Tired of wrestling with stubborn cabbage leaves for stuffed meatballs? This recipe offers a delightful twist on a classic, delivering tender, flavorful meatballs nestled in a bed of incredibly soft, melt-in-your-mouth cabbage. Forget the tedious rolling – this no-roll method simplifies the process significantly, making it a perfect weeknight meal for even the busiest cooks. Say goodbye to fussy prep work and hello to a comforting dish that’s both elegant and surprisingly easy.
We've perfected a simple yet effective technique that guarantees perfectly cooked cabbage every time, avoiding that sometimes unpleasant bitterness. The savory meatballs, bursting with herbs and spices, complement the sweet and subtle cabbage beautifully. Ready to experience the ease and deliciousness? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions to create this unforgettable Soft Cabbage & Meatballs dish.
Tools Needed
- Frying pan
- Plastic bag
- Scissors
Ingredients
- Ground pork
- Cabbage
- Onion
- Ginger
- Salt
- Potato starch
- Soy sauce
- Ketchup
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Cabbage and Meatball Mixture
- Cut the cabbage into egg slices or any shape you like. Start by cutting to the core, then halve it. Separate the inner and outer leaves, cut into pieces, and slice diagonally. The core can be torn by hand.
- Finely chop the onion. A technique is described in the video involving slicing from base to tip, then turning and slicing sideways, for efficiency.
- In a plastic bag, mix the chopped onion with salt to soften it. Add potato starch to absorb excess moisture.
- Add the ground pork and salt to the bag. Mix thoroughly. Add minced ginger or garlic if desired.
Step 2. Sauté Cabbage and Simmer with Meatballs
- Heat a frying pan using the water-drop method (add water and wait for it to evaporate). Add rice oil (or any oil).
- Add the cabbage to the hot pan and stir-fry until slightly softened and glistening, allowing the salt to draw out moisture.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Squeeze the meat mixture from the bag, roll it into meatballs, and place them on top of the cabbage in the pan.
- Add water to the pan. Cover and simmer over medium-high heat, reducing heat once boiling. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, depending on desired softness.
Step 3. Combine and Season
- Once cooked, mix the meatballs and cabbage together. Add ketchup to taste.
Step 4. Serve
- Serve and enjoy!
Read more: Authentic Japanese Beef Sukiyaki Recipe - Easy & Delicious Hot Pot
Tips
- Leaner ground pork results in a better meat flavor.
- The initial salt used for stir-frying the cabbage is key to the dish's flavor.
- Adding bacon or chili peppers can enhance the flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 500-600
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbs: 40-50g
- Protein: 30-40g
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of meat for the meatballs?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of meats work well. Adjust seasonings to complement your chosen meat.
2. How can I make this recipe even healthier?
Use lean ground meat, reduce the amount of oil used for browning, and add more vegetables like carrots or zucchini to the cabbage mixture.
This no-roll cabbage and meatballs recipe proves that comfort food can be both delicious and incredibly easy to make. Enjoy the satisfying flavors and tender textures of this simple yet impressive dish, perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a casual gathering with friends and family. We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!