Steamed cabbage, often overlooked as a culinary star, transforms into a vibrant and flavorful dish when paired with succulent pork. This recipe elevates the humble cabbage, showcasing its natural sweetness and delicate texture in a surprisingly satisfying meal. The tender pork, infused with savory spices and a hint of sweetness, perfectly complements the cabbage's subtle earthiness, creating a harmonious blend of tastes and textures. Forget bland boiled cabbage; this recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a truly delicious and healthy meal.
This recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional steamed cabbage, adding a touch of spice and an abundance of flavor. We'll guide you through each step, from preparing the ingredients to achieving perfectly tender-crisp cabbage and flavorful pork. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions below.
Tools Needed
Ingredients
- Pork (finely chopped): 150g
- Chinese Cabbage: 500g (about 1/4 - 1/6 of a large cabbage)
- Soy Sauce
- Sugar
- Sesame Oil
- Salt: a pinch
- Sake or Water
- Pepper
- Mayonnaise
- White Sesame Seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Steam the Cabbage
- Cut the Chinese cabbage into large pieces. Cut the stem into 1-2cm wide pieces.
- Place the cut cabbage in a frying pan, stem-side down. Add a pinch of salt and some sake or water.
- Cook over medium heat, then reduce to low-medium heat, cover, and steam for about 4-5 minutes until softened.
- Remove the steamed cabbage. The cabbage should be tender but still slightly crunchy.
Step 2. Season and Stir-fry the Pork
- Season the pork with soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and pepper. Mix well.
- In the same pan (no need to add oil), stir-fry the seasoned pork until browned and cooked through.
Step 3. Assemble and Garnish
- Arrange the steamed cabbage on a serving plate, top with the stir-fried pork.
- Add mayonnaise (optional) and white sesame seeds (optional). Serve immediately.
Read more: Shojin Ryori: Delicious Buddhist Vegetarian Recipes
Tips
- Cutting the cabbage stem thinly helps it cook evenly.
- Adding sake or water to the cabbage helps it release moisture while steaming.
- Don't overcook the pork; it should be browned and cooked through but still tender.
- The combination of sweet steamed cabbage and savory, spicy pork is delicious. Mayonnaise adds a creamy touch.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of meat instead of pork?
Yes! Chicken, beef, or even shrimp would work well. Adjust cooking time as needed depending on the protein.
2. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more chili flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the stir-fry sauce. You can also use a spicier variety of chili sauce.
This Sweet & Spicy Steamed Cabbage with Pork Stir-fry offers a delicious and healthy meal that's surprisingly easy to make. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors, along with the tender pork and perfectly cooked cabbage, creates a truly satisfying culinary experience. Enjoy this flavorful dish as a weeknight dinner or a unique addition to your next meal.