Out of Cabbage, one case
Napa cabbage substitutes for kimchi
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Green cabbage
Same amount as the cabbage
For kimchi, the best napa cabbage substitutes are Green Cabbage, Bok Choy, and Chinese Cabbage. Use 1:1 ratio and adjust fermentation time for optimal results. Each substitute works well in kimchi recipes.
- Best for —
- kimchi
One casethe full cabbage card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of cabbage |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Green cabbagekimchi | Same amount |
| 2 | Bok choyAsian kimchi | Same amount |
| 3 | Chinese cabbagekimchi | Same amountWorks |
| 4 | Savoy cabbagecooked kimchi | Same amount |
| 5 | Radicchiocreative kimchi | Same amount |
Green cabbage
similar taste, more dense texture
Green cabbage is the best substitute for napa cabbage in kimchi. It provides similar texture and flavor and works well in fermentation. It's more dense than napa cabbage but has similar fermentation properties.
- Best for
- kimchi, fermentation, when you want similar flavor, traditional kimchi
Green cabbage is more dense than napa cabbage and may need longer fermentation time. It has similar flavor and works well in kimchi recipes.
Bok choy
milder · similar texture
Bok choy provides similar texture and flavor to napa cabbage in kimchi. It's particularly good for Asian-inspired kimchi and works well in fermentation.
- Best for
- Asian kimchi, fermentation, when you want similar texture, quick kimchi
Bok choy has a milder flavor than napa cabbage and may need less fermentation time. It works well in kimchi recipes but may need adjustment.
Chinese cabbage
identical taste and texture
Chinese cabbage (wombok) is very similar to napa cabbage and can be used interchangeably in kimchi. It has similar texture and flavor and works well in fermentation.
- Best for
- kimchi, fermentation, when you want identical flavor, traditional kimchi
Chinese cabbage is very similar to napa cabbage and can be used interchangeably. It has similar texture and flavor.
Savoy cabbage
similar taste, more delicate texture
Savoy cabbage provides similar texture and flavor to napa cabbage in kimchi. It's particularly good for cooked kimchi and has a more delicate texture than green cabbage.
- Best for
- cooked kimchi, fermentation, when you want delicate texture, mild kimchi
Savoy cabbage has a more delicate texture than green cabbage and works well in kimchi recipes. It may need less fermentation time.
Radicchio
bitter · similar texture
Radicchio provides a unique flavor profile for kimchi. It's particularly good for creative kimchi recipes and adds color and bitterness to the dish.
- Best for
- creative kimchi, when you want unique flavor, colorful kimchi, bitter kimchi
Radicchio has a bitter flavor and adds color to kimchi. It works well in creative kimchi recipes but may need adjustment.
How it behaves in this recipe
Napa cabbage provides delicate texture and mild flavor to kimchi. The best substitutes work because they either provide similar texture and flavor, or can be fermented to achieve comparable results.
Tips for substituting cabbage
5 tips- For best results, choose substitutes that can handle fermentation well
- For traditional kimchi, use green cabbage or Chinese cabbage
- For creative kimchi, consider using radicchio or other colorful vegetables
- Taste and adjust seasoning after substitution, as different vegetables have varying flavor profiles
- For best results, use substitutes that have similar texture to napa cabbage
Notes on cabbage
- Use a combination of different substitutes (like half green cabbage, half bok choy) for more complex flavor
- Consider using root vegetables like carrots or parsnips for different texture
- Try using leafy greens like spinach or arugula for a different approach
- Use canned or frozen vegetables for convenience
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best substitute for napa cabbage in kimchi?
Green cabbage is the best substitute for napa cabbage in kimchi. It provides similar texture and flavor and works well in fermentation. Chinese cabbage works well for identical flavor.
Can I use green cabbage instead of napa cabbage in kimchi?
Yes, green cabbage works well as a substitute for napa cabbage in kimchi. Use a 1:1 ratio and it will provide similar texture and flavor, though it may need longer fermentation time.
What's the difference between napa cabbage and green cabbage in kimchi?
Napa cabbage is more delicate and has a milder flavor than green cabbage. Green cabbage is more dense and has a stronger flavor, but works well as a substitute in kimchi.
How do I ferment napa cabbage substitutes for kimchi?
Ferment napa cabbage substitutes the same way you would ferment napa cabbage. For traditional kimchi, use green cabbage or Chinese cabbage. For creative kimchi, consider using radicchio or other colorful vegetables.
Can I use bok choy instead of napa cabbage in kimchi?
Yes, bok choy works well as a substitute for napa cabbage in kimchi. Use a 1:1 ratio and it will provide similar texture and flavor, though it may need less fermentation time.