Chinese Braised Cabbage Recipe: A Delicious Side Dish You Should Try

Treat your palate with a delectable Chinese braised cabbage recipe. This dish is a classic in Chinese cuisine, and it's one that you'll find on the menu of many Chinese restaurants around the world. The dish is simple to make, and it's perfect for those who are looking for a healthy and delicious meal.

Choosing the Right Ingredients:

When it comes to making the Chinese braised cabbage recipe, the first thing you need to do is choose the right ingredients. The main ingredient, of course, is cabbage, and you'll want to make sure that you choose a fresh and crisp cabbage for the best results. You can also add other ingredients to the dish, such as dried shrimp, mushrooms, or glass noodles, to enhance the flavour of the dish. If you're a seafood lover, you can also add seafood to the dish, such as prawns or scallops, to give it an extra flavour boost.

Cooking Steps:

Once you have your ingredients ready, it's time to start cooking. The first step is to heat up your wok or frying pan and add some oil. Then, add the cabbage and stir-fry it for a few minutes until it starts to wilt. Next, add the soy sauce, sugar, and other seasonings, and let the cabbage cook for a few more minutes. Finally, add some water and let the cabbage simmer until it's tender and the sauce has thickened.

Key Takeaways

• The Chinese braised cabbage recipe is a healthy and delicious vegetarian dish that's easy to make.
• Choosing the right ingredients, such as fresh cabbage and flavourful seasonings, is key to making a tasty dish.
• Adding seafood, such as prawns or scallops, can give the dish an extra flavour boost.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

When it comes to making a delicious Chinese braised cabbage dish, selecting the right ingredients is key. Here are some tips to help you choose the best cabbage, seasonings and other ingredients for your recipe.

Types of Cabbage

There are two main types of cabbage used in Chinese braised cabbage recipes: Napa cabbage and Chinese cabbage. Napa cabbage has a mild, sweet flavour and is perfect for braising. Chinese cabbage, on the other hand, has a slightly bitter taste and is better suited to stir-frying.

Selecting Fresh Produce

When selecting your cabbage, look for heads with tightly packed leaves and no signs of wilting or yellowing. Fresh garlic is also essential for adding flavour to your dish. Make sure to choose firm, plump cloves with no signs of mould or soft spots.

Essential Seasonings

To achieve the perfect balance of flavours, you'll need to use the right seasonings. Salt and pepper are essential, but for an extra burst of umami, consider adding dried shiitake mushrooms or dried seafood like shrimp or scallops. Soy sauce and oyster sauce are also key ingredients in Chinese braised cabbage recipes.

If you're not sure which seafood to use, dried shrimp or scallops are great options. They add a rich, savoury flavour to the dish and are readily available in most Asian grocery stores.

Remember to use high-quality oil when cooking your cabbage. Peanut oil or vegetable oil are good choices as they have a high smoke point and won't overpower the other flavours in your dish.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious Chinese braised cabbage dish that's sure to impress.

Preparation Techniques

Washing and Cutting Cabbage

Before you start preparing your Chinese braised cabbage recipe, you need to wash and cut the cabbage. First, remove any damaged or wilted outer leaves and then rinse the cabbage under running water. Cut the cabbage in half, remove the core, and then slice it into thin strips.

Prepping Aromatics

The aromatics used in Chinese braised cabbage recipe are garlic and onion. Peel and finely chop the garlic cloves and onion.

If you want to add some protein to your braised cabbage, you can add seafood such as shrimp or scallops. For this recipe, dried shrimp works well. Soak the dried shrimp in warm water for an hour until they are soft. Mince the shrimp and add them to the braised cabbage during the cooking process.

Remember, the preparation techniques for braised cabbage are straightforward, and the cooking process is relatively quick, making it a perfect meal option for busy weeknights.

Cooking Steps

Using a Wok

To cook braised Chinese cabbage, you will need a wok. A wok is a versatile and essential tool in Chinese cooking. It is a deep, round-bottomed pan that allows for even heat distribution and fast cooking. When using a wok, it is important to heat it up properly before adding any oil or ingredients.

To start, heat up your wok over high heat until it is hot. Then, add a tablespoon of oil and swirl it around the wok. You can use any type of oil you prefer, but vegetable or peanut oil are good options. Once the oil is hot, you can start adding your ingredients.

The Braising Process

To braise Chinese cabbage, you will need water and your choice of seasoning. You can use soy sauce, oyster sauce, or a combination of both. If you want to add seafood to your dish, shrimp or scallops would be a great addition.

Start by adding your sliced cabbage to the wok and stir-frying it for a few minutes until it starts to wilt. Then, add your seasoning and enough water to cover the cabbage. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.

During the braising process, it is important to stir the cabbage occasionally to make sure it cooks evenly. You can also add more water if needed to keep the cabbage from drying out. Once the cabbage is tender and the liquid has reduced, your dish is ready to serve.

Braised Chinese cabbage is a simple and delicious dish that can be made with just a few ingredients. With a wok and the right seasoning, you can create a flavourful and healthy meal that everyone will enjoy.

Flavour Enhancements

Chinese braised cabbage is a versatile dish that can be seasoned and flavoured to suit your taste buds. Here are some flavour enhancements that you can try to take your braised cabbage recipe to the next level.

Seasoning Adjustments

Soy sauce is a key ingredient in braised cabbage, and it provides a salty and savoury flavour to the dish. If you prefer a less salty taste, you can adjust the amount of soy sauce used in the recipe. Similarly, sugar can be added or reduced to adjust the sweetness of the dish.

Oyster sauce is another seasoning that can be added to the dish to enhance its flavour. It is a thick, dark sauce made from oysters, and it provides a rich, umami flavour to the dish. You can add oyster sauce to your braised cabbage recipe to give it a more complex flavour.

Adding Umami

Shiitake mushrooms are a great way to add umami to your braised cabbage recipe. They have a meaty texture and a deep, savoury flavour that complements the cabbage well. You can add sliced shiitake mushrooms to the dish to give it a more robust flavour.

Seafood is another way to add umami to your braised cabbage recipe. Shrimp or scallops can be added to the dish to add protein and flavour. Dried shrimps are a common ingredient in braised cabbage recipes, but you can also use fresh shrimp or scallops for a more luxurious flavour.

There are many ways to enhance the flavour of your Chinese braised cabbage recipe. You can adjust the seasonings to your liking, and experiment with different ingredients to find the perfect flavour combination.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you have learned how to cook Chinese braised cabbage, it's time to think about serving suggestions. This dish is very versatile and can be served in many ways, depending on your preference. Here are some ideas to get you started:

With Rice

Chinese braised cabbage is a perfect side dish to serve with rice. You can either mix the cabbage with the rice or serve them separately. The rice will help balance the flavors of the dish and make it more filling. You can also add some seafood, such as shrimp or scallops, to the dish for an extra burst of flavor.

As a Soup

Another way to serve Chinese braised cabbage is as a soup. Simply add some chicken or vegetable broth to the dish and let it simmer for a few minutes. This will create a delicious and hearty soup that is perfect for cold winter days. You can also add some noodles or dumplings to the soup for a more filling meal.

For Chinese New Year

Chinese braised cabbage is a popular dish during Chinese New Year. It is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to those who eat it. You can serve it alongside other traditional dishes, such as dumplings and spring rolls, for a festive meal.

As a Braised Vegetable Dish

Chinese braised cabbage is a great dish to add to your collection of braised vegetable dishes. You can use the same cooking method to braise other vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, and celery. This will create a delicious and healthy meal that is perfect for any occasion.

When it comes to seafood, you can add some shrimp or scallops to the dish for an extra burst of flavor. The seafood will complement the cabbage perfectly and create a delicious and filling meal. If you decide to add seafood, make sure to use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best results.

To sum it up, Chinese braised cabbage is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Whether you choose to serve it with rice, as a soup, or as a braised vegetable dish, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to make vegetarian braised cabbage?

For a vegetarian version of braised cabbage, you can omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some tofu or mushrooms to give the dish more depth and flavour. If you want to add seafood to your vegetarian braised cabbage, you can use dried shrimp or scallops.

How can I incorporate soy sauce into my braised cabbage dish?

Soy sauce is a key ingredient in many braised cabbage dishes. You can add it to the dish at the beginning of the cooking process or towards the end for a stronger flavour. If you want to add some sweetness to the dish, you can also add some sugar or honey.

Can you suggest a simple method for braising cabbage?

Braising cabbage is a simple and easy process. Start by heating some oil in a wok or large pot. Add some garlic and ginger and stir-fry until fragrant. Add the cabbage and stir-fry for a few minutes. Then add some broth, soy sauce, and any other seasonings you like. Cover the wok or pot and let the cabbage simmer until it is tender.

What's the secret to Teochew-style braised cabbage?

The key to achieving the authentic Teochew flavour in braised cabbage is to use a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and rock sugar. You can also add some dried shrimp or scallops to give the dish more depth and flavour.

How do I add chicken to a braised cabbage recipe?

To add chicken to a braised cabbage recipe, you can cut some chicken into small pieces and stir-fry it with garlic and ginger until it is cooked through. Then add the cabbage and continue with the recipe as usual.

What's the difference between Taiwanese braised cabbage and other regional variations?

Taiwanese braised cabbage is typically sweeter and more savoury than other regional variations. It often includes dried shrimp or scallops for added flavour. Some recipes also call for the addition of dried mushrooms or bamboo shoots.