Kian84's Chili Pickle Recipe: How to Make the Viral Side Dish from 'I Live Alone'

Kian84's homemade chili pickle has become a hot topic after being featured on MBC's 'I Live Alone'. Viewers were particularly captivated by his unique method of pressing down the chili peppers into the soy sauce brine, affectionately dubbed 'Kian84's Kkukkuk-i' (pressing technique), to ensure the seasoning is thoroughly absorbed. This broadcast has inspired many to try making their own chili pickles at home.

During the show, Kian84 demonstrated pressing the chili peppers by hand to help them soak up the soy sauce, and also added a generous amount of ginger. Bloggers, referencing Kian84's approach, share recipes using 250g of Cheongyang chili peppers, with ingredients like soju, soy sauce, water, plum extract, sugar, ginger, kelp, and vinegar. Key tips include completely drying the chili peppers, piercing them with a fork for even seasoning, and adding vinegar last after turning off the heat to preserve its tangy flavor. A golden ratio recipe of 1:1:1:1 for soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and water is also highlighted.

Bloggers praise Kian84's chili pickle as a delicious 'rice thief' that pairs exceptionally well with fatty meats like samgyeopsal (pork belly) and bossam (boiled pork wraps). Homemade chili pickles can be stored fresh for 3-4 months, and their health benefits, including Vitamin C, capsaicin, and antioxidants, make them an excellent winter side dish. Emphasized steps for preparation include thoroughly washing and drying the chilies, piercing them, and pouring hot brine over them to maintain a crisp texture.