Napa cabbage, also known as Chinese cabbage, is a tasty vegetable that can be prepared in many delicious ways. In this article, we will explore two methods for cooking napa cabbage – sautéing and making a soup with tofu.
1. How To Cook Napa Cabbage Sautéed
Ingredients
- 1 head napa cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 inch ginger, peeled and minced
- 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Wash the cabbage thoroughly and pat dry. Remove any wilted outer leaves. Chop into 1-2 inch wide pieces.
In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive or vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the chopped cabbage and stir continuously for 3-5 minutes until it starts to wilt.
Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Continue to stir fry for another 2-3 minutes until the cabbage is tender but still crisp.
Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately.
This quick sautéed napa cabbage goes well as a side dish with meat or fish. You can also add other vegetables like carrots or bok choy. The possibilities are endless!
2. How To Cook Napa Cabbage in Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 3 cups chopped napa cabbage
- 1 15oz block firm tofu, drained and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Add in the broth, napa cabbage, tofu, carrots, soy sauce, sesame oil and ginger. Bring to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Toppings: For extra flavor, you can top this soup with chopped green onions, cilantro or chili oil. It’s also delicious with a drizzle of rice vinegar or lime juice right before eating.
This healthy tofu napa cabbage soup makes for a warming plant-based meal. The tofu adds protein while the cabbage and carrots provides fiber and vitamins. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes – mushrooms, bok choy, rice noodles could all make great additions!
