Crispy Napa Cabbage Salad Recipe
Use Up Leftover Napa Cabbage! Simple & Delicious Seasoned Cabbage Salad
I turned the leftover crisp napa cabbage from last night’s cabbage wraps into a delightful seasoned salad. It’s simple yet packed with fresh flavor, making it a perfect side dish.
Main Ingredients- 320g Napa cabbage
- 1 tsp minced Cheongyang chili (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 tsp minced red chili (for color and a hint of sweetness)
- 1 Tbsp minced green onion (for aromatic flavor)
Seasoning Ingredients- 1 tsp soy sauce (or Korean soup soy sauce)
- 1 tsp minced garlic (for fresh aroma)
- 1 tsp fish sauce (for umami boost)
- 1 tsp plum extract (for subtle sweetness and gloss)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (for nutty flavor and fragrance)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (whole or crushed)
- Pinch of roasted salt (to taste, or use regular salt if unavailable)
- 1 tsp soy sauce (or Korean soup soy sauce)
- 1 tsp minced garlic (for fresh aroma)
- 1 tsp fish sauce (for umami boost)
- 1 tsp plum extract (for subtle sweetness and gloss)
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil (for nutty flavor and fragrance)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (whole or crushed)
- Pinch of roasted salt (to taste, or use regular salt if unavailable)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the napa cabbage. Remove any wilted or dirty outer leaves and rinse thoroughly under running water. You can also soak it in cold water briefly before cutting for extra freshness.
Step 2
In a wide pot, add enough water to generously cover the cabbage and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling vigorously, add a pinch of salt (about 1/2 tsp). Submerge the tough stem parts of the cabbage first and blanch for only 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be careful not to overcook, as it will become mushy.
Step 3
Immediately remove the blanched cabbage from the pot and rinse it under cold running water to cool it down quickly. This helps maintain its crisp texture. Once drained, tear the cabbage into bite-sized pieces by hand or cut them into 2-3 sections with a knife.
Step 4
Place the squeezed cabbage in a large bowl. Add the prepared minced green onion, minced Cheongyang chili, and minced red chili. Now, add all the seasoning ingredients: minced garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, plum extract, roasted salt, perilla oil, and sesame seeds. Gently mix with your hands, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed by adding a little more salt or soy sauce.
Step 5
Transfer the beautifully seasoned cabbage salad to a serving dish. The crispness of the fresh napa cabbage combined with the savory dressing creates a wonderful side dish that stimulates the appetite. It’s delicious right away or can be enjoyed after chilling in the refrigerator.
