Nappa cabbage, also known as ‘the edible leaves of vegetables’ in Japanese, may have a Japanese name but its origins are actually Chinese. This beloved vegetable is one of the most popular cabbages out there, and it’s easy to see why. Its unique football-like shape, tightly packed leaves, large size, and light green color make it a standout. But what really sets Nappa cabbage apart is its chameleon-like ability to change its texture and flavor depending on how you prepare it.
Fresh salads bring out its crunchy satisfaction and refreshing taste, while sautéing, braising, or stewing softens it up and brings out its natural sweetness. If you’re looking for inspiration, I’ve got 30 Nappa cabbage recipes to get your creative juices flowing. Try making Okonomiyaki, a classic Japanese street food that’s easy to whip up with ingredients from your kitchen. Or go for something more delicate like Steamed Cod Over Nappa Cabbage.
And if you’re feeling summery, #28 is a slow-cooked summer flavor fest that’s sure to please.
Gochujang Braised Nappa Cabbage
Gochujang, a beloved Korean condiment, embodies a harmonious balance of sweet, spicy, funky, and savory notes. Its unique flavor profile is both captivating and addictive. When marinating cabbage in gochujang before braising, the resulting layers are masterfully seasoned, with each bite delivering a depth of flavor infused by the chili paste. The marriage of textures and tastes is nothing short of sublime.
This recipe yields an effortless 30-minute spicy side dish that’s sure to tantalize taste buds.
Nappa Cabbage Stir-Fry
When it comes to speedy and flavorful meals, stir-fries are undoubtedly a top contender. The beauty of this popular dish lies in its ability to be elevated with a harmonious blend of seasonings. A trifecta of soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar is all that’s needed to create a well-rounded flavor profile that will leave you wanting more. And the best part? This saucy sensation is equally impressive when served atop freshly cooked white rice, making it a match made in culinary heaven.
Melting Nappa Cabbage
Savoring the tender, velvety texture that only melting can provide is an experience unlike any other. The cabbage wedges, initially crispy from a searing process that infuses them with a subtle roasted flavor, take on a life of their own as they’re slow-cooked in a spicy tomato broth. As the minutes tick by, the cabbage becomes intensely flavorful, its natural sweetness melding with the bold spices and tangy acidity of the broth to create a culinary delight that’s simply irresistible.
Roasted Kale Nappa Cabbage
The simplicity and charm of a baked veggie salad can’t be beat. At its core is a perfect union of textures and flavors, made possible by the humble kale leaf. What’s remarkable about kale is that it cooks much faster than its cabbage counterpart when baked, resulting in a delightful contrast between the two. The roasting process also allows the greens to soften and take on a deeper, richer flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
Nappa Cabbage Asian Slaw
Savoring the essence of summer, this refreshing recipe is sure to delight. A vibrant veggie salad, generously augmented by chow mein noodles, makes for a satisfying and filling meal. But what truly elevates this dish is the creamy ginger soy dressing, which weaves its magic, harmonizing all the flavors and textures into a culinary masterpiece.
Nappa Cabbage Steaks
While dedicated carnivores may be surprised to find pleasure in a meatless alternative, this steak recipe is sure to delight. A key component of its success lies in the addition of paprika, which not only imparts a stunning visual appeal but also infuses the dish with a rich, smoky flavor and a touch of spicy heat.
The subtle kick from the pepper flakes is expertly counterbalanced by the sweet, honey-like essence of agave syrup, creating a harmonious blend that will leave even the most ardent meat enthusiasts impressed.
Nappa Cabbage & Mushroom
When seeking a satisfying meatless option, consider this recipe. The combination of mild-flavored cabbage and earthy mushrooms yields a harmonious union. To bring out the best in these ingredients, start by cooking the mushrooms over medium heat until they develop a rich, caramelized color. This step is crucial in unlocking the full depth of flavor that these two ingredients have to offer.
Chinese Nappa Cabbage Salad
This salad boasts a unique texture thanks to its unexpected crunchy topping – ramen noodles. The real showstopper, however, is the savory, slightly nutty, and subtly soy-flavored dressing that brings everything together. For an added depth of flavor, consider substituting with roasted sesame dressing for an even more indulgent taste experience.
Rutabaga Fries With Nappa Cabbage
Rutabaga and cabbage may seem like an unlikely pair, but did you know that they’re actually related? Both veggies belong to the same plant family, which explains why they complement each other so harmoniously. The rich buttery flavor of rutabaga fries is perfectly balanced by the natural sweetness of cabbage, making them a match made in culinary heaven.
