Creamy Chinese Cabbage Stew: 15-Minute One-Pan Recipe

Updated at: 10/06/2025

Craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's ready in a flash? Look no further than this Creamy Chinese Cabbage Stew, a simple yet satisfying one-pan recipe perfect for busy weeknights. This vibrant dish combines the sweetness of tender cabbage with a rich, creamy sauce that's surprisingly easy to achieve. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy cooking times; this 15-minute wonder is packed with flavor and requires minimal cleanup. The perfect blend of savory and slightly sweet, it's a meal that will quickly become a family favorite.

Imagine a warm bowl of creamy goodness, infused with the subtle sweetness of cabbage and a hint of savory depth. This recipe is surprisingly versatile; adjust the spice level to your liking and add your favorite protein for a complete meal. Ready to experience the magic of this quick and delicious stew? Let's dive into the easy, step-by-step process!

Tools Needed

Ingredients

  • Chinese Cabbage: 1/6 head
  • Onion: 1/2
  • Pork Belly (Shabu-Shabu): 100g
  • Milk: 200ml
  • Salt
  • Sugar
  • Water
  • Potato Starch
  • Pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare and Sauté Vegetables

  • Cut the Chinese cabbage vertically into thin (5mm) slices. A tip is to arrange the cabbage before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
  • Cut the onion into thin slices parallel to the grain.
  • Heat oil in a frying pan. Add the onion and sauté until it softens slightly. Add the Chinese cabbage and fry until it reduces in size but maintains its shape.
Cut the Chinese cabbage vertically into thin (5mm) slices. A tip is to arrange the cabbage before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.Cut the onion into thin slices parallel to the grain.Heat oil in a frying pan. Add the onion and sauté until it softens slightly. Add the Chinese cabbage and fry until it reduces in size but maintains its shape.
Prepare and Sauté Vegetables

Step 2. Cook Pork and Simmer Cabbage

  • Add the pork belly and cook until it loosens up. Mix it roughly with the vegetables.
  • Add salt, sugar, and water. Cover and simmer until the cabbage softens.
Add the pork belly and cook until it loosens up. Mix it roughly with the vegetables.Add salt, sugar, and water. Cover and simmer until the cabbage softens.
Cook Pork and Simmer Cabbage

Step 3. Create and Add Creamy Mixture

  • Mix potato starch with milk to create a thickened milk mixture.
  • Once the cabbage is softened and the liquid reduced, add the milk-potato starch mixture while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Simmer until thickened.
Mix potato starch with milk to create a thickened milk mixture.Once the cabbage is softened and the liquid reduced, add the milk-potato starch mixture while stirring continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Simmer until thickened.
Create and Add Creamy Mixture

Step 4. Season and Serve

  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve hot.
Season and Serve

Read more: Authentic Japanese Beef Sukiyaki Recipe - Easy & Delicious Hot Pot

Tips

  • Cutting the Chinese cabbage vertically into thin slices helps maintain its crispness and sweetness.
  • The combination of onion and cabbage sweetness creates a delicious flavor.
  • Using potato starch with milk creates a creamy texture without using fresh cream.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of cabbage?

Yes! While Napa cabbage is ideal for its sweetness, you can substitute with savoy, green, or red cabbage. Keep in mind the flavor might vary slightly.

2. What can I add for extra protein?

This stew is easily customizable! Add cooked chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu for a more substantial meal. Even some crispy fried noodles would be delicious.


This Creamy Chinese Cabbage Stew is the perfect example of a quick, delicious, and satisfying weeknight meal. Its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation make it ideal for even the busiest cooks. Enjoy this flavorful stew, and don't hesitate to experiment with different additions to make it your own!