These Asian Napa Cabbage Dumplings are a healthy, gluten-free twist on traditional dumplings. Filled with a savory mix of ground pork (or chicken), shiitake mushrooms, carrots, and water chestnuts, these dumplings are packed with flavor. Wrapped in tender cabbage leaves and steamed to perfection, they make a delicious and nutritious meal or appetizer. The dish is also highly customizable, allowing for variations in the protein or additional flavorings.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Cabbage Rolls:

  • 1 head napa cabbage (or savoy/green cabbage)

  • 1 lb ground pork (substitute with ground chicken or turkey)

  • 5-6 dried shiitake mushrooms

  • 4 tablespoons minced water chestnuts

  • 4 tablespoons minced carrots

  • 1 bunch green onions (minced)

  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)

  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil

  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce

  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce

  • 1 tablespoon white sugar

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon pepper

• For Blanching:

  • Boiling water for blanching cabbage leaves

Directions

1. Rehydrate the Mushrooms: In a bowl, soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in boiling water for 10-15 minutes. Slice them into small pieces similar in size to the carrots and water chestnuts.

2. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, mix ground pork, garlic, green onions, carrots, water chestnuts, shiitake mushrooms, sesame oil, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Add 2-3 tablespoons of the shiitake mushroom soaking broth to keep the mixture moist.

3. Blanch the Cabbage Leaves: In a large pot of boiling water, blanch cabbage leaves for 1-2 minutes to make them pliable for wrapping.

4. Assemble the Dumplings: Place 1-2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold in the sides and roll up the leaf to form a secure dumpling.

5. Steam the Dumplings: Steam the cabbage rolls for 20 minutes until cooked through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

6. Serve: Serve hot with chili oil or your favorite dumpling sauce for dipping.

Nutrients

This recipe provides an approximate breakdown per serving (makes 10 large rolls):

• Calories: 250-300 kcal

• Protein: 18g

• Fat: 18g

• Carbohydrates: 12g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 3g

The Benefits of Napa Cabbage

Napa cabbage, also known as Chinese cabbage, is a versatile and mild-tasting vegetable commonly used in Asian cuisine. It’s known for its tender leaves, which are perfect for wrapping. Unlike the heavier, denser leaves of other cabbage varieties, Napa cabbage has a softer texture that makes it ideal for steaming. Its delicate flavor complements the savory filling beautifully, adding a touch of freshness without overpowering the other ingredients.

Additionally, Napa cabbage is a nutritious vegetable. It’s low in calories but packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber, making it an excellent addition to any healthy meal. Using cabbage as a wrapper instead of traditional dumpling dough reduces the calorie content of the dish, making these dumplings lighter while still maintaining their satisfying, hearty qualities.

The Savory Filling: Flavorful and Nutritious

The filling for these dumplings is what makes them truly special. The combination of ground pork (or your choice of chicken or turkey), shiitake mushrooms, water chestnuts, carrots, and green onions creates a deliciously savory mixture that’s bursting with flavor.

• Ground Pork: The ground pork provides richness and moisture, giving the dumplings their juicy texture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground chicken or turkey can easily be substituted, while still maintaining a flavorful filling.

• Shiitake Mushrooms: These mushrooms add an earthy umami flavor that deepens the overall taste of the dumplings. Dried shiitake mushrooms are ideal for this recipe because their intense flavor is released when rehydrated, adding depth and complexity to the filling. After soaking, they should be sliced finely to match the size of the other ingredients.

• Water Chestnuts and Carrots: The water chestnuts provide a nice crunch, adding texture and balance to the filling. The carrots, finely minced, contribute a mild sweetness and vibrant color, making the filling both flavorful and visually appealing.

• Green Onions and Garlic: These ingredients add a fresh, aromatic quality that lifts the overall flavor profile, making the dumplings more fragrant and appetizing.

The sauce mixture—sesame oil, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper—ties all of the ingredients together with a savory and slightly sweet finish, creating a perfect balance of flavor in every bite.

How to Make Napa Cabbage Dumplings

This recipe may seem a bit involved, but the steps are straightforward and well worth the effort. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Rehydrate the Mushrooms: Start by soaking the dried shiitake mushrooms in boiling water for 10-15 minutes. This rehydrates the mushrooms and makes them tender enough to slice into small pieces that will blend seamlessly with the rest of the filling. Be sure to save some of the soaking liquid to add moisture to the filling.

2. Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork (or alternative protein), garlic, green onions, carrots, water chestnuts, shiitake mushrooms, sesame oil, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined. Add 2-3 tablespoons of the mushroom soaking broth to help keep the filling moist and flavorful.

3. Blanch the Cabbage Leaves: To make the cabbage leaves pliable for wrapping, blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. This step softens the leaves, making them easier to roll and less likely to tear. Be sure not to overcook the leaves; they should remain bright green and flexible.

4. Assemble the Dumplings: Take a blanched cabbage leaf and place 1-2 tablespoons of the filling in the center. Fold the sides of the leaf in and roll it up tightly, securing the filling inside. Repeat this process for each cabbage leaf until all of the filling is used. This method of wrapping ensures that the dumplings hold together well during steaming.

5. Steam the Dumplings: Steam the cabbage rolls for 20 minutes or until they are cooked through. If you’re using a bamboo steamer, line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. The dumplings should be tender and the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

6. Serve: Once the dumplings are ready, remove them from the steamer and serve immediately. These dumplings are perfect with a side of chili oil or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra kick of flavor. Garnish with additional green onions or sesame seeds for a beautiful finishing touch.

Customizing Your Dumplings

One of the great things about these Napa Cabbage Dumplings is how customizable they are. While the recipe calls for ground pork, you can easily swap in other proteins like chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Feel free to adjust the vegetables as well. If you prefer a different texture or flavor, try adding spinach, cabbage, or bamboo shoots to the filling. You can also experiment with other seasonings or sauces, such as adding a touch of ginger, five-spice powder, or hoisin sauce.

These dumplings are versatile enough to suit various dietary preferences and can be adjusted based on what you have on hand. They’re perfect for meal prep, as they freeze well before steaming. Just place the unsteamed dumplings on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to cook, steam from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

These dumplings can be served as a main dish or as an appetizer. To make a complete meal, serve them with a side of steamed rice or noodles, and perhaps a simple salad with a light dressing to balance out the richness of the dumplings. You can also serve them with stir-fried vegetables or a light broth-based soup for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

If you’re hosting a gathering, these dumplings are a great addition to an appetizer spread. Serve them alongside other small plates like spring rolls, bao buns, or edamame for a diverse and flavorful spread that’s sure to impress your guests.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Asian Napa Cabbage Dumplings are a healthy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that provides a gluten-free twist on traditional dumplings. With their savory filling of ground pork, shiitake mushrooms, water chestnuts, and carrots, wrapped in tender cabbage leaves, these dumplings are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them as a meal or serving them as an appetizer, they’re sure to be a hit. Plus, with endless customization options, you can make them exactly how you like. Give them a try and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures in every bite!