10+ Recipes Using Napa Cabbage for Delicious Dishes
Napa cabbage is a versatile vegetable that can add a delightful crunch and unique flavor to many dishes. You can use it to make a warm side dish, a refreshing salad, or a flavorful stir-fry. With its mild taste and tender leaves, napa cabbage can complement various cuisines and ingredients, making it a great choice for any meal.
In this article, you’ll discover a variety of recipes that showcase the wonderful qualities of napa cabbage. From quick sautéed options to heartier cooked dishes, you can easily incorporate this nutritious vegetable into your cooking. Let’s dive into these recipes and see how you can enjoy napa cabbage in new and exciting ways!
1) Roasted Napa Cabbage with Sesame Ginger
Roasted napa cabbage is a delicious and easy side dish. It brings out the natural sweetness of the cabbage. The sesame ginger sauce adds a tasty kick!
To make this dish, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Cut the napa cabbage into wedges and place them on a baking sheet with the cut side up. Brush the wedges with sesame oil and sprinkle with salt.
Roast the cabbage for about 20 minutes until the edges are browned. For added flavor, drizzle with a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, and sesame seeds before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 medium napa cabbage
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Cut napa cabbage into wedges.
- Place cabbage on a baking sheet, cut side up.
- Brush with sesame oil and sprinkle with salt.
- Roast for 20 minutes.
- Drizzle with soy sauce and minced ginger before serving.
- Garnish with sesame seeds.
2) Quick Sautéed Napa Cabbage
This quick sautéed napa cabbage recipe is a great way to enjoy a healthy side dish. It takes just a few minutes to prepare and is full of flavor.
Start by heating some oil in a pan. Add sliced napa cabbage along with garlic for extra taste. Cook for about five minutes until the cabbage is tender. You can season it with salt and pepper to suit your preference.
For a special twist, add a splash of soy sauce or some fresh herbs. This dish pairs well with many meals and is perfect for a light vegetarian option.
Ingredients
- 1 head of napa cabbage, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: soy sauce or fresh herbs
Cooking Instructions
- Heat oil or butter in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 180°C).
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add sliced napa cabbage and cook for 5 minutes.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional ingredients.
- Serve warm.
3) Napa Cabbage and Almond Salad
Napa cabbage and almond salad is a crunchy and delicious dish. It’s perfect as a side or a light meal. The sweetness of the cabbage pairs well with the nutty flavor of the almonds.
To start, wash and chop the napa cabbage. Add minced green onions for an extra flavor kick. Next, toast some slivered almonds in a pan until golden brown.
For the dressing, you can mix together soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of honey. Drizzle the dressing over the salad right before serving. This keeps everything fresh and crisp.
Enjoy this tasty salad at your next gathering or picnic!
Ingredients
- 1 head napa cabbage
- 1 bunch minced green onions
- â…“ cup slivered almonds
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
Cooking Instructions
- Wash and chop the napa cabbage.
- Mince the green onions.
- Toast the slivered almonds in a pan until golden.
- In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey.
- Combine the cabbage, onions, and almonds in a large bowl.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss before serving.
4) Napa Cabbage Stir-Fried Noodles
Napa cabbage stir-fried noodles are tasty and quick to make. This dish combines tender noodles with crunchy napa cabbage for a delicious meal. You can enjoy it as a main dish or a side.
Start by cooking your choice of noodles according to the package directions. While the noodles cook, wash and chop the napa cabbage.
In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for a minute, then toss in the napa cabbage. Stir-fry until it wilts.
Next, add the cooked noodles and any sauce you prefer. Mix everything well and let it cook for a few minutes.
Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful stir-fry!
Ingredients
- 8 oz noodles (any type)
- 1/2 head napa cabbage, chopped
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Soy sauce or your favorite stir-fry sauce
Cooking Instructions
- Cook noodles according to package instructions.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Add chopped napa cabbage and stir-fry until wilted.
- Mix in cooked noodles and sauce.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Serve hot.
5) Napa Cabbage Kimchi
Napa cabbage kimchi is a delicious and spicy side dish. It’s a staple in Korean cuisine and easy to make at home. The fermentation process gives it a unique flavor that pairs well with many meals.
To start, you’ll need fresh napa cabbage. Mixing in spices, garlic, and ginger adds depth to the taste. The key is to let it ferment for a few days, allowing the flavors to develop.
