Steamed Napa Cabbage with Bacon: Tender, Juicy, and Flavorful
A Delightful Combination of Tender Napa Cabbage and Savory Bacon
Experience a delightful culinary creation where the natural sweetness of Napa cabbage meets the savory richness of bacon. This steamed dish is simple to make yet offers a wonderfully satisfying flavor profile, perfect for elevating your dining experience.
Main Ingredients- 1/2 head Napa cabbage (approx. 500g)
- 9 strips thick-cut bacon (thicker cut yields more flavor)
- 1 Korean green chili pepper (optional, for a hint of spice)
- 1 red chili pepper (for color and mild flavor)
Soy-Based Sauce- 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce (regular)
- 1 Tbsp rice vinegar (adds a pleasant tang to cut richness)
- 1 Tbsp cooking sake (mirin) (removes unwanted odors and adds umami)
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds (for nutty aroma)
- A dash of black pepper
- 1.5 Tbsp soy sauce (regular)
- 1 Tbsp rice vinegar (adds a pleasant tang to cut richness)
- 1 Tbsp cooking sake (mirin) (removes unwanted odors and adds umami)
- 0.5 Tbsp sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- A pinch of toasted sesame seeds (for nutty aroma)
- A dash of black pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the aromatic chili peppers that will enhance the steamed cabbage. Finely mince the Korean green chili pepper and the red chili pepper after removing their stems and seeds. Mincing them finely allows their flavors to permeate the cabbage beautifully, creating a more delicious dish.
Step 2
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, cooking sake, and sugar. Whisk them together to create the base sauce. Add the minced chili peppers and a dash of black pepper to the sauce, then stir in the toasted sesame seeds. Mix everything thoroughly. Taste the sauce and adjust sweetness or saltiness if needed.
Step 3
Wash the Napa cabbage and trim off the tough core. Cut the cabbage in half or quarters, depending on its size. Make small incisions between the leaves and carefully tuck one strip of bacon into each crevice. Ensure the bacon is securