Craving a quick and flavorful side dish that's both healthy and satisfying? Look no further than Chinese cabbage namul, a vibrant Korean staple that takes just five minutes to prepare! This simple recipe elevates the humble Chinese cabbage with a delightful blend of savory, spicy, and subtly sweet flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a refreshing addition to your next Korean-inspired meal, this namul is surprisingly versatile and adaptable to your taste preferences. You can easily adjust the seasoning to match your spice tolerance and incorporate other ingredients to personalize this already delicious side.
This incredibly speedy recipe is perfect for even the busiest cooks. Ready to experience the magic of this five-minute wonder? Let's dive into the easy step-by-step process outlined below to create your own delicious Chinese cabbage namul.
Tools Needed
- Microwave
- Heat-resistant bowl
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- Chinese Cabbage: 1 head (approx. 400g)
- Salt: A pinch
- Chicken Stock Powder
- Soy Sauce
- Sugar
- Grated Garlic
- Vinegar
- Ground Sesame
- Sesame Oil
- Black Pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Cabbage
- Cut the cabbage into 1cm wide pieces. Remove the core before cutting.
- Rinse the cabbage and thoroughly wipe it dry with paper towels to remove moisture.
Step 2. Microwave and Cool
- Place the cabbage in a heat-resistant bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave at 600W for 3 minutes, or until slightly softened.
- Let the cabbage cool. Squeeze out excess moisture thoroughly. This step helps the flavors penetrate better.
Step 3. Season the Cabbage
- Add a pinch of salt, chicken stock powder, vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, ground sesame, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add sugar if necessary to balance flavors.
Step 4. Garnish and Serve
- Garnish as desired.
Read more: Kinpira Gobo Recipe: A Sweet & Savory Japanese Side Dish
Tips
- For children, omit the black pepper. Garlic can also be omitted if preferred.
- Microwaving saves time compared to salting the cabbage for 30 minutes.
- Avoid overly sweet sauce; it will dull the flavor.
- The best time to remove cabbage from the microwave is when the leaves are slightly softened.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of cabbage?
While Chinese cabbage works best for its texture, Napa cabbage or even regular green cabbage can be substituted. The flavor will be slightly different.
2. How long can I store leftover namul?
Store leftover namul in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may deepen slightly over time.
3. What can I serve this namul with?
This namul is a fantastic side dish with grilled meats, rice bowls, or even as a topping for noodles. It also complements Korean BBQ beautifully.
This quick and easy Chinese cabbage namul recipe is a testament to how simple and delicious healthy eating can be. Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful side dish as a standalone treat or as a perfect complement to your favorite meals. Now go forth and enjoy your freshly made, incredibly tasty namul!