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–+ servings

Quick & Flavorful Napa Cabbage Recipe

Caramelized Napa cabbage with soy sauce, sesame oil, and mirin offers a perfect blend of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors. Quick, versatile, and ideal as a side dish or vegetarian-friendly main.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium Napa cabbage Quartered lengthwise
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.5 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp mirin Can substitute with rice vinegar + a pinch of sugar
  • 2 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic Minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Sesame seeds
  • Chives or spring onions

Equipment

  • Large pan
  • Small Bowl
  • lid

Method
 

Prepare the Sauce
  1. Mix the soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, garlic, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Set the mixture aside so the flavors meld together.
Heat the Pan
  1. Place a large pan on medium-high heat and add olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering, which ensures the cabbage caramelizes properly.
Cook the Cabbage
  1. Add the cabbage quarters to the pan and pan-fry for 2 minutes on each side. Cover the pan with a lid to cook the inner layers quickly and evenly.
Add the Sauce
  1. Flip the cabbage quarters inner-side up. Drizzle each piece with the prepared sauce and cook for 30 seconds to allow the flavors to absorb.
Caramelize the Bottom
  1. Flip the quarters back to caramelize the sauce on the bottom of the cabbage, creating golden-brown crusts and releasing a sweet aroma.
Serve
  1. Serve the cabbage immediately, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions. The bright garnish adds color and freshness to the final dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This quick Napa cabbage recipe combines caramelized sweetness with rich Asian flavors. It’s perfect as a side or a vegetarian dish. Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

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