Chinese Nappa Cabbage With Glass Noodles
The unique texture of glass noodles is one of their most endearing qualities – their silky smoothness and satisfying chewiness make each bite a pleasure. Meanwhile, the Sichuan peppercorn-infused oil adds an intense aromatic quality to the dish, its potent flavor profile elevating the overall culinary experience.
Cabbage & Mushroom Lasagna
Transforming the humble cabbage into a creative culinary masterpiece, this unique recipe capitalizes on its natural layered structure. Think of it as a vegetable ‘lasagna’ where each leaf serves as a layer, perfectly suited for a hearty, meat-packed filling reminiscent of its traditional pasta counterpart. The Parmesan cheese adds a delightful contrast in texture and flavor, imparting a fruity, tangy zest that complements the dish’s rich flavors.
Nappa Cabbage Ramen Noodle Salad
Transforming ramen noodles into a party favorite requires the perfect blend of flavors. The savory umami of tamari sauce and the sweet caramel taste of maple syrup create an unbeatable combination that’s sure to impress. Meanwhile, the zesty punch from orange juice adds a welcome contrast, but feel free to substitute it with lemon or lime juice if you prefer.
Burmese Ginger Salad (Jin Thoke)
The culinary magic of fish sauce lies in its harmonious blend of umami and salty notes, which expertly elevates the humble vegetables to new heights. Meanwhile, a squeeze of fresh lime juice injects a welcome burst of brightness, cutting through the richness and balancing out the flavors. And when you add crunchy pumpkin seeds and luscious tomato slices to the mix, this salad transforms into a satisfying and filling main course that’s sure to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.
Nappa Cabbage Wrapped Shiitake Pork Rolls
The culinary fusion at play in this dish is nothing short of remarkable, as Asian flavors come together in perfect harmony. The use of firm, tough cabbage leaves as wraps may seem unconventional, but they prove to be an inspired choice due to their impressive durability. This unique wrapping material allows the delicate flavors and textures of the pork and mushrooms to take center stage, while still providing a satisfying crunch from the slightly toasted cabbage.
Bacon & Cabbage Salad
The allure of crispy bacon is undeniable. To amplify the flavors in this dish, I take it a step further by rendering the bacon fat until it reaches that perfect level of crunch. This process allows the earthy sweetness of the mushrooms to soak up the rich, savory essence of the bacon – its meaty, briny, and smoky notes all blending harmoniously together. Meanwhile, a drizzle of honey mustard adds a delightful balance of sweet and tangy to the salad, elevating it to a new level of complexity.
Nappa Cabbage Summer Rolls
There’s something special about wrapping up a delicious snack – the combination of textures and flavors just hits the spot. Take, for example, the delightful crunch of fresh veggies paired with the rich, nutty goodness of peanut butter dipping sauce. It’s a match made in heaven! This recipe is all about experimentation, so don’t be afraid to get creative and combine different flavors and textures to give it your personal stamp.
Nappa Cabbage Kimchi
Kimchi, a fermented vegetable dish at the heart of Korean cuisine, brings a burst of bold flavors to any meal. The tangy, spicy, and sour notes create a delightful harmony that elevates dishes to new heights. Whether you prefer to enjoy it as a side or incorporate it into kimchi fried rice, this versatile condiment is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Pickled Nappa Cabbage
This 3-ingredient pickle recipe stands out for its speed, requiring only 5 minutes to prepare. However, what’s truly impressive is how the pickling liquid allows the cabbage to absorb the rich umami flavors of shio koki and shio kombu over time, much like a long bath rejuvenates the senses. As you wait, it’s essential to exercise patience, as this recipe demands attention to detail and timing.
To make the experience even more rewarding, consider scaling up the recipe to create a big batch that will keep on giving.
Grilled Cabbage
This effortless recipe showcases the simplicity of cooking, where minimal ingredients and steps come together to create something truly delightful.
The star of the show is the grilled cabbage wedges, which tenderly absorb the smoky flavors and develop stunning grill marks.
With a light seasoning, you’re free to let your imagination run wild with creative combinations.
To take it up a notch, try pairing it with a rich herb-infused butter or a tangy creamy balsamic dressing – either way, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Pork & Cabbage Potstickers
Improve your culinary folding techniques by trying out this scrumptious potsticker recipe! These bite-sized packets of savory goodness transform into crispy, flavorful morsels when cooked to perfection. To take them to the next level, simply serve with a dipping sauce of your choice – soy sauce or any other savory condiment is sure to complement their rich flavors.
