Description
Garlic Soy Napa Cabbage Rolls are a delightful and healthy Asian-inspired dish featuring tender napa cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory ground chicken or pork filling, infused with mushrooms, scallions, and garlic. Steamed to perfection and topped with a flavorful soy-based sauce, these rolls make a perfect appetizer or light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cabbage Rolls
- 10 napa cabbage leaves
- 1/2 lb ground chicken or pork
- 1/4 cup finely chopped mushrooms
- 1/4 cup finely chopped scallions
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp mirin or rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
For Garnish
- Chopped scallions
Instructions
- Prepare Cabbage Leaves: Boil napa cabbage leaves for 2 minutes until softened. Drain the leaves well and set aside to cool for rolling.
- Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ground chicken or pork, finely chopped mushrooms, scallions, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Roll the Cabbage Leaves: Lay one softened cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Add a spoonful of the meat filling near the base of the leaf. Roll the leaf tightly around the filling, similar to a burrito or spring roll.
- Steam the Rolls: Place the cabbage rolls in a steamer basket and steam for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the meat filling is fully cooked through and tender.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, mirin (or rice vinegar), and sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Thicken the Sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry well, then slowly add it to the simmering sauce while stirring continuously. Continue cooking and stirring for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
- Serve: Drizzle the thickened sauce over the steamed cabbage rolls. Garnish with chopped scallions for a fresh finish. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Boiling the cabbage leaves briefly makes them pliable and easier to roll without tearing.
- Use ground chicken or pork according to your preference; either works well with the flavor profile.
- If mirin is not available, rice vinegar is an excellent substitute offering a mild tang.
- Ensure rolling is tight to keep the filling intact during steaming.
- Adjust salt and pepper in the filling to taste before rolling.
- The sauce can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Steaming
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: Napa Cabbage Rolls, Asian Cabbage Rolls, Steamed Cabbage Rolls, Ground Chicken Rolls, Healthy Asian Recipe, Soy Sauce Sauce Recipe
