Can You Use Napa Cabbage for Cabbage Rolls? (& How to Make)

You can use napa cabbage for cabbage rolls. It is an easy-to-use cabbage because of the shape of its leaves. Napa cabbage is also thinner and more delicate than regular cabbage, so it’s perfect for rolls. They are also a little harder to find and also you need to make sure you get a big head because the leaves can get small, which doesn’t work well for stuffing.

There are many benefits to using Napa cabbage for cabbage rolls. It has a delicate flavor and texture that makes it perfect for wrapping up meats and rice.

Napa cabbage is also high in nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants. This makes it a healthy choice for a side dish or main course.

How to Make Napa Cabbage Rolls

One great way to get the flavor and benefits of napa cabbage would be cabbage rolls made from napa cabbage. Follow these steps to prepare your cabbage for making scrumptious cabbage rolls.

Coring Napa Cabbages for Cabbage Rolls

Napa cabbages are the perfect choice for cabbage rolls because they are already very soft and have a mild flavor. To core the Napa cabbage:

• Cut off the bottom of the cabbage so it will stand flat on the cutting board.
• Cut the cabbage in half, then cut each half in half.
• Remove the core from each quarter with a sharp knife.
• Split the leaves apart and wash them well.

Boiling Napa Cabbages for Cabbage Rolls

To boil napa cabbage for making cabbage rolls, submerge the napa cabbage in a pot of boiling water and cook for about five minutes, or until the napa cabbage is softer than you would like it to be when eating it raw. Remove from the pot and let cool.

Cooking Napa Cabbage Rolls

Napa cabbage rolls are a delicious and healthy dish that can be enjoyed all year round. The process of making them is simple but does require some time and effort. Here is a guide on how to cook napa cabbage rolls:

• Start by heating some oil in a large pot or dutch oven.
• Add the chopped onion and sauté until it is translucent.
• You can also add minced garlic and saute.
• Add the meat or rice you are using as the stuffing in this step.
• For making the rolls, take a napa cabbage leaf and place about two tablespoons of the filling in the center.
• Roll up the leaf and place it seam-side down in a baking dish.
• Repeat until all of the Napa cabbage leaves are used.
• Pour tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls and bake in a preheated oven for 30 to 45 minutes.

LEARN MORE: Does Sour Cream Go With Cabbage Rolls?

Recipe of Napa Cabbage Rolls

If you are in the kitchen to make cabbage rolls and you have napa cabbage then this recipe from midwestliving.com is perfect for you.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup arborio rice or long grain rice
• 1 tablespoon sea salt or kosher salt
• 4 cups of ice cubes
• 1 head napa cabbage
• 1 cup shredded or grated carrot
• ½ cup finely chopped green onion
• 2 tablespoons snipped fresh flat-leaf Italian parsley
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (not toasted)
• ¼ teaspoon lime zest
• 2 teaspoons lime juice
• ½ teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• Soy sauce or teriyaki sauce

Process:

• To make 1 cup of water boil, put it in an oven-safe pan. Slowly add rice and bring to a boil. Cook covered for about 15 minutes until most of the water is gone and the rice is done. Then, cover and let it stand for 5 minutes after removing the heat. Let the rice cool down.
• Boil a large pot with 12 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of sea salt. Add 8 cups of cold water to the ice cubes in a large bowl.
• Remove eight of the cabbage leaves on the outside. When you cut through each leaf at the base, you’ll remove some of the woody stems. Set the other head aside.
• Carefully drop the trimmed leaves into the boiling water for 30 to 60 seconds, or until they start to wilt. Then, drop them into the ice water for 60 seconds. For this job, tongs are best. When you remove leaves from cold water, lay them out on a cloth towel and allow them to dry.
• Take the rest of the cabbage and cut it into small pieces so that it makes 1& 3/4 cups. Assemble the chopped cabbage, carrot, and green onion with the sesame oil and lime zest, and lime juice in a large bowl. Add salt and pepper to taste.
• About an hour before serving, put together the rolls. The first step is to get rid of any extra water from the filling. Lay a blanched cabbage leaf on the counter with the base end facing you. Place 1/4 cup of the filling in the middle of a leaf. Then put 2 tablespoons of rice on top of the filling and roll it up. 
• For the filling, fold the stem end and sides over the filling and roll it up tightly, taking care not to tear it. Roll it up tightly. 

LEARN MORE: Can You Use Uncooked Rice in Cabbage Rolls?

Different Types of Cabbages to Use in Cabbage Rolls

One of the best things about cabbage rolls is that you can use any type of cabbage you like. While Napa cabbage is a popular choice, you could also use regular green cabbage, savoy cabbage, or even red cabbage.

Each type of cabbage will give the rolls a different flavor and texture, so it’s worth experimenting to see which you like best.

Savoy cabbage has a slightly sweet and peppery taste, which makes it a great choice for savory rolls.

Red cabbage is tart and crunchy, perfect for adding a bit of color to your dish. And green cabbage is the classic choice for traditional cabbage rolls.

LEARN MORE: Can You Use Red Cabbage for Cabbage Rolls?

Conclusion

If you are looking for something new and different to try with your cabbage rolls, Napa cabbage is a great option. It is light and flavorful, and it goes well with most meat and sauce combinations.

Napa cabbage is also very healthy, so you can feel good about eating it! They are great for any occasion, and you can customize them to your liking. You can find Napa cabbage at most grocery stores, so give it a try!