Easy Steamed Chinese Cabbage Recipe: Your Guide to a Simple and Healthy Dish

A popular staple in Chinese cuisine, steamed Chinese cabbage is a simple and healthy dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways. This low-carb vegetable dish is versatile and can be enjoyed as a quick and easy side dish or a filling main course, making it a great option that you can customize to suit your taste.

When choosing ingredients for your steamed Chinese cabbage recipe, opt for fresh and high-quality produce. Cabbage is a great source of vitamins and fiber, and can be paired with a variety of other vegetables and proteins to create a well-rounded meal. Seafood such as shrimp or scallops can be added to the dish to add protein and flavour.

Preparing steamed Chinese cabbage is simple and straightforward. The cabbage can be shredded or cut into large pieces and steamed until tender. A variety of seasonings and sauces can be added to the dish to enhance its flavour. This dish can be served as a side dish or as a main course with rice or noodles.

Key Takeaways

• Steamed Chinese cabbage is a simple and healthy dish that can be customized to your liking.
• Fresh and high-quality produce is essential to creating a delicious steamed Chinese cabbage dish.
• Seafood such as shrimp or scallops can be added to the dish for added protein and flavour.

Choosing Ingredients

When it comes to steaming Chinese cabbage, selecting the best ingredients is crucial to achieving a delicious and healthy dish. Here are some tips on how to choose the right ingredients for your steamed Chinese cabbage recipe.

Selecting the Best Cabbage

Chinese cabbage, also known as Napa cabbage, is the most commonly used cabbage in Chinese cuisine. It has a mild, sweet flavour and a crisp texture, making it perfect for steaming. Look for fresh, firm heads of Chinese cabbage with tightly packed leaves and no signs of wilting or yellowing.

Green cabbage and red cabbage can also be used for steaming, but they have a stronger flavour and a tougher texture. If you prefer a milder flavour, go for Chinese cabbage.

Complementary Vegetables and Proteins

While Chinese cabbage is the star of the dish, adding complementary vegetables and proteins can make it even more delicious and nutritious. Mushrooms, carrots, and green onions are great options for adding flavour and texture to the dish. For protein, you can use pork, chicken, beef, tofu, or seafood.

If you're using seafood, try using prawns or scallops for a delicate flavour that complements the cabbage. Be sure to cook seafood thoroughly to avoid any health risks.

Sauces and Seasonings

To add depth of flavour to your steamed Chinese cabbage, you'll need to use the right sauces and seasonings. Soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, and Shaoxing wine are all commonly used in Chinese cooking and can be used to season the dish.

When using soy sauce, be careful not to add too much as it can overpower the other flavours. Oyster sauce adds a rich umami flavour, while sesame oil adds a nutty aroma. Vinegar and Shaoxing wine add a tangy flavour that helps to balance the dish.

By selecting the right ingredients, you can create a delicious and healthy steamed Chinese cabbage dish that is sure to impress.

Preparation Techniques

If you want to make a delicious steamed Chinese cabbage, you need to follow certain preparation techniques. Here are some tips to help you prepare the cabbage and filling for this dish.

Cleaning and Cutting Cabbage

Start by cleaning the cabbage leaves. Rinse them under cold water and pat them dry. Remove any damaged or wilted leaves. Then, cut the cabbage into small pieces, about 2-3 inches in length.

Preparing the Filling

To prepare the filling, you will need minced pork, minced garlic, ginger, salt, pepper, cornstarch, and oil. You can also add vegetables such as carrots or mushrooms to the filling. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.

If you want to add seafood to the filling, you can use shrimp or scallops. Simply chop them into small pieces and mix them with the other ingredients.

Blanching and Steaming

To blanch the cabbage leaves, bring a pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Add the cabbage leaves and blanch them for about 30 seconds. Then, remove them from the pot and transfer them to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process.

Next, take a cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of filling in the center. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and roll it up tightly. Repeat this process with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.

To steam the cabbage rolls, place them in a steamer basket or a wok with a steaming rack. Add water to the wok and bring it to a boil. Then, place the steamer basket or rack on top of the wok and cover it with a lid. Steam the cabbage rolls for about 15-20 minutes or until they are cooked through.

With these preparation techniques, you can make a delicious steamed Chinese cabbage that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Cooking Process

Steamed Chinese cabbage is a simple yet delicious dish that can be easily prepared at home. Here are the steps to follow to make this dish:

Assembling the Dish

To prepare the dish, you will need the following ingredients:

• Chinese cabbage leaves
• Minced pork
• Carrots
• Green onions
• Mushrooms
• Light soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Pepper
• Cornstarch
• Oil

First, take the leaves of the cabbage and put them in a plate. Add pepper, salt, a little sugar, and oil to pickle. Then, mince the pork, carrots, green onions, and mushrooms, and put them in a basin. Add light soy sauce, oyster sauce, pepper, cornstarch, and oil, stir well, and enlarge the top of the cabbage.

