Mild Napa Cabbage Kimchi (Non-Spicy, Gut-Friendly Version)

This version skips the traditional red pepper flakes but still gives you the tangy, probiotic-rich punch your gut will love — without the burn. Many people exploring functional medicine Burbank are discovering that gut-friendly recipes like this mild kimchi play a key role in improving digestive health.

Ingredients:

1. 1 medium Napa cabbage
2. 1/4 cup sea salt(non-iodized)
3. Water (for soaking)
4. 1 medium carrot, julienned
5. 1/2 daikon radish(or regular radish), julienned
6. 4 green onions, chopped

For the Mild Paste:

1. 4 cloves garlic, minced
2. 1-inch piece ginger, peeled and grated
3. 1 small apple or Asian pear, grated
4. 2 tablespoons fish sauce(or coconut aminos for vegan)
5. 1 teaspoon raw cane sugar or honey (optional)
6. 1/4 cup water

🥣 Instructions:

1. 1. Salt the cabbage:

      Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Dissolve sea salt in enough water to cover the cabbage in a large bowl. Soak for 1–2 hours, tossing every 30 minutes, until soft.

   2. Rinse & drain:

      Rinse the cabbage thoroughly to remove excess salt. Drain well.

   3. Make the mild paste:

      Blend garlic, ginger, apple/pear, fish sauce, sugar, and water into a smooth paste.

   4. Mix it all together:

      In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, carrot, radish, and green onions. Add the paste and mix thoroughly—use gloves if needed.

   5. Pack & ferment:

      Pack the mixture tightly into a clean glass jar. Press down until the liquid rises above the veggies. Leave about 1 inch of space at the top.

   6. Fermentation:

      Leave at room temperature for 2–3 days. Then store in the fridge. It’ll continue to ferment slowly—flavor gets better with time.

Why It’s Good for You:

1. Fermented foods like kimchi support gut diversity and help reduce bloating.
2. This milder version makes it easy to enjoy kimchi if you’re sensitive to spice or just getting started with fermented foods.
3. It pairs well with rice bowls, grilled proteins, or even avocado toast!

If you’re exploring ways to improve digestion naturally, this mild kimchi recipe is a great start. Many functional medicine doctors recommend fermented foods as part of a gut-healing protocol, especially for those experiencing bloating, IBS, or food sensitivities.

Whether you’re working with experts in functional medicine Toluca Lake or exploring supportive therapies like energy medicine, adding probiotic-rich, anti-inflammatory foods into your diet can make a big difference. Healing often begins with what’s on your plate.

If you’re interested in integrative care and want to learn more about Los Angeles functional medicine solutions, now is the perfect time to start with simple, healing recipes like this one.