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    Home » All Recipes

    Basic Thermomix Kimchi

    Published: Jun 9, 2017 · Modified: May 7, 2023 by Julie Carlyle · This post may contain affiliate links · 8 Comments

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    A basic Thermomix Kimchi like this recipe is the perfect place to start when you are ready to learn how to ferment vegetables.

    Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

    Thermomix Basic Kimchi
    Thermomix Basic Kimchi
    Table of Contents
    • Basic Kimchi Notes
    • Basic Thermomix Kimchi Watchpoints
    • Fermenting Crock
      • Fermenting in a Crock with Airlock
      • Fermenting in Jars with Pickling Pipe
        • Use Pure Products
        • Ferment out of direct sunlight
        • Place a large plate under the crock
    • Probiotic Recipes Please
    • Basic Thermomix Kimchi
      • Kimchi Paste
      • Brine
      • BRINING
      • KIMCHI PASTE

    I've been really getting into eating fermented foods for their probiotic health benefits. As part of my new gut health protocol, I've been eating a lot of Kimchi and drinking Kombucha every day. It didn't take me very long to realise this was going to be an expensive habit! I knew I would need to learn how to make my own probiotic foods if I was to continue eating them as regularly as I liked. That's how my beginner's Thermomix Kimchi was born.

    I made my first batch of Kimchi in 2016 and have been experimenting since then. This recipe was my first basic Thermomix Kimchi. You could easily make it without the Thermomix, but I like to cut corners as much as possible. 

    As with everything you prepare yourself, homemade Kimchi is so much better than the store-bought varieties. Not that I have anything against the store bought products, but I love being able to add my favourite vegetables and allow them to ferment to the level of funkiness I prefer.

    Basic Kimchi Notes

    • The brine will rise to the top of the vegetables as you press them into the fermenting crock. If necessary add a little more of the reserved brine to completely submerge the vegetables.
    • You can add as much of the brine as you like depending on whether you want more or less "juice" in the kimchi. (Excess brine will bubble out of the crock as it ferments.)
    • Place a crockery or glass weight on top of the vegetable to keep them submerged as they ferment. (Some fermenting crocks come with their own weights.)
    • Ensure the crock lid always has water in the chamber to keep an airlock.
    • The fermenting crock can sit on the kitchen bench until it's ready.
    Easy Thermomix Kimchi
    Easy Thermomix Kimchi

    Kimchi can be eaten fresh on the day it's made or at any stage of fermentation. Once the taste is to your liking transfer the Kimchi into smaller jars and store in the refrigerator to slow the fermentation process.

    Kimchi Ingredients ready for chopping & brining
    Kimchi Ingredients ready for chopping & brining

    I have to admit that I was kind of freaked out about making my first batch of Kimchi. I was scared I would poison myself or just grow a smelly, mouldy mess. Even once the fermentation was complete it took me a day or two to become brave enough to open the fermenting crock. When the crock was open I was surprised to find delicious looking kimchi. I very gingerly nibbled on a tiny strand of daikon radish and to my surprise, it tasted perfect, just like the real deal!

    Basic Kimchi Recipe
    Basic Kimchi Recipe

    Basic Thermomix Kimchi Watchpoints

    Image showing kimchi ingredients in a fermenting crock

    Fermenting Crock

     This ceramic fermentation crockpot is in the traditional style. Two weights keep the food submerged as it ferments and a water seal to maintain a controlled environment. The fermented vegetables will bubble away naturally and achieve the best results. 

    No need to keep it in the dark, the heavy-duty ceramic fermentation pot protects your creations so you can place it anywhere as long as it’s away from direct sunlight. 
    The Fermenting Crock is available in the Mixshop. To take a look simply click the link.

    Fermenting in a Crock with Airlock

    The key to cultivating probiotic bacteria and not mould is allowing the fermentation to occur in an anaerobic environment (no oxygen). If oxygen gets into the crock the vegetables will grow mould and the kimchi will only be suitable as compost. Look for a fermentation crock which has a water airlock trap. This allows the carbon dioxide to escape as the food ferment, without allowing air to enter the fermentation vessel. This is the crock I am currently using to make my kimchi.

    Image of fermenting crock on a kitchen bench suitable for Basic Thermomix Kimchi

    Fermenting in Jars with Pickling Pipe

    There is a cheaper method than the crock I use. If you would like to start simply and with a cheaper alternative you can use fermenting in jars with a silicone pickling pipe which provides a fermentation airlock. It's also best to use BPA safe plastic lids otherwise you will find that due to the acidic nature of Kimchi rust will develop quickly in the lid.

    Use Pure Products

    1. Water - Tap water is unsuitable for the kimchi as it has been chlorinated. Chlorine kills bacteria, even the good bacteria that we want to cultivate. Use bottled spring water with no additives.
    2. Salt - Salt should be non-deionised table salt. As with chlorine, iodine is an antibacterial agent. It actually kills, yeast, bacteria, fungus, viruses, and moulds. So if you want your Kimchi to ferment you need to choose salt which hasn't had iodine added. I use this particular Himalayan salt.
    3. Fish Sauce - When purchasing fish sauce look for a brand which has no preservatives. Preservatives will inhibit the growth of our good bacteria in the ferment.

    Ferment out of direct sunlight

    The kimchi needs to ferment away from direct sunlight. Sunlight kills bacteria so it's best to put the fermenting vessel in the pantry or a cupboard.

    Place a large plate under the crock

    As the vegetables ferment carbon dioxide will bubble up through the water lock. This can cause spillages of water and brine from the crock. By placing a plate under the vessel cleaning up is as simple as changing the plate each day.

    Probiotic Recipes Please

    If you would like to be notified when more pro-biotic recipes are released please subscribe to our newsletter. We only send a newsletter to our friends when we have a recipe to share.

    Let’s Connect!

    I share loads of great recipes on the page. Our community group page is a fabulous place to ask questions and share images of recipes you have made! It helps inspire others to cook new and interesting dishes.

    If you would like more great Thermomix recipes, please follow the ThermoKitchen FB Page.

    For more Thermomix recipe inspiration LETS CONNECT on;

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    Do you want to connect with other pro-biotic foodies? Join my DYI Fermenting FB group page I share loads of great recipes and tips in the group.

    Easy Thermomix Kimchi

    Basic Thermomix Kimchi

    Julie Carlyle
    This is the most popular Kimchi variation. Kimchi Baechu, made with nappa cabbage and chili.
    Print Recipe
    Prep Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 30 minutes mins
    Course Condiment, Side Dish
    Cuisine Korean
    Calories 359 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 Thermomix
    • 1 Fermentation Crock

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1350 gm napa cabbage wombok (approx 1)
    • 750 gm daikon radish peeled
    • 750 gm carrot (peeled and cut in quarters)
    • 6 green shallots

    Kimchi Paste

    • 300 gm onion cut in half
    • 25 gm garlic
    • 20 gm fresh ginger
    • 60 gm Korean Chilli Gochugaru paste
    • ¾ cup fish sauce (natural only - no preservatives) OR ½ cup salting brine for a vegetarian version

    Brine

    • 6 cups natural pure water bottled (not tap)
    • 6 TBS Himalayan salt (or another non-iodised salt)

    Instructions
     

    • Coarsely chop the cabbage and reserve.
      1350 gm napa cabbage
    • Cut the shallot into 2 cm pieces and add to the reserved cabbage.
      6 green shallots
    • Shred the daikon radish by hand or chop in the TM. 
      750 gm daikon radish
    • Add 150gm daikon at a time to the TM bowl. Chop 4 sec /Speed 5.
    • Transfer the daikon to the bowl of cabbage. Repeat the process until all the daikon is chopped.
    • Add 150gm of carrot at a time to the TM bowl. Chop 4sec /Speed 5.
      750 gm carrot
    • Transfer the carrot the bowl with the cabbage. Repeat the process until all the carrot is chopped.

    BRINING

    • Mix the water and salt in a large non-reactive bowl until dissolved.
      6 cups natural pure water, 6 TBS Himalayan salt
    • Add the vegetables to the brine and submerge them fully for 3-4 hours or overnight.
    • Drain the brine off the vegetables. Make sure to reserve the brine.