Seared Nappa Cabbage With Miso Butter
The presentation of the seared cabbage boasts a striking visual contrast that’s sure to catch the eye. This delightful dish is elevated by its rich umami flavor, courtesy of the decadent miso butter and crispy toasted nori. The addition of darker miso in the butter sauce adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
Steamed Cod Over Nappa Cabbage
Cod is a type of white-fleshed fish renowned for its mild, creamy flavor profile. While there are numerous varieties of cod, they all share a common trait: their versatility when it comes to cooking methods. Specifically, steaming is a fantastic way to prepare this fish, as it allows the delicate flavors and tender texture to shine through.
nThe soft, flaky flesh of cod pairs exquisitely with crunchy cabbage and a light sauce, creating a harmonious balance of textures and flavors that’s hard to resist.
Okonomiyaki
Experience the authentic flavors of Japan in the comfort of your own kitchen. One such culinary delight is Okonomiyaki, a popular street food that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many. This savory dish is made by combining three fundamental ingredients – cabbage, flour, and eggs – to create a harmonious balance of textures and flavors.
What sets Okonomiyaki apart is its rich, sweet sauce, which adds depth and complexity to the dish. And the best part?
You’re free to customize it to your liking by adding your favorite toppings. So go ahead, indulge in this Japanese culinary delight, and let the world of flavors come alive in your own home!
Nappa Cabbage & Bean Soup
As the seasons transition and the temperature drops, there’s nothing quite like a warm and comforting bowl of soup to chase away the chill. One such recipe that’s sure to hit the spot is a hearty and satisfying chickpea and kidney bean soup. The long cooking time imbues the legumes with a tender, buttery texture that’s simply irresistible.
While this recipe is proudly meat-free, it’s also incredibly versatile – feel free to add chunks of beef or crispy bacon to give it an extra boost of flavor if you so desire.
Creamed Nappa Cabbage Casserole
This mouthwatering recipe is sure to delight even the most discerning palates. The combination of coconut cream’s rich, nutty flavor and the smoky, savory taste of bacon creates a match made in heaven.
nThe shredded mozzarella cheese adds a delightful textural element, as it melts to perfection under the warmth of the oven, creating a golden-brown crown that’s simply irresistible.
Sausage & Cabbage Fried Rice
The simplicity of fried rice belies its versatility and ease of preparation, making it a beloved staple in many households. Its unassuming nature has even led to its adoption in restaurants, where creative twists are often applied to this classic dish. The harmonious combination of individual grains of rice, savory sausage, and crunchy cabbage creates a visually appealing presentation that’s almost too beautiful to eat.
Chicken & Nappa Cabbage In Egg Sauce
Indulge in the savory flavors of Chinese cuisine by trying out this delectable recipe! The rich egg sauce, infused with the umami taste of oyster sauce and the subtle hint of Shaoxing wine, is akin to a light yet satisfying soup. To make it a more substantial meal, consider adding chewy chow mein or rice noodles for a filling and flavorful experience.
Cabbage Tofu Delicata Squash Stew
As the temperature drops, there’s no better way to warm up than with a comforting bowl of stew. And at its core is tofu – a versatile ingredient that can absorb the rich flavors of other ingredients, making it an ideal addition to any saucy dish.
When you combine the earthy sweetness of stewed mushrooms, the creamy texture of roasted squash, and the subtle tanginess of caramelized cabbage, you get a soup that’s nothing short of incredible.
It’s the perfect remedy for a chilly evening, and one that’s sure to leave you feeling cozy and content.
Creamy Pasta With Nappa Cabbage & Bacon
While cabbage might not be an obvious choice for pasta, its subtle flavor and crunchy texture complement the sauce surprisingly well. As it cooks, the leaves will naturally shrink, so feel free to cut them into larger chunks if you want to retain some crunch. To take it to the next level, consider adding cheese on top before broiling – this will allow the cheese to develop a deep, caramelized flavor that’s sure to impress.
Baja Fish Tacos
Taco Tuesday cravings got the better of you? No worries! Here’s a scrumptious recipe to satisfy your appetite. It’s all about elevating delicate fish with Mexican flair. Simply coat your choice of flaky fish (or substitute with any fish you have available) with a blend of tantalizing spices and wrap it in a soft, pliable tortilla. The result is a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that will leave you hooked. So, go ahead and indulge in this Taco Tuesday treat!
The bottom line
While nappa cabbage may often take a backseat to other leafy greens, it has the potential to shine as the main attraction when afforded the opportunity. Its mild flavor and crunchy texture make it an excellent addition to a variety of dishes, from salads to stir-fries.
