Refreshing & Tangy Napa Cabbage Salad
Napa Cabbage Salad Recipe for a Healthy Diet
This is a recipe for a delicious and refreshing Napa cabbage salad, packed with fiber and vitamins that are beneficial for gut and eye health. Using fish sauce, lemon juice, and vinegar, it achieves a delightful sweet and sour profile, reminiscent of Southeast Asian salads. The addition of crushed red pepper flakes adds a pleasant spicy kick, making it a perfect, light option for your diet. It also acts as a great palate cleanser when served with rich, fatty dishes. For families, simply omit the chili flakes to make it enjoyable for children too.
Main Ingredients- Blanched Napa Cabbage (300g)
- Carrot (1/3)
- Green Onion (2 Tbsp)
Seasoning Ingredients- Soy Sauce (1 Tbsp)
- Fish Sauce (2 Tbsp)
- Lemon Juice (1 Tbsp)
- Vinegar (2 Tbsp)
- Sugar (1 Tbsp)
- Minced Garlic (0.7 Tbsp)
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1 Tbsp, adjust to taste)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- Soy Sauce (1 Tbsp)
- Fish Sauce (2 Tbsp)
- Lemon Juice (1 Tbsp)
- Vinegar (2 Tbsp)
- Sugar (1 Tbsp)
- Minced Garlic (0.7 Tbsp)
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (1 Tbsp, adjust to taste)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s make a refreshing Napa cabbage salad, bursting with the vibrant flavors of spring! If you’ve already enjoyed Napa cabbage in soups or with soybean paste, today we’ll prepare a lighter, brighter dish that’s perfect for a healthy diet. This Napa cabbage salad features a delightful blend of sweet, sour, and spicy notes, thanks to a dressing made with fish sauce, lemon juice, and a touch of crushed red pepper. It’s a truly versatile Napa cabbage dish. Shall we get started together?
Step 2
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt. First, add the thicker stem parts of the Napa cabbage and blanch for about 1 minute. Then, add the leafy parts, submerging them completely in the water, and turn them over to ensure even cooking. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become mushy.
Step 3
Quickly rinse the blanched cabbage under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Drain it thoroughly in a colander, pressing out as much water as possible. Napa cabbage is wonderfully versatile; you can use the inner leaves for wraps, outer leaves for soup, and the rest for this delicious salad. Once well-drained, cut the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, about 2-3 cm long.
Step 4
Thinly julienne the carrot using a mandoline slicer, and finely chop the green onion. In a measuring cup, combine all the dressing ingredients except the crushed red pepper flakes: soy sauce, fish sauce, lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, and black pepper. Mix well to create the dressing. If you don’t have fish sauce, anchovy sauce can be a good substitute. If you prefer less spice, you can omit the crushed red pepper flakes or use a smaller amount. The spiciness in this recipe is designed to whet your appetite without being overwhelming.
Step 5
In a large bowl, combine the blanched Napa cabbage, julienned carrots, and chopped green onions.
Step 6
Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients and add 1 tablespoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Gently toss everything together until well combined. You’ll have a crisp and refreshing Napa cabbage salad ready in no time! The tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors will remind you of a delightful Southeast Asian-inspired dish.
Step 7
Transfer the finished Napa cabbage salad to a serving dish. The satisfying crunch of the cabbage, paired with the zesty dressing, creates a flavor combination that’s incredibly addictive. You’ll find yourself reaching for more with every bite!
Step 8
This salad is wonderful as a standalone side dish, but it’s also fantastic served alongside grilled meats. Its refreshing and slightly acidic profile cuts through the richness of the meat, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Step 9
I’ve become quite fond of this vibrant salad and have already made it twice. Yet, I find myself craving its refreshing taste, so I’ll likely be making it again soon!
Step 10
Why not try making this special Napa cabbage salad for your weekend meal? It’s also a great option for families, as children can enjoy it too. If serving to kids, simply omit the crushed red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.
