Korean-style Tarte Tatin

Ingredients

While the original French Tarte Tatin features caramelized apples atop a buttery pastry, our Korean adaptation incorporates the bold and tangy flavors of kimchi. The addition of kimchi adds a delightful umami kick and a hint of spiciness to the dish, creating a unique flavor profile that is distinctly Korean. This fusion dish is a perfect example of how culinary traditions can come together to create something truly extraordinary. We alse have the original recipe for Tarte Tatin, so you can check it out.

• 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour 4 cups (500g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) ice water 1/2 cup (120ml) ice water
• 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) water 1/4 cup (60ml) water
• 1 cup (200g) kimchi, chopped 1 cup (200g) kimchi, chopped
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) 1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat: 20g (12g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 65g (35g sugars)
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cold butter cubes, sugar, and salt. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the ice water, a little at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
4. 4.
   In a skillet, combine the granulated sugar and water. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and turns golden brown, swirling the pan occasionally.
5. 5.
   Remove the skillet from heat and carefully arrange the sliced apples in a circular pattern on top of the caramel.
6. 6.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the chopped kimchi, sesame oil, soy sauce, gochugaru, and sesame seeds. Spread this kimchi mixture evenly over the apples.
7. 7.
   Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit the size of the skillet. Place the dough over the kimchi and tuck in the edges.
8. 8.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the apples are tender.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Carefully invert the skillet onto a serving plate, allowing the caramelized apples and kimchi to form the top of the tart.
10. 10.
    Serve warm and enjoy the unique flavors of this Korean-style Tarte Tatin!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Apples — Choose firm and slightly tart apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor in the tart.
• Kimchi — Opt for well-fermented kimchi with a balanced flavor. If the kimchi is too spicy, reduce the amount of gochugaru in the recipe.
• Gochugaru — Adjust the amount of gochugaru according to your spice preference. Add more for extra heat or reduce for a milder flavor.
• Sesame oil — Use toasted sesame oil for a rich and nutty flavor. If unavailable, regular sesame oil can be used as a substitute.
• Soy sauce — Use a good quality soy sauce for the best flavor. Reduced-sodium soy sauce can be used if desired.

Tips & Tricks

• To prevent the crust from becoming soggy, make sure to thoroughly drain the kimchi before using it in the recipe.
• Serve the Korean-style Tarte Tatin warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors.
• If you prefer a sweeter tart, you can sprinkle a little extra sugar over the apples before adding the kimchi mixture.
• Experiment with different types of kimchi to create unique flavor variations in the tart.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Korean-style Tarte Tatin as a delicious dessert or a unique appetizer at your next Korean-inspired gathering. Cut it into wedges and garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for an added touch of elegance.

Presentation advice

Present the Korean-style Tarte Tatin on a beautiful platter, showcasing the caramelized apples and kimchi on top. Drizzle a little extra caramel sauce over the tart for an enticing visual appeal.