You can enjoy kimchi on its own or as part of a larger dish. It’s great with rice, in tacos, or even in soups.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head napa cabbage
- 1/4 cup seas salt
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup Korean red pepper flakes (gochugaru)
- 1/4 cup fish sauce or soy sauce
- 1/4 cup minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Cooking Instructions:
- Cut the napa cabbage in half and soak in salty water for 1-2 hours.
- Rinse and drain the cabbage.
- Mix the remaining ingredients in a bowl.
- Massage the spice mix into the cabbage.
- Pack it into a jar and let it ferment at room temperature for 2-3 days.
- Store in the fridge when ready to eat.
6) Napa Cabbage Slaw with a Twist
This Napa cabbage slaw is a vibrant and crunchy dish that gives a fresh take on traditional slaw. You’ll enjoy its bright colors and crisp textures, perfect for summer BBQs or as a side for any meal.
To make this slaw, start with thinly sliced napa cabbage. Add in some colorful radishes and fresh cilantro for a pop of flavor. An Asian-inspired dressing made of rice vinegar and sesame oil ties everything together.
This slaw is not only delicious but also very easy to prepare. You’ll find it refreshing and light, making it a great addition to your meals.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups napa cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup radishes, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the napa cabbage, radishes, and cilantro.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss well.
- Chill for about 15-30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
7) Melting Napa Cabbage Delight
This Melting Napa Cabbage Delight is a delicious and easy dish to make. The rich, garlicky flavor pairs perfectly with the tender texture of Napa cabbage. You can serve it as a side or even enjoy it on its own.
To make this dish, start by sautéing onions and garlic in butter. Once the onion becomes translucent, add the Napa cabbage and coat it well. Let it cook down until it’s perfectly tender.
Ingredients
- 1 medium Napa cabbage, sliced
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the Napa cabbage and mix well.
- Cook for about 10-15 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
8) Napa Cabbage Potstickers
Napa cabbage potstickers are a tasty dish that you can easily make at home. They have a delicious filling of pork and veggies, wrapped in a soft dough. You can pan-fry them for a crispy texture that pairs well with soy sauce.
To make the filling, chop napa cabbage and combine it with ground pork. Adding some scallions and soy sauce will enhance the flavor.
You can then wrap the filling in small circles of dough and cook them until golden brown. Serve them hot for great appetizers or a light meal. These potstickers are sure to impress your friends and family!
Ingredients
- 4 oz napa cabbage leaves
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 scallion, chopped
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- Potsticker dough (store-bought or homemade)
Cooking Instructions
- Chop the napa cabbage and scallions.
- Mix them with ground pork and soy sauce in a bowl.
- Prepare potsticker dough circles.
- Place a small amount of filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold and seal the edges to form potstickers.
- Heat a pan with oil over medium heat (350°F/175°C).
- Place potstickers in the pan and cook until golden brown.
9) Frizzled-Onion Napa Cabbage Salad
This Frizzled-Onion Napa Cabbage Salad is a tasty, crunchy dish that’s easy to make. You’ll love how the frizzled onions add a nice twist.
Start by slicing ¼ head of Napa cabbage into thick pieces. Toss it in a bowl with some fresh cilantro and mint leaves for extra flavor.
To add a bit of crunch, you can top it off with frizzled onions. These crispy onions bring a wonderful texture and savory taste.
Ingredients
- ¼ head of Napa cabbage (about 8 oz.), cored and sliced
- ¼ cup cilantro leaves with tender stems
- ¼ cup mint leaves
- Frizzled onions
Cooking Instructions
- Slice the Napa cabbage and place it in a bowl.
- Add chopped cilantro and mint leaves.
- Prepare frizzled onions in a skillet until golden and crispy.
- Top the salad with the frizzled onions before serving.
10) Grilled Radicchio with Napa Cabbage
Grilled radicchio and napa cabbage make a tasty and colorful side dish. The grilling adds a nice smoky flavor while keeping the veggies crisp. It’s simple to prepare and perfect for any meal.
To make this dish, start by cutting the napa cabbage and radicchio into wedges. You can brush them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Heat your grill to medium-high heat, about 375°F (190°C).
Place the wedges directly on the grill. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they are slightly charred but still crisp.
Serve the grilled vegetables warm for a delightful addition to your table.
Ingredients
- Napa cabbage
- Radicchio
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Cooking Instructions
- Cut napa cabbage and radicchio into wedges.
- Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Preheat the grill to 375°F (190°C).
- Grill the wedges for about 2 minutes on each side.
- Serve warm.