Kimchee Base: The Ultimate Kim-Cheat Code!
It’s Hot N’ Spicy Day, so let’s talk about one of the most popular spicy dishes in the world: Kimchee! While there are all sorts of variations of Kimchee, it is most commonly recognized as fermented cabbage with a bevy of seasonings. But Kimchee is not simply a cabbage-based side dish, it is a distinct and unique food rooted in tradition!
Before the advent of refrigeration, one of the most popular methods of food preservation was fermentation. Fermenting cabbage and other vegetables helped to foster the growth of healthy bacteria (probiotics) essential for proper digestion and other functions. Through the years, Kimchee became a staple of the Korean diet for its use as a probiotic (as well as distinct taste). Today, we know that the benefits don’t stop there – Kimchee has been largely associated with healthy brain function, skin health promotion, and even antiaging properties. To put it simply, Kimchee is a superfood!
Kimchee has become a source of pride for the people of Korea. No meal is complete without a serving of Kimchee on the table (even breakfast!) But despite the food’s immense popularity, there is no single recipe for the “standard” or “perfect” Kimchee. Rather, these recipes are passed down from generation to generation, and vary greatly by region. And the long process of creating it is often a joint venture, as making large quantities requires more than a few helping hands. Thus, Kimchee is more than a dish. It is a beautiful reflection of tradition, family, and teamwork.
Given that the crafting of Kimchee is such a long process, it can be difficult for chefs and casual cooks alike to prepare Kimchee dishes without a week’s worth of planning. But at Samuels, we’re happy to offer a solution: Kimchee Base. A tasty blend of spices including salt, chilies, and garlic, this delicious sauce can be the shortcut you need to bring Kimchee into your diet or menu. Traditional Kimchee can take several days to prepare, but with Kimchee Base, you can create authentic Kimchee in less than a day. To do so, simply spread this base over cabbage or any vegetable of your choosing, store it, and let the fermentation happen! And since Kimchee Base saves you the time that would normally be spent meticulously chopping spices and creating the proper consistency, you will have plenty of time to think outside the box and get creative!
Our chefs at Samuels adore this product for its versatility and simplicity. While they use it to create traditional Kimchee, they also find it useful for creating marinades for beef, pork, chicken, and of course seafood options like Swordfish Steaks! The base can also be combined with Kewpie Mayonnaise to create a delectable topping for burgers and sandwiches, or a dipping sauce for Fried Shrimp. Our chefs have even used Kimchee Base as a delicious foundation for fish chowders, stews, and soups!
When it comes to great products like Kimchee Base, the possibilities are as endless as your imagination. If you want to get your hands on this product, contact your Samuels rep, or swing by Guiseppe’s Market today! We can’t wait to see what you come up with.
Stay spicy my friends!
And be sure to tag us in your creations on Instagram, @SamuelsSeafood !
