Can I add water to my kimchi if there isn't enough brine, or will that dilute the flavor or affect fermentation?

Question

Can you add water to kimchi if there isn't enough brine? Find out if this will dilute the flavor or negatively affect the safety of the fermentation.

Answer 1

Yes, you can add water to your kimchi if there isn't enough brine, but it's best to use a salt water solution to avoid diluting the flavor and affecting fermentation. A ratio of 1 teaspoon of salt per cup of water is generally recommended.

Detailed Explanation:

Kimchi relies on a salty brine for proper fermentation and preservation. If your kimchi doesn't have enough liquid, the vegetables on top may dry out and become susceptible to mold. Simply adding plain water can dilute the existing brine, potentially slowing down or inhibiting fermentation and affecting the overall flavor profile.

To safely add liquid, create a salt water solution. Here's how:

1. Boil Water: Boil the water first and let it cool down to room temperature. Boiling helps remove any impurities that might be present in your tap water.
2. Add Salt: Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt per 1 cup of water. Use a non-iodized salt, such as sea salt or kosher salt, as iodine can sometimes inhibit fermentation.
3. Stir Well: Ensure the salt is completely dissolved in the water.
4. Add to Kimchi: Gently pour the salt water solution over your kimchi until the vegetables are submerged. Make sure to press down on the kimchi to release any trapped air bubbles.

By using a salt water solution, you maintain the proper salinity needed for fermentation and prevent unwanted bacterial growth.

Pro Tip:

To prevent needing to add water later, thoroughly salt your cabbage during the initial preparation stage. A good salting ensures that the cabbage releases enough liquid to create its own brine during fermentation.