Buy a kimchi-making kit for a guided first batch

Companies like Mother In Law's, Ozuke, and various Amazon sellers offer kimchi kits that include pre-measured gochugaru, fish sauce, and seasonings with step-by-step instructions. You supply the fresh cabbage and vegetables.

Why It Works

Kits remove the intimidation of sourcing Korean ingredients for the first time. Pre-measured portions prevent mistakes with ratios, and the included instructions are tested for beginners.

Tips

• Kits typically cost $15-25 and make 1-2 quarts of kimchi
• After your first kit batch, buy ingredients individually for much lower cost per batch
• Asian grocery stores carry gochugaru and fish sauce at better prices than regular supermarkets
• H Mart and other Korean grocery chains carry everything you need for traditional kimchi