Savory Napa Cabbage Soup and Three Sweet Cabbage Dishes
A Feast with Seasonal Napa Cabbage: Namul, Soup, and Wraps
Introducing three easy-to-make dishes using fresh, seasonal napa cabbage at home. Enjoy a simple cabbage namul (seasoned vegetable side dish), a hearty cabbage doenjang-guk (miso soup), and crisp cabbage wraps! Make these delicious cabbage recipes that the whole family will love right now.
Napa Cabbage Namul (Seasoned Greens)
- 1/6 head Napa cabbage (approx. 300g)
- 1 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Napa Cabbage Doenjang-guk (Miso Soup)
- 1/6 head Napa cabbage (approx. 300g)
- 4 cups Anchovy-Kelp Broth (800ml)
- 1.5 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste, adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Red chili (optional, for a spicier kick)
Napa Cabbage Wraps
- 1/6 head Napa cabbage (approx. 300g)
- Seasoned Soy Sauce Dip (Mix soy sauce, chopped green onions, minced garlic, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds)
- 1/6 head Napa cabbage (approx. 300g)
- 4 cups Anchovy-Kelp Broth (800ml)
- 1.5 Tbsp Doenjang (Korean soybean paste, adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Red chili (optional, for a spicier kick)
Napa Cabbage Wraps
- 1/6 head Napa cabbage (approx. 300g)
- Seasoned Soy Sauce Dip (Mix soy sauce, chopped green onions, minced garlic, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
[Napa Cabbage Namul] Wash the fresh napa cabbage thoroughly. Bring a pot of water to a boil with a pinch of salt. Submerge the tougher end of the cabbage into the boiling water and blanch for 2-3 minutes until tender. Be careful not to overcook, as it will become mushy. Rinse the blanched cabbage under cold water, squeeze out excess moisture, and then cut it into bite-sized pieces (about 3-4 cm wide). 
Step 2
[Napa Cabbage Namul] Place the cut cabbage in a bowl. Add doenjang, minced garlic, toasted sesame seeds, and sesame oil. Gently mix and massage the ingredients into the cabbage with your hands until well combined. Taste and add a little more doenjang if needed. 
Step 3
[Napa Cabbage Doenjang-guk] Cut the napa cabbage for the soup into 1.5 cm wide pieces. In a pot, add the doenjang and a small amount of water. Stir to dissolve the doenjang, then add the cabbage and gently massage it with your hands. This helps the savory flavor of the doenjang to penetrate the cabbage. 
Step 4
[Napa Cabbage Doenjang-guk] Make a flavorful broth by boiling anchovies and dried kelp in a pot. Once the water boils, remove the kelp after 5 minutes, and continue boiling for another 10 minutes to create anchovy broth. Strain the broth to remove solids, using only the clear liquid. 
Step 5
[Napa Cabbage Doenjang-guk] When the broth comes to a boil, add the cabbage that was pre-mixed with doenjang. Next, add the minced garlic and the optional red chili, chopped, and simmer for a bit longer until the cabbage is tender. Turn off the heat once cooked. For a touch of color, you can garnish with slices of red chili pepper. 
Step 6
[Napa Cabbage Wraps] Remove the outer leaves of the fresh napa cabbage. Wash them thoroughly, then steam them over simmering water or blanch them briefly in boiling water until they soften slightly. Once the cabbage wilts, immediately remove it, rinse under cold water, drain well, and arrange them attractively on a plate. 
Step 7
[Napa Cabbage Wraps] Serve with the delicious seasoned soy sauce dip prepared earlier. Enjoy the cabbage wraps with a bowl of warm rice to fully appreciate the natural sweetness and crisp texture of the napa cabbage. 