    KIMCHI PASTE

    • Place the ginger, garlic and onion to the TM Bowl. Mince 5 sec/Speed 9.
      25 gm garlic, 20 gm fresh ginger, 300 gm onion
    • Scrape down the bowl.
    • Add the Korean chilli and fish sauce (or ½ cup of brine if vegetarian) to the garlic mixture. Combine 15 sec/Speed 6.5.
      60 gm Korean Chilli, ¾ cup fish sauce
    • Add the Kimchi paste to the drained mixed vegetables.
    • Mix the paste through the vegetables thoroughly, until they’re completely covered.
    • Lightly press the kimchi into a 2 litre fermenting crock.
    • The brine will rise to the top of the vegetables as you press. If necessary add a little more of the reserved brine to completely submerge the vegetables.
    • Place a crockery weight on top of the vegetable to keep them submerged as they ferment.
    • Cover the jar or the crock lid to deter unwanted insects or particles. They won't be able to get in the crock but as water bubbles out onto the plate they may be attracted. 
    • The fermenting crock can sit on the kitchen bench away from sunlight until it's ready. 

    Notes

    NUTRITIONAL VALUE IS FOR THE WHOLE RECIPE - 
     
    The fermentation will take between 4-8 days depending on the outside temperature and your desired level of funkiness.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 359kcalCarbohydrates: 75gProtein: 16gFat: 4gSodium: 19109mgPotassium: 3258mgFiber: 25gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 49365IUVitamin C: 205.5mgCalcium: 650mgIron: 7.9mg
    Keyword Fermentation, Kimchi, Pickling, Probiotic, Thermomix
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    So there you have it, a no-fuss, basic recipe which will work every time. Just make sure to take notice of the watchpoints. Don't forget to pin for later.

    I hope you have enjoyed this story. Feel free to leave a comment or start a discussion. If you have made a dish from this site I would love to know what you thought!

    Leaving a comment and a star rating helps others decide if they should try my recipe. Plus if you hit the social media share buttons, your friends may find a delicious new recipe or Thermomix Tip too!

    If you want to be notified when a new recipe is released sign up for my monthly newsletter. The form is in the footer!

    Thank you for stopping by,

    Happy Cooking

    j xx

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    Comments

    1. Jessica says

      July 23, 2017 at 6:46 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe looks delish! Just wondering what your thoughts are on a chilli free version for kids? I would be making two batches of course as I could not stand to miss out on the chilli myself mmmmm

      Reply
      • Julie Carlyle says

        July 23, 2017 at 6:56 pm

        Hi Jessica, You would absolutely be able to leave out the chilli. It will just taste a little more like saur kraut. It would be super good for the kids to get their probiotics 🙂

        Reply
    2. Helen @ Fuss Free Flavours says

      June 12, 2017 at 9:08 pm

      5 stars
      Seems like quite a skill to make your own Kimchi; I too would be worried about what I was growing! But having read your advise, it would seem the right equipment is essential and makes the job relatively easy. Looks and sounds like a delicious dish to enjoy.

      Reply
    3. Katie | Healthy Seasonal Recipes says

      June 12, 2017 at 8:16 pm

      I made kimchi a long time ago, but it didn't come out very well. These instructions look a lot better! And the seasoning too for that matter. I couldn't find the Korean chili, so I skipped it. Not a good call. Ha ha.

      Reply
      • Julie Carlyle says

        June 13, 2017 at 7:41 am

        It really is easy to make Katie, the chili is quite mild but it does give a lovely flavour to the Kimchi.

        Reply
    4. Brandi Crawford says

      June 12, 2017 at 8:15 pm

      5 stars
      I love kimchi, but have never made my own. Your recipe looks fabulous!

      Reply
    5. Renee says

      June 12, 2017 at 6:57 pm

      5 stars
      What a great recipe, I never used a thermomix but would love to try it it sounds great.

      Reply
    6. Patty says

      June 12, 2017 at 6:03 pm

      5 stars
      Looks scrumptious, pity I don't own a Thermomix, makes me want to buy one!

      Reply

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    Hi, I'm Julie, a recipe developer, published cookbook author, and registered nutritionist. My first love has always been cooking and food. ThermoKitchen is where my love of food combines with a "lazy streak" as I utilise my favourite appliance, the Thermomix! I discovered Thermomix in 2014 and loved it so much I became a consultant for the brand.

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    Hi, I'm Julie, a recipe developer, published cookbook author, and registered nutritionist. My first love has always been cooking and food. ThermoKitchen is where my love of food combines with a "lazy streak" as I utilise my favourite appliance, the Thermomix! I discovered Thermomix in 2014 and loved it so much I became a consultant for the brand.

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