Simply Delicious Young Napa Cabbage Salad
Tender Young Napa Cabbage Salad: A Simple and Refreshing Recipe
I spotted some lovely young Napa cabbage at the market and decided to pick up a bunch to make a simple and wholesome salad. This recipe highlights the natural, crisp texture of the cabbage with a light dressing, making it a perfect side dish for any meal, especially when you crave something fresh and healthy. Enjoy this easy-to-make, flavorful salad!
Main Ingredients- Young Napa Cabbage (thinned out) 300g (about 1 bunch)
Seasoning- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- Tuna extract (or soy sauce) to taste (adjust as needed)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- Salt to taste (adjust as needed)
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- Tuna extract (or soy sauce) to taste (adjust as needed)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- Salt to taste (adjust as needed)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the young Napa cabbage. Trim off any yellow or wilted outer leaves and clean the roots if they are dirty. Rinse the cabbage thoroughly under cold running water multiple times to remove any soil. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and briefly blanch the cabbage for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become mushy. The cabbage is ready when its vibrant green color intensifies.
Step 2
Immediately after blanching, drain the cabbage and rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This step is crucial for maintaining its crisp texture and bright color. Once cooled, gently squeeze out as much excess water as possible with your hands. Excess water can dilute the seasoning and make the salad soggy, so thorough draining is key.
Step 3
Place the drained cabbage in a mixing bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and the tuna extract (or soy sauce). If using soy sauce, you might need to adjust the amount as it can be saltier than tuna extract. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds. Finally, add a pinch of salt to season. Gently mix everything together with your hands, ensuring the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the cabbage, especially into the stems. Mix gently to avoid bruising the leaves. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Step 4
Your delicious and simple young Napa cabbage salad is now ready! Its fresh aroma and crisp bite make it a wonderful accompaniment to rice, whether served as a side dish or mixed into a bowl of warm rice. This recipe is quick and easy, perfect for a healthy and refreshing addition to your meal rotation. Enjoy your homemade salad!
