Incorporating recipes for napa cabbage in your meal plans is a good way of adding fiber and vitamins to your eating plan.
Napa cabbage, also known as Chinese cabbage, has lighter and more tender leaves compared to regular white cabbage. It is great for salads and when cooked it has a milder and sweeter taste.
We found 11 great recipes that all use napa cabbage. Whether you are looking for a flavor-packed meal or a tasty side dish these recipes are sure to satisfy any tastes.
This post contains links for items to purchase. I make a commission on any sales.
How to properly store cabbage?
The most recommended way of storing napa cabbage is by refrigerating it. If stored properly, it can last up to 2 weeks. Place it in a plastic container with its head covered with a cling film.
Napa cabbage can be eaten cooked or raw. A napa cabbage that has been kept in the fridge is suitable for cooked dishes such as casseroles, stews, and soups. While raw napa cabbage is great for salad and slaw.
Because of it’s more mild flavor (more on that below) you can use Napa or “Chinese” cabbage in a lot of different recipes. It is popular in a lot of Asian recipes so now when you see it listed you will know what you are looking for in the grocery store.
How do I prepare napa cabbage?
Napa cabbage is usually sold in big chunks with large heads. Preparing napa cabbage before cooking needs a little more of your attention. You will need a sharp knife and a cutting board. Before washing, remove the core by making a V cut using a knife.
Once cored, separate the leaves and soak them in cold water for 10 minutes. You can also rinse them under cold running water to remove any dirt.
How is Napa cabbage different from regular cabbage?
The first thing you’ll notice about Napa cabbage is that it is shaped very differently from regular round heads of cabbage. It looks more like romaine than a head of cabbage!
Another difference is that this cabbage is more mild. Once it is cooked Chinese cabbage, another name for Napa cabbage, is softer and sweeter than regular green cabbage varieties.
You won’t find the slightly peppery or sharp flavor of green cabbage when using Napa cabbage. It’s much more mild. It’s like a cross between Bok Choy and Romaine Lettuce. It’s called celery cabbage from time to time and it makes sense once you taste it and see the textural differences.
Finally, green cabbage has thick almost rubbery leaves while Napa cabbage has long crinkly leaves that are more like romaine leaves due to the shape and the way it grows. When it cooks it gets softer but it doesn’t take quite as long as with green cabbage!
Kitchen Essentials to Help You Make Recipes for Napa Cabbage:
Having the right kitchen essentials is always half the battle as you go on a cooking adventure. Consider getting the following products as they will help you make napa cabbage recipes more fun and easy.
If you’re also like me who finds shopping for things online convenient, then buying these products will serve you best. These kitchen essentials will be delivered right to your doorstep in just a few clicks.
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Stir Fry Pans With Lid, Frying Basket & Steam Rack
- Spatula & Ladle Wok Tool Set
- DOWAN Porcelain Serving Bowls
- Glass Bowls, 6 inch, Clear
- L.k.k Panda Brand Oyster Sauce
11 Recipes for Napa Cabbage
Express your love for food with these easy recipes and spend more worthwhile time around the table. These napa cabbage recipes taste seriously good but are all quick to put together. They taste like restaurant dishes but are all family and budget-friendly.
This stir-fried Chinese cabbage includes meat, too. It’s tangy, savory, and very easy to prepare.
This recipe is a good way to enjoy a dish that can be ready in less than 10 minutes. Sauteed napa cabbage soaks up all the flavors from the added sauces and spices for a flavorful meal.
Quick to make yet rich in taste and full of flavors. A great side dish or main dish with the glass noodles taking up all the flavors from the savory sauce.
Doable in 20 minutes and packed with hearty flavors and healthy ingredients. The tasty and tender napa cabbage perfectly complements the soup.
Aside from napa cabbage and a creamy sesame mayo dressing, this salad recipe also has radish, toasted almonds, and snow peas. Great for your next picnic potluck!
This is a lighter version of the famous Korean side dish kimchi. Making some homemade kimchi instead of using store-bought will surely elevate this salad.
Other Ways to Use Napa Cabbage:
These napa cabbage recipes give you so many flavor options to choose from. You can have it meaty, with seafood, or enjoy healthier options, too. Check out the following recipes for some of my favorites.
This Chinese-inspired stir-fried seafood is so easy and yummy. The napa cabbage also makes it hearty and healthy.
A Japanese soup that uses dashi broth with pork belly that is thinly sliced and mixed with napa cabbage. Perfect for any lunch or dinner meal.
Quick and easy, paleo-friendly, and also gluten-free. It’s healthy and nutritious and you can have it either with chicken thighs or chicken breast.
What’s better than a basic slaw recipe? It’s this recipe that tastes even better the next day. Make a double batch of this napa cabbage and cucumber slaw. You will enjoy the pickled taste as the vegetables continue to become soft as they sit.
A main-course salad with crunchy cabbage and an added flavor from ginger. The miso dressing can also be used for grilled veggies, fish, and chicken.