This is probably the Most Sustainable Kimchi there is!
After making kimchi, there’s always something left behind:
kimchi brine.
In most cases, that liquid is not reused.
Once fermentation has done its work, the brine has already served its purpose.
But in Korean food culture, there is one notable exception.
And that exception is parae kimchi (파래김치), a seaweed kimchi traditionally eaten along Korea’s southern coast and island regions.
A Kimchi That Starts with What’s Left Over
Parae kimchi doesn’t begin with fresh seasoning.
It begins with leftover kimchi brine from a well-fermented batch of kimchi.
This brine already contains:
- natural acidity from fermentation
- savoriness from garlic, chili, and fish sauce
- depth developed over time
Instead of discarding it, coastal communities used it to preserve fresh seaweed harvested nearby.
In that sense, parae kimchi is not a completely new kimchi. It’s actually a continuation of an existing fermentation.
Why Seaweed Works So Well with Kimchi Brine
Parae, or sea lettuce, has a delicate texture and a clean ocean flavor. It absorbs seasoning quickly without becoming heavy.
When mixed with fermented kimchi brine, it doesn’t make the kimchi more sour. Instead, the seaweed absorbs and calms the acidity, softening the sharpness of the brine over time.
This is why parae kimchi feels lighter and gentler than napa cabbage kimchi, even though it starts with fully fermented liquid.
Preparing Seaweed for Kimchi
Fresh seaweed is often sold preserved in salt. Before using it, proper washing is essential.
Fill a large bowl with cold water and gently loosen the seaweed.
Swish it around to release salt, sand, or debris. Drain and repeat this process several times with fresh water.
Drain and squeeze out as much water as possible.
This step is crucial. Removing excess water keeps the kimchi brine concentrated and prevents the flavor from becoming diluted.
If you’re using foraged seaweed, wash it extra carefully.
Small stones or grit can easily get trapped between the folds.
Cut the seaweed into bite-sized pieces.
Recipe: Seaweed Kimchi (파래김치: Sea Lettuce Kimchi)
Ingredients
- 100 g fresh sea lettuce (parae)
(or salt-preserved fresh seaweed, rinsed) - ½ cup leftover kimchi brine
(from a well-fermented batch of kimchi, pieces of leftover kimchi or kimchi stuffing also can be used)
Seasoning (to adjust)
- 1 stalk green onion, thinly sliced
- ½ tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp gochugaru (for color, optional)
- 1 tsp anchovy fish sauce
- Optional: a pinch of salt (for longer storage)
Instructions
- Prepare the seaweed
Fill a large bowl with cold water and gently loosen the seaweed.
Swish it around to release salt, sand, or debris. Drain and repeat this process several times with fresh water. - Remove excess water cut into bite-sized lengths
Squeeze the seaweed firmly to remove as much water as possible. Cut into bite-sized lengths (around 2 cm / 1 inch). - Add the kimchi brine
Pour in the leftover kimchi brine and toss gently to coat. - Combine aromatics
Place the seaweed in a bowl and add green onion, garlic, gochugaru, and fish sauce. - Adjust seasoning
For longer storage, add a small pinch of salt. - Rest and store
Transfer to a clean container and refrigerate.
It can be eaten right away, but the flavor improves after a day or two.
Fermentation & Storage Notes
- This kimchi ferments slowly and gently at lower temperatures in the refrigerator.
- When properly seasoned, it keeps 2-4 weeks refrigerated.
- Increasing salt or fish sauce slightly will extend its keeping time.
Can You Use Other Seaweeds?
Yes, it is traditional to use parae (sea lettuce), but this method isn’t limited to parae.
In Europe especially, fresh seaweed is often sold as salt-preserved seaweed, which works very well for this style of kimchi.
You can use:
- salt-preserved sea lettuce
- fresh dulse, wakame, or kombu seaweed
- other mild, leafy seaweeds
Just remember to:
- rinse thoroughly
- soak briefly if too salty
- and squeeze out excess moisture before seasoning
The principle remains the same:
fresh seaweed + leftover kimchi brine + minimal adjustment.
Fermentation and Storage
Parae kimchi can be eaten right away, but it becomes more interesting after resting in the fridge.
Over time:
- the seaweed softens
- the brine becomes rounder
- and the flavors integrate naturally
As long as it’s properly seasoned, parae kimchi can be stored like regular kimchi in the refrigerator.
FAQ: Seaweed Kimchi with Leftover Kimchi Brine
How long does seaweed kimchi keep?
When properly seasoned, seaweed kimchi keeps about 2–4 weeks in the refrigerator.
Can I make it last longer?
Yes. Slightly increasing the fish sauce or salt will help extend its shelf life.
Does this kimchi fully ferment
It ferments gently and slowly. It won’t become as sour as napa cabbage kimchi, but it does continue to mature over time.
Can I eat it right away?
Yes. It’s delicious immediately, but many people prefer it after a few days of resting.
Is it safe to reuse kimchi brine?
In general, kimchi brine isn’t reused.
However, parae (sea lettuce) kimchi is a traditional exception, especially in southern coastal regions.
Use only well-fermented brine and keep the kimchi refrigerated.
Is this really a sustainable kimchi?
Of course! Probably one of the most sustainable kimchi styles.
Nowadays, seaweed is reguarded as one of the most sustainable foods.
Also, it uses leftover kimchi brine and requires minimal additional ingredients.
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Seaweed Kimchi with Leftover Kimchi Brine (Parae Kimchi)
Equipment
- 1 small glass jar (250ml or 9 fl oz. )
Ingredients
- 100 g fresh sea lettuce (parae) or salt-preserved fresh seaweed, rinsed
- ½ cup leftover kimchi brine from a well-fermented batch of kimchi, pieces of leftover kimchi or kimchi stuffing also can be used
Seasoning (to adjust)
- 1 stalk green onion thinly sliced (around 20g)
- ½ tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp gochugaru for color, optional
- 1 tsp anchovy fish sauce
- Optional: a pinch of salt for longer storage
Instructions
Prepare the seaweed
- Fill a large bowl with cold water and gently loosen the seaweed.
- Swish it around to release salt, sand, or debris. Drain and repeat this process several times with fresh water.
Remove excess water cut into bite-sized lengths
- Squeeze the seaweed firmly to remove as much water as possible. Cut into bite-sized lengths (around 2 cm / 1 inch).
Add the kimchi brine
- Pour in the leftover kimchi brine and toss gently to coat.
Combine aromatics
- Place the seaweed in a bowl and add green onion, garlic, gochugaru, and fish sauce.
Adjust seasoning
- For longer storage, add a small pinch of salt.
Rest and store
- Transfer to a clean container and refrigerate.
- It can be eaten right away, but the flavor improves after a day or two.
