Hearty and Savory Dried Napa Cabbage Soup with Pork
The Quintessential Korean Home Cooking! How to Make Dried Napa Cabbage Soup with Pork for a Deep Flavor
This is a dried napa cabbage soup made by using up some napa cabbage from the freezer. Adding plenty of pork makes the broth rich and savory, providing a hearty and satisfying meal that’s packed with nutrients. Here’s the recipe for this nourishing dish.
Main Ingredients
- Pork for stir-fry, 120g
- Dried and frozen napa cabbage, 3 handfuls
- Anchovies for broth, 10 fish
Seasoning Ingredients
- Ssamjang (Korean chili paste blend), 3 Tbsp
- Minced garlic, 2 Tbsp
- Black pepper, a pinch (to taste)
- Ginger powder, a pinch (to taste)
- Basil powder, a pinch (to taste)
- Fish sauce, 1 Tbsp
- Sesame oil, 1 Tbsp
- Ssamjang (Korean chili paste blend), 3 Tbsp
- Minced garlic, 2 Tbsp
- Black pepper, a pinch (to taste)
- Ginger powder, a pinch (to taste)
- Basil powder, a pinch (to taste)
- Fish sauce, 1 Tbsp
- Sesame oil, 1 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thaw the frozen dried napa cabbage by placing it in the refrigerator beforehand. Once thawed, wash the dried cabbage thoroughly under running water, then gently squeeze out any excess water with your hands.
Step 2
This napa cabbage was prepared by boiling the outer leaves during the kimchi-making season. They were then rinsed, squeezed dry, portioned, and frozen. Preparing it this way makes it convenient to use later when making soup.
Step 3
Place 120g of pork for stir-frying into a heated pot, ready to be cooked.
Step 4
On top of the prepared dried cabbage, add 3 tablespoons of ssamjang and 2 tablespoons of minced garlic. This will help the seasoning penetrate the cabbage.
Step 5
Sprinkle a pinch of black pepper, ginger powder, and basil powder over the pork. Then, add 1 tablespoon of fish sauce. Finally, drizzle 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to enhance the overall flavor. Now, gently mix the cabbage and pork together with your hands, like you’re kneading dough, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Step 6
Let the seasoned cabbage and pork sit for a while, covered with a lid, to allow the flavors to meld. This resting period helps the seasoning to soak in.
Step 7
Turn the heat to high and begin stir-frying the seasoned cabbage and pork. Continue to stir-fry until the ingredients are well combined and slightly sautéed.
Step 8
Add about 10 anchovies for broth to the stir-fried mixture. If you have anchovy broth, you can mix it with water and pour it in. Using plain water is fine too, but anchovy broth will add a deeper flavor to the soup.
Step 9
Once the soup comes to a rolling boil, taste it and adjust the seasoning. If it’s too salty, add more fish sauce or soy sauce. If it’s too bland, add a little more seasoning. Once the taste is just right, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently.
Step 10
Serve the well-simmered dried napa cabbage soup hot, accompanied by your favorite side dishes and a bowl of rice. It will make for a truly satisfying meal.
Step 11
For those who may not be fond of dried napa cabbage, consider repurposing leftover pasta. You can add sauce and cheese to the pasta for a different kind of meal.
Step 12
Heat the prepared pasta dish in the microwave according to your preference for a unique and enjoyable meal.
