Flavorful Asian Cabbage Rolls: A Must-Try Recipe

As the aroma of steaming Asian Cabbage Rolls fills your kitchen, you might find it hard to resist diving right into this delightful dish. The tender leaves, wrapped around a savory filling, promise a flavor explosion that will transport your taste buds straight to culinary heaven.

I remember the first time I made these cabbage rolls; my friends thought I was some sort of culinary wizard. The laughter and joy shared around the table that night made it clear that this dish is perfect for any gathering or cozy family dinner.

I still chuckle when I recall how my family devoured these rolls in minutes, leaving me wondering if I should have made a double batch.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Green Cabbage: Look for firm heads with vibrant green leaves; they should feel heavy and dense.

• Ground Meat (Pork or Chicken): Choose lean meat for a healthier option; it keeps the rolls flavorful without being greasy.

• Rice (Short Grain): Stick with short grain rice; it sticks together better and gives a nice chewy texture.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add aromatic depth; use as much as your heart desires.

• Onion: Sweet onions bring moisture and flavor; sauté them until translucent for the best taste.

• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness while enhancing umami flavor.

• Sesame Oil: A drizzle of sesame oil provides a nutty finish that elevates the entire dish.

• Carrots: Shredded carrots not only add color but also a slight sweetness; they’re an excellent contrast to the savory filling.

For the Sauce:

• Canned Tomatoes (Diced): Use high-quality diced tomatoes for a rich sauce that binds everything together beautifully.

• Sugar: Just a pinch balances the acidity of the tomatoes, making your sauce irresistibly delicious.

• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds warmth and enhances all other flavors in this dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Asian Cabbage Rolls

Prepare your cabbage by removing the core and boiling the leaves in salted water until they are pliable—about 5 minutes is usually sufficient. Carefully peel off about 10-12 outer leaves and let them cool on a clean kitchen towel.

Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, shredded carrots, soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed and fragrant.

Fill and Roll: Place about two tablespoons of filling in each cabbage leaf’s center. Fold in sides over the filling and then roll from the bottom up to secure everything tightly inside. Repeat until you’ve rolled every leaf.

Create the Sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine diced tomatoes with sugar and black pepper over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it simmers gently—about 10 minutes will do!

Bake Your Rolls: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread half of your tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange cabbage rolls seam side down over the sauce, then cover with remaining sauce. Bake covered with foil for 40 minutes.

After 40 minutes, remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbling hot. Let them rest before serving so all those delicious flavors meld together beautifully.

Now you’ve got yourself some impressive Asian cabbage rolls! Enjoy them hot out of the oven with extra soy sauce or sriracha on top if you’re feeling spicy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by prepping your cabbage leaves, then cook your filling while blanching the cabbage. Finally, assemble and bake for perfectly cooked rolls.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap ground meat for mushrooms or tofu to make these rolls vegetarian-friendly. Adding a splash of soy sauce can elevate the flavor profile significantly.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Asian Cabbage Rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for the best texture.

Nothing beats hearing my friends rave about these rolls after I served them at a dinner party; they even asked me for the recipe!

FAQ

What are Asian Cabbage Rolls typically filled with?

Asian Cabbage Rolls are usually filled with a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, vegetables, and seasonings like ginger and garlic. You can customize the filling based on dietary preferences or what you have on hand.

Can I make Asian Cabbage Rolls ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the rolls up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator before baking them when you’re ready to serve. This saves time during busy weeknights or gatherings.

How do I know when my Asian Cabbage Rolls are done?

The rolls are done when they’re heated through, typically around 25-30 minutes at 350°F. You’ll know they’re ready when the cabbage is tender and slightly wilted but not mushy.

Are there vegetarian options for Asian Cabbage Rolls?

Yes! Substitute ground meat with minced mushrooms, lentils, or tofu along with extra veggies to create a delicious vegetarian version that maintains all the flavor.

Conclusion for Asian Cabbage Rolls

Asian Cabbage Rolls combine simple ingredients into a delightful dish bursting with flavor. By mastering cooking techniques and personalizing your fillings, you can create a stunning meal that impresses family and friends alike. Enjoy experimenting with this versatile recipe that’s perfect for any occasion!

Print

Asian Cabbage Rolls

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4 (8 cabbage rolls) 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Asian Cabbage Rolls are a flavorful and visually stunning dish that combines tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of ground meat, rice, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, these rolls offer restaurant-quality flavors right in your home kitchen. The delicious aroma and vibrant presentation will surely impress your guests, making them the star of any table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 head green cabbage
• 1 lb lean ground pork or chicken
• 1 cup short-grain rice (cooked)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp sugar
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the cabbage by removing the core and boiling leaves for about 5 minutes until pliable. Cool on a towel.
2. In a large bowl, mix ground meat, cooked rice, minced garlic, chopped onion, shredded carrots, soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper.
3. Place two tablespoons of filling in each cabbage leaf's center; fold sides over and roll tightly.
4. For the sauce, simmer diced tomatoes with sugar and black pepper in a saucepan for about 10 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread half of the sauce in a baking dish, arrange rolls seam-side down, cover with remaining sauce, and bake covered for 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbling.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 cabbage rolls (approximately 220g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 65mg