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Easy Zesty Green Onion Kimchi: Best 15-Minute Recipe

green onion kimchi - featured image

This quick and easy green onion kimchi is ready in just 15 minutes, with a perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors. It’s a versatile banchan that adds a burst of flavor to rice bowls, grilled meats, and more.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large bunch green onions (about 1012 stalks)
  • 3 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • Salt (for water bath)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the green onions thoroughly under cold water. Trim off the root ends and any wilted or yellowed tops. Slice the green onions into 2-inch lengths.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups of cold water with 2 tablespoons of salt. Stir until the salt dissolves. Add the sliced green onions and gently swish them around. Let them sit for 5 minutes.
  3. Pour the green onions into a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to remove excess salt. Shake off as much water as possible, then spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Pat them dry gently.
  4. In a small bowl, combine the gochugaru, fish sauce, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir until well combined to form a thick paste.
  5. Place the dried green onions back into the large mixing bowl. Add the kimchi paste and toasted sesame seeds. Using your hands (gloves recommended), gently massage the paste into the green onions until every piece is evenly coated.
  6. Transfer the kimchi to an airtight container. Serve immediately or let it rest for 30 minutes for flavors to meld. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Notes

Don’t skip the drying step after the salt water bath—it ensures the dressing clings properly. Wear gloves when mixing to avoid staining your hands. Let the kimchi rest for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: green onion kimchi, quick kimchi, easy kimchi, Korean side dish, banchan, 15-minute recipe, spicy, zesty