What’s that you say? You want to make kimchi, but can't track down the ingredients? You've tried, but the flavor isn't quite right? Well, you’re in luck: now all the seasonings you need for making this traditional Korean condiment come in one jar. Introducing Mama O's Premium Kimchi Paste.
Because—truly—there’s nothing like tangy, crunchy homemade kimchi, and the satisfaction of having made it yourself. Plus you can customize it with your favorite vegetables (try daikon, bok choy, carrots and even fennel).
Made by Brooklynite Kheedim Oh, this umami-packed paste is inspired by his mama's rockin' kimchi. Mama O's Premium Kimchi Paste is a concentrated blend of Korean red pepper flakes, garlic, ginger, lime juice, fish sauce and a touch of sugar (No MSG here!). All you have to do is follow a few simple steps to get sour-spicy fresh kimchi in the comfort of your own kitchen (the hardest part is waiting for the cabbage to ferment):
Step 1—Brine the cabbage: In a large bowl, dissolve ¾ cup of salt in a gallon of water. Add 5 pounds of Napa Cabbage (cut into 2-inch-wide strips) to the brine and let soak for 6–8 hours. Drain and rinse.
Step 2—Pump up the flavor: In a large bowl, combine drained, brined cabbage, 2 green onions (cut into 1-inch pieces), ½ cup roughly chopped cilantro and a jar of Mama O’s Premium Kimchi Paste. Transfer the kimchi mixture into a clean gallon-sized jar and seal jar with a lid.
Step 3—The waiting game: Let the cabbage mixture sit at room temperature in a cool dark place for 1–2 days and—voilà, kimchi! Fermentation creates natural gases, so before you eat, open the lid and press down the cabbage to let those gases escape. Savor your homemade kimchi simply with steamed rice, alongside grilled meats or atop bibimbap. 즐길 수 (Enjoy)!
One jar will flavor about 5 pounds of kimchi, but we also love using Mama O’s Premium Kimchi Paste in our everyday cooking. One spoonful adds a bold hit of umami to just about everything—from marinades and stir-fries to salad dressings and even deviled eggs.
5 Ways to Kimchi-ize Everything
- Meat Marinade: Whisk a couple spoonfuls of Mama O’s Premium Kimchi Paste with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce for a flavorful marinade for steak, pork ribs or chicken wings.
- Quick Kimchi Slaw: Create a quick Korean slaw inspired by the flavors of kimchi, but only takes minutes to make. Toss shredded Napa Cabbage, sliced green onions and chopped cilantro with a dressing of lime juice, grapeseed oil and a couple teaspoons of kimchi paste.
- Dipping Sauce: Make a flavorful dipping sauce with Mama O’s Premium Kimchi paste, shoyu, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar and a drizzle of honey. Serve alongside dumplings, lettuce cups or fresh spring rolls.
- Deviled Eggs: Add a spoonful of kimchi paste to the filling for deviled eggs and garnish with chopped cilantro and green onions.
- Korean Fish Tacos: Top fried fish tacos with our quick kimchi slaw, pico de gallo and Mexican crema laced with Mama O’s Premium Kimchi Paste.
Get Your Kimchi On and Shop Mama O's >>
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