions
Preference for a Milder Flavor

Fish sauce does add a distinctive depth to the kimchi. However, there are excellent substitutes that can provide the umami flavor without compromising the taste. For a detailed explanation of how fish sauce works in recipes, you might find this Bon Appetit article insightful.

Ingredients You'll Need

To make kimchi without fish sauce, you will need:

One large Napa cabbage
One large daikon radish, julienned
Four green onions, chopped
One carrot, julienned
1/4 cup sea salt
One cup water
One bulb of garlic, minced
One tablespoon grated ginger
Five tablespoons Korean red pepper flakes
Two tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free option)
Two tablespoons miso paste (for added umami)
Two tablespoons sugar
One tablespoon rice vinegar

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preparing the Cabbage

Start by cutting the Napa cabbage into quarters and removing the core. Cut each quarter into two-inch pieces. Place the cabbage into a large bowl and sprinkle with sea salt, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let it sit for at least two hours to draw out moisture.

Step 2: Prepping the Vegetables

While the cabbage is resting, prepare the daikon radish, green onions, and carrot. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Place all these ingredients into a large mixing bowl.

Step 3: Making the Kimchi Paste

In a separate bowl, mix the Korean red pepper flakes, soy sauce, miso paste, sugar, and rice vinegar, along with the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir until well combined. This paste will serve as the flavor base for your kimchi.

Step 4: Combining Everything

After the cabbage has rested, rinse it thoroughly under cold water to remove the excess salt. Drain well. Add the cabbage to the mixing bowl with the other vegetables. Pour the kimchi paste over the vegetables and use your hands to mix everything thoroughly. Make sure the paste coats all the vegetables evenly.

Step 5: Fermentation

Transfer the mixture into a clean, airtight container. Press down on the kimchi to remove air bubbles and ensure the vegetables are submerged in the paste. Seal the container and leave it to ferment at room temperature for at least three to five days. Once it reaches your desired level of fermentation, refrigerate it to halt the process.

For a more detailed guide on the role of soy sauce in recipes, you can check out this informative article.

Serving Suggestions for Barbecues

Kimchi can be a fantastic addition to your barbecue spread. Here are a few ways to incorporate it:

As a Tangy Side Dish: Serve kimchi alongside grilled meats for a burst of flavor.
On Top of Burgers: Add a spoonful of kimchi on top of your barbecue burgers for a zesty twist.
In Tacos: Combine grilled meats with kimchi in soft tacos for a Korean-Mexican fusion.

If youre grilling seafood, you might find this source on seafood sauces particularly useful.

Wrapping It Up

Making kimchi without fish sauce doesn't mean compromising on flavor. With the right ingredients and preparation, you can create a delectable batch of kimchi that suits your taste and dietary needs. And, as a barbecue enthusiast, you now have a new and exciting dish to add to your repertoire. Happy grilling!