Mastering the Steaming Technique

To steam the cabbage rolls, you will need a steamer. Fill the steamer with water and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, place the cabbage rolls in the steamer and steam for 15-20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.

It is important to note that the steaming process should be done at high heat to ensure that the cabbage rolls cook evenly and thoroughly. Additionally, adding garlic to the steaming water can infuse the cabbage rolls with a sweet and savory flavor.

Finishing Touches

Once the cabbage rolls are steamed, remove them from the steamer and place them on a plate. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

If you want to add a seafood twist to this dish, you can use shrimp or prawns as a filling for the cabbage rolls. Simply substitute the minced pork with shrimp or prawns, and follow the same steps to assemble and steam the rolls. The result is a delicious and healthy seafood dish that is sure to impress your guests.

Serving and Pairing

Plating Steamed Cabbage

When it comes to plating steamed Chinese cabbage, the presentation can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. One option is to serve the cabbage in a large, shallow bowl, garnished with fresh herbs such as coriander or spring onions. Alternatively, you could arrange the cabbage neatly on a plate, perhaps with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a drizzle of soy sauce.

Accompaniments and Side Dishes

Steamed Chinese cabbage is a versatile dish that pairs well with a wide range of other foods. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Rice: Steamed cabbage is a great accompaniment to steamed rice. The mild flavour of the cabbage complements the nutty taste of the rice, making for a satisfying and filling meal.
• Noodles: For a heartier dish, try serving your steamed cabbage with noodles. This is a great way to turn a simple vegetable dish into a more substantial meal.
• Steamed Rice Dumplings: If you're looking for a more traditional pairing, consider serving your cabbage with steamed rice dumplings. These soft, doughy dumplings are a popular snack in many parts of China, and they make a great accompaniment to steamed cabbage.
• Vegetable Dishes: Steamed cabbage pairs well with other vegetable dishes, such as stir-fried green beans or sautéed mushrooms. This is a great way to add some variety to your meal while still keeping it healthy.
• Seafood: If you're feeling adventurous, consider adding some seafood to your steamed cabbage. Shrimp or scallops would be a great addition, as their delicate flavour would complement the mild taste of the cabbage. Alternatively, you could try adding some fish sauce to the cabbage while it's steaming, for a more subtle seafood flavour.

Overall, steamed Chinese cabbage is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Whether you're serving it as a side dish or a main course, there are plenty of ways to pair it with other foods to create a satisfying and balanced meal.

Nutritional Information

Caloric Content

Steamed Chinese cabbage is a low-calorie dish that is perfect for those who are watching their weight. One cup of steamed Chinese cabbage contains only 21 calories, making it an excellent choice for anyone who is looking to maintain a healthy weight.

Macro and Micro-Nutrients

Steamed Chinese cabbage is also a great source of nutrients. It is high in vitamin C, which is essential for a healthy immune system. It also contains potassium, which helps to regulate blood pressure and maintain a healthy heart.

In addition, steamed Chinese cabbage is a good source of fibre, which helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied. It is also low in sodium, which makes it a great choice for anyone who is trying to reduce their salt intake.

If you want to add some protein to your steamed Chinese cabbage, you can consider adding seafood. Shrimp or scallops would be a great addition to this dish, and they would complement the flavour of the cabbage nicely.

Overall, steamed Chinese cabbage is a healthy and delicious dish that is easy to prepare. It is low in calories and high in nutrients, making it an excellent choice for anyone who is looking to maintain a healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the simplest way to prepare steamed Chinese cabbage?

The simplest way to prepare steamed Chinese cabbage is to wash the cabbage leaves and place them in a steamer basket. Steam for about 5 to 7 minutes until the cabbage is tender. You can then season it with salt and pepper, or add some garlic, ginger, or soy sauce for added flavour.

How can I make my steamed Chinese cabbage taste better?

To make your steamed Chinese cabbage taste better, you can add some ingredients such as garlic, ginger, soy sauce, or sesame oil. You can also add some seafood such as prawns or scallops to give it an extra flavour.

What's the secret to perfect vegetarian steamed cabbage rolls?

The secret to perfect vegetarian steamed cabbage rolls is to use a filling that is flavourful and moist. You can use a combination of vegetables and mushrooms, seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. Adding some tofu or tempeh can also enhance the flavour and texture of the filling.

Can I add chicken to my steamed Chinese cabbage dish?

Yes, you can add chicken to your steamed Chinese cabbage dish. You can either steam the chicken along with the cabbage or cook it separately and add it to the dish after steaming. Seafood such as prawns or scallops can also be used as an alternative to chicken.

How long should I steam Chinese cabbage for optimal texture?

For optimal texture, Chinese cabbage should be steamed for about 5 to 7 minutes. This will ensure that the cabbage is tender but still retains its crispiness.

Should I wash Chinese cabbage before steaming it?

Yes, you should wash Chinese cabbage before steaming it to remove any dirt or debris. Rinse the cabbage thoroughly under cold running water and pat it dry with a clean towel.