5 Delicious Napa Cabbage Recipes to Try Tonight

Cabbage is one of those vegetables that often gets overlooked. However, Napa cabbage, with its elongated shape, tightly packed leaves, and mild flavor, deserves more than just a side dish spot on your dinner table. It's a versatile ingredient that can shine in a variety of dishes. Here are five delightful Napa cabbage recipes that you can easily prepare tonight. Whether you're looking for something savory, spicy, or refreshing, these recipes are sure to impress.

Napa Cabbage Kimchi (Baechu Kimchi)

If you’re a fan of Korean cuisine or want to delve into fermented foods, kimchi is a must-try. Napa cabbage is the star of this dish, transformed into a flavorful and spicy side that pairs wonderfully with rice, soups, and stews.

• 1 large Napa cabbage
• ¹⁄₄ cup sea salt
• 4 cups water
• 1 tablespoon rice flour
• ¹⁄₄ cup Korean chili powder (gochugaru)
• 3 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 Asian pear, pureed or grated
• 4 green onions, chopped
• 1 cup julienned carrot

Instructions:

1. Quarter the Napa cabbage, cut out the core, and then slice into 2-inch pieces.
2. Mix the cabbage with salt in a large bowl, covering it with water. Let it sit for at least 2 hours.
3. Rinse the cabbage thoroughly to remove excess salt and let it drain.
4. In a bowl, mix rice flour with a little water, then cook until it thickens to make a paste. Let it cool.
5. Add gochugaru, fish sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, pear, green onions, and carrot to the cooled rice flour paste. Mix well.
6. Combine the paste with the drained cabbage. Coat thoroughly.
7. Transfer to an airtight container, press down, and let it ferment at room temperature for 1-2 days before moving to the refrigerator.

⚠️ Note: Use gloves when mixing kimchi with your hands to avoid chili burns. You might want to double the batch as kimchi stores well for weeks in the fridge, gaining depth of flavor as it ferments.

Crisp Napa Cabbage Slaw

Looking for a fresh, crunchy side dish? Napa cabbage slaw with a bright, zesty dressing is perfect. It’s light yet full of flavor, making it an excellent accompaniment to any main course.

• 1 head Napa cabbage, shredded
• 1 large carrot, shredded
• ¹⁄₂ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• ¹⁄₄ cup green onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
• ¹⁄₄ cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

Instructions:

1. Combine Napa cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, green onions, and sesame seeds in a large bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vinegar, soy sauce, honey, oils, garlic, and ginger to make the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat.
4. Allow the slaw to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.

🌟 Note: For extra crunch, consider adding 1/2 cup of toasted almonds or cashews just before serving.

Stir-Fried Napa Cabbage with Garlic

Sometimes simple is best. This stir-fry dish highlights the natural sweetness of Napa cabbage with the aromatic punch of garlic, making it a quick and flavorful side or light main course.

• 1 Napa cabbage, sliced into 1-inch strips
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat.
2. Add garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the Napa cabbage and toss quickly to coat in the hot oil and garlic.
4. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the cabbage begins to wilt but retains some crunch.
5. Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil if using, add salt if needed, and give a final stir.

🔑 Note: For additional texture and flavor, consider adding slices of red bell pepper or a handful of bean sprouts towards the end of the stir-fry.

Napa Cabbage Soup

Soup is a universal comfort food. This Napa cabbage soup is light yet satisfying, with an umami broth that complements the vegetable’s subtle sweetness.

• 1 Napa cabbage, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon ground ginger
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat the oil and sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
2. Add the broth, carrots, soy sauce, fish sauce if using, and ground ginger. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to a simmer, add the Napa cabbage, and cook for about 10 minutes until tender.
4. Season with vinegar, salt, and pepper. Adjust flavors as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions.

🌱 Note: Enhance the soup's depth of flavor by adding a piece of kombu or dried shiitake mushrooms to the broth while cooking.

Baked Napa Cabbage Rolls

Cabbage rolls traditionally made with green cabbage can be wonderfully reinvented with Napa cabbage. These baked rolls feature a filling of ground meat and rice, seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices.

• 1 Napa cabbage
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• ¹⁄₄ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
• ¹⁄₂ cup beef or vegetable stock
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh dill or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully separate Napa cabbage leaves, blanch them for 1-2 minutes until pliable, and cool.
3. In a bowl, mix ground meat, rice, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, and spices. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Lay out the cabbage leaves, place some filling at the base, roll up, tucking in the sides as you go.
5. Place rolls seam side down in a baking dish. Pour over the tomato sauce mixed with stock.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
7. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

In this culinary journey through the delightful world of Napa cabbage, we’ve explored how this humble vegetable can be transformed into five unique and flavorful dishes. From the fermentation process of Kimchi to the comforting embrace of cabbage rolls, Napa cabbage has proven its versatility and culinary potential. Each recipe not only brings out different flavors of this leafy green but also highlights various cooking techniques that can elevate your home cooking game.

Our exploration began with the fiery and fermented delight of Baechu Kimchi, showing how Napa cabbage can be a perfect vessel for the complex flavors of Korean cuisine. The kimchi process not only preserves the cabbage but also infuses it with a depth of flavor that deepens over time, making it a dish that grows richer with each passing day.

We then shifted to something lighter yet equally impressive with the Crisp Napa Cabbage Slaw. This dish’s simplicity in preparation belies its impressive taste, proving that with the right balance of ingredients, even a slaw can be a showstopper. The dressing, with its mix of soy, vinegar, and a touch of sweetness, enhances the natural crispness of the cabbage.

For those moments when speed is of the essence but flavor cannot be compromised, the Stir-Fried Napa Cabbage with Garlic steps in. It’s a testament to how quick-cooking techniques can showcase the natural sweetness of Napa cabbage, paired with the aromatic allure of garlic.

A soup to warm the soul, Napa Cabbage Soup provides comfort with its light yet umami-rich broth. Here, the cabbage finds its place among other vegetables, contributing to a harmonious bowl that is both nourishing and easy to make.

Lastly, our journey culminated in Baked Napa Cabbage Rolls, where the cabbage leaves act as an edible envelope for a filling of seasoned meat and rice. This dish brings a fusion of flavors and textures, all wrapped up in an elegant presentation that would be the centerpiece of any meal.

As we reflect on these recipes, the key takeaway is the versatility of Napa cabbage. It’s a vegetable that can transition through various cuisines and cooking styles, from the fermentation of Kimchi to the comfort of cabbage rolls. Each dish underscores how Napa cabbage can be the star or a supporting act, highlighting its mild yet adaptable flavor profile.

In wrapping up, it’s clear that Napa cabbage deserves a permanent place in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking to experiment with fermented foods, seeking light sides, or creating hearty meals, Napa cabbage’s versatility opens up a world of culinary possibilities. So, next time you’re at the grocery store, grab a head of Napa cabbage and let these recipes guide you to new flavors and textures in your home cooking.

Can Napa cabbage be used in stir-fries like regular green cabbage?

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Yes, Napa cabbage has a delicate texture that works well in stir-fries, often wilting faster than green cabbage, which allows for quick cooking.

Is Napa cabbage better raw or cooked?

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Napa cabbage is incredibly versatile; it can be eaten raw in salads or slaws where its mild flavor shines, or cooked in dishes like soups, stir-fries, and rolls where its texture softens to provide a different culinary experience.

How long does Napa cabbage kimchi last?

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Once fermented, Napa cabbage kimchi can be stored in the refrigerator and will last for weeks, even months, getting more flavorful as it ferments over time. However, its peak flavor is often reached within a week or two of fermentation.

Can I substitute regular cabbage for Napa cabbage in these recipes?

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While you can substitute regular green cabbage in many of these recipes, keep in mind that Napa cabbage has a milder flavor and a more tender texture. Green cabbage might require longer cooking times and will impart a stronger cabbage taste.