Crispy and Savory Napa Cabbage Inner Leaf Salad
How to Make a Savory, Sweet, and Tangy Napa Cabbage Inner Leaf Salad Using Leftover Cabbage
After making Napa cabbage kimchi or seasoned cabbage, you often have sweet inner leaves left over. Instead of wasting them, try making this delicious salad! While Napa cabbage is great in kimchi, stir-fries, or stews, this salad offers a refreshing and flavorful alternative that the whole family will enjoy. The crispy texture and burst of flavor will make it a new favorite!
Salad Ingredients- 6 inner leaves of Napa cabbage (washed and dried)
- 2-3 Tbsp Olive oil (enough to coat the cabbage leaves)
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
Refreshing Salad Dressing- 2 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Plum extract (adds sweetness and depth)
- 2 Tbsp Soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Plum extract (adds sweetness and depth)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the inner leaves of the Napa cabbage. Wash them thoroughly and make sure to drain them completely. Removing excess water prevents the salad from becoming watery and diluted. You can gently pat them dry with paper towels.
Step 2
Cut the drained inner cabbage leaves into bite-sized pieces. If you cut them too small, they might lose their crispiness, so aiming for pieces about 1.5-2 inches (3-4 cm) long is ideal.
Step 3
Place the prepared cabbage leaves into a large mixing bowl. Using a spacious bowl will help ensure everything is mixed evenly when you add the dressing.
Step 4
Drizzle about 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil over the cabbage leaves. This will help the leaves from sticking together and add a nice savory note. You can use other vegetable oils if you prefer.
Step 5
Gently toss the cabbage leaves with the olive oil. Coat each leaf by softly mixing, as if you’re putting on a light jacket. This step is crucial for ensuring the dressing adheres well and the salad doesn’t taste bland.
Step 6
Now, let’s make the delicious salad dressing. In a small bowl, add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce.
Step 7
Next, add 2 tablespoons of sugar to sweeten the dressing.
Step 8
Pour in 2 tablespoons of vinegar for a refreshing tang.
Step 9
Finally, add 1 tablespoon of plum extract. This adds a subtle sweetness and enhances the overall flavor. If you don’t have plum extract, you can substitute it with sugar or corn syrup.
Step 10
Whisk all the dressing ingredients together with a spoon.
Step 11
Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved and the dressing looks clear. This completes your tasty salad dressing! The basic ratio for this dressing is 1:1:1 for soy sauce, sugar, and vinegar, but feel free to adjust it to your taste. The plum extract is a great addition for extra flavor.
Step 12
Pour the prepared dressing over the oiled cabbage leaves. Gently toss the salad to ensure the dressing evenly coats the cabbage without bruising it. The key is to be gentle to maintain the crisp texture.
Step 13
Transfer the beautifully tossed cabbage salad to a serving plate. The vibrant green color of the cabbage is sure to whet your appetite.
Step 14
Finally, sprinkle a generous amount of toasted sesame seeds over the salad. This adds an extra layer of nutty flavor, completing your delicious Napa cabbage inner leaf salad! It’s a perfect side dish for meals or a simple appetizer.
