Soft Cabbage Wraps with Savory Soybean Paste (Gang Doenjang)
Easy and Delicious Healthy Meal: Cabbage Wraps with Savory Gang Doenjang
Enjoy a mouthful of tenderness and flavor with this cabbage wrap recipe, loved by everyone from kids to adults. Utilizing fresh cabbage, this dish is not only healthy but also satisfyingly hearty, especially when paired with a bowl of savory Gang Doenjang (fermented soybean paste stew) that will make you want to finish every last grain of rice.
For the Cabbage Wraps
- 4 fresh cabbage leaves
- 2 bowls of warm cooked rice
For the Savory Gang Doenjang
- 1/2 zucchini, finely diced
- 1 potato, finely diced
- 1/2 onion, finely minced
- 3 Tbsp fermented soybean paste (Doenjang)
- 1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh green onion
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup water (approx. 60ml)
- 1/2 zucchini, finely diced
- 1 potato, finely diced
- 1/2 onion, finely minced
- 3 Tbsp fermented soybean paste (Doenjang)
- 1 Tbsp finely chopped fresh green onion
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/4 cup water (approx. 60ml)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Gently steam the washed cabbage leaves in a steamer for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become tender. They are ready when a chopstick easily pierces through. Let the steamed cabbage cool slightly.
Step 2
Finely dice the zucchini and potato into about 0.5cm cubes. Mince the onion. Cutting the vegetables small will help them cook faster and absorb the flavors better.
Step 3
Heat 1 Tbsp of sesame oil in a small pot or earthenware pot over low heat. This step infuses the oil with a nutty aroma.
Step 4
Once the sesame oil is warm, add the diced potato, zucchini, and minced onion. Sauté over medium-low heat for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables become translucent and slightly tender. Sautéing brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
Step 5
Pour 1/4 cup of water into the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Cover and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the potatoes and zucchini are completely tender. Ensure the vegetables are cooked through for a smooth texture.
Step 6
Once the vegetables are tender, add 3 Tbsp of doenjang. Stir well to dissolve any clumps. Simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens to a stew-like consistency. You can adjust the amount of water based on the saltiness of your doenjang.
Step 7
Finally, stir in 1 Tbsp of finely chopped green onion and simmer for another minute. This completes the savory Gang Doenjang, with the fresh aroma of green onion adding a delightful touch.
Step 8
Prepare the slightly cooled cabbage leaves. You can gently flatten the widest part to make it easier to place the rice, or cut the leaves into 2-3 bite-sized pieces if preferred.
Step 9
Take 2 bowls of warm cooked rice and shape them into round balls with your hands. Gently squeeze the rice to help it hold its shape.
Step 10
Place a rice ball onto a prepared cabbage leaf. Top generously with the delicious Gang Doenjang you just made. Your cabbage wraps with savory Gang Doenjang are now ready to be enjoyed! Feel free to add other ssam vegetables or a bit of ssamjang for extra flavor.