Many people skip napa cabbage because they have no idea what to do with this Asian vegetable. Surely, it is not an ordinary cabbage that you add to salads, soups, and stews. But its unique taste, similar to bok choy and celery, can make you fall in love with napa cabbage.
I love experimenting with new healthy vegetables and fruit, so napa cabbage was not an exception. Here is what I have already tried to cook with napa cabbage and what I highly recommend making.
1 Kimchee
When it comes to napa cabbage, the first word that comes to our minds is of course kimchee. I am not a big fan of spicy meals, but skipping this popular Korean side dish when experimenting with napa cabbage recipes is a crime. Although there are many kimchee recipes, I chose the easiest and quickest one.
All you need to do is to mix 3-5 cups of chopped napa cabbage, a tablespoon of hot sauce like sambal oelek, 3 sliced garlic cloves, 2-3 tablespoons of rice wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt ( I skipped salt), and let it sit overnight. The next day, stir well and enjoy.
2 Shiitake and Napa Cabbage Dumplings
It takes practice to learn how to make these delights correctly, but the result is well worth it. If you are a green tea junkie, this recipe is definitely for you. Bonnie, who shared the recipe, will teach you how to make shiitake and napa cabbage dumplings in your own kitchen. Get the recipe
here.
3 Napa Cabbage Wraps
Napa cabbage wraps are fortified with vitamins, minerals and powerful antioxidants that will boost your health, improve your mood and increase your energy level. The wraps make perfect lunchtime snacks. Plus, they are quick and easy to make. Get the recipe shared by Sarah Yates
here.
4 Baked Spring Rolls
I call them spring rolls because of their bright green color. But you can call them however you like. Cut napa cabbage leaves in half, steam them and fill with a mixture of your choice – whether it is a mushroom, carrot, and rice mixture or rice and meat mixture, it will be delicious anyway. Top your spring rolls with tomato sauce and bake for 20-30 minutes.
5 Salads
What is the easiest way to incorporate napa cabbage to your daily diet? Yep, salads. It does not have to be a slaw. Just add napa cabbage to your favorite spring salad and reap all the benefits it boasts. Some dieters add napa cabbage to green smoothies instead of salads. Give it a try too.
Read also – 10 Deliciously Healthy High-Protein Foods
6 Miso Soup with Napa Cabbage and Udon
Miso soups are incredibly popular mostly in Japanese restaurants, but you can make it at home too. The ingredient list is not simple and budget-friendly, but you deserve it once in a while. Get the recipe
here.
7 Napa Cabbage Stir Fry
One of the most delicious ways to cook with napa cabbage is certainly a stir fry. It is quick to cook (about 10 minutes), requires simple ingredients, and makes a perfect side or main dish. Get the full recipe
here.
8 Grilled Napa Cabbage with Chinese Mustard Glaze and Scallions
Grilling season is here, and this means we can enjoy tasty grilled vegetables every day. Grilled napa cabbage is almost as healthy as grilled bell peppers. Add a unique glaze, and the taste will wow the whole family or friends. Get the recipe
here.
9 Buddha’s Delight
Buddha’s Delight takes more time to cook – a little more than an hour, and requires a great number of both expensive and budget-friendly ingredients. But according to the author of the recipe, Bill, it is one of the most authentic Chinese recipes ever. Vegetarians love Buddha’s Delight because of its healthy benefits and awesome taste. Get the recipe
here.
10 Mille-Feuille Nabe
Sounds complicated, right? In reality, it is a simple Japanese hot pot made with napa cabbage layers and pork belly slices cooked in a dashi broth. Nami, the author of the recipe, will show you how to do it. Get the video tutorial and recipe
here.
Read also – 8 Awe-Inspiring Chinese Food Blogs
Napa cabbage is an underrated vegetable that we should be eating more. It is loaded with vitamins A, C, K, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, pyridoxine, thiamin, potassium, calcium, phosphorous, iron, manganese, magnesium, and powerful antioxidants that are all good and vital for your health. Incorporate napa cabbage into your weekly meal plan to enjoy all its benefits.
