Perfectly Steamed Cabbage Wraps: Tender & Crisp
How to Wash and Steam Cabbage for Delicious Wraps
Enjoy delicious cabbage wraps, a perfect addition to any diet! While a flavorful dipping sauce is key, today we’ll focus on the best way to steam cabbage to bring out its natural sweetness and achieve the ideal texture – both tender and crisp. Let’s unlock the secrets to perfect cabbage wraps!
Essential Ingredients- 1/4 head of cabbage
- 1 soju cup salt (approx. 30ml)
- 1 soju cup vinegar (approx. 30ml)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, gather all the necessary ingredients for your cabbage wraps. Having your fresh cabbage and any accompanying vegetables washed and your tools ready will make the cooking process much smoother.
Step 2
Once you have a fresh head of cabbage, gently peel off any outer leaves that are dirty or damaged and discard them. Make a cut at the base of the cabbage core to help you easily separate the leaves one by one. For the separated cabbage leaves, trim the thick core with a knife to make them thinner and more tender when cooked. Smaller or very curly inner leaves might be difficult to use as wraps, so set them aside to use later in stir-fries or salads.
Step 3
Washing the separated cabbage leaves thoroughly is crucial. Place about 10 leaves from a quarter head of cabbage (depending on size) into a bowl. Mix half a soju cup of vinegar (approx. 15ml) with half a cup of water and let the cabbage soak for 15-20 minutes. The vinegar helps to remove impurities and neutralize any grassy smell from the cabbage. If you prefer a more thorough cleaning, you can add a pinch of baking soda to the vinegar water, or rinse with baking soda water after the initial vinegar soak. After soaking, rinse the cabbage leaves several times under cold running water to remove any residual vinegar or debris. Drain them well in a colander.
Step 4
Now it’s time to steam the cabbage. Fill a steamer or pot with enough water to boil. Once the water is boiling, add 1 soju cup of salt (approx. 30ml) and the remaining half soju cup of vinegar (approx. 15ml). This helps to keep the cabbage vibrant in color and ensures it steams to a tender consistency. Arrange the prepared cabbage leaves in the steamer basket, making sure they don’t overlap too much. Place the thicker stem ends towards the bottom, as this allows for even cooking. There are various ways to steam cabbage, such as steaming them upside down or right side up, but today we’ll use the simplest method of steaming them as they are.
Step 5
Steam over high heat for about 5 minutes. Steaming for 5 minutes will result in a crisp texture, while steaming for 7 minutes will yield a softer texture. Adjust the steaming time according to your preference. Once steamed, carefully remove the cabbage from the steamer and let it cool slightly before rinsing it under cold water. Rinsing in cold water helps to preserve the crispness of the cabbage. While letting it cool naturally is also an option, a quick cold water rinse can enhance its freshness. After rinsing, place it back in the colander to drain any excess water completely.
Step 6
Your perfectly steamed cabbage wraps, balancing both crispness and tenderness, are now ready! The texture of steamed cabbage significantly depends on the steaming time. About 5 minutes will leave it wonderfully crisp, while around 7 minutes will give you a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. Choose the steaming time that best suits your preferred texture to enjoy the ultimate cabbage wrap experience!
Step 7
Let’s also prepare a simple dipping sauce to enhance your cabbage wraps. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, half a tablespoon of sesame seeds, half a tablespoon of sesame oil, and 1/4 tablespoon of minced garlic. Mix well. Feel free to adjust the soy sauce or sesame oil to your taste. This simple sauce is all you need to elevate your cabbage wraps. Enjoy these healthy and delicious cabbage wraps – perfect for a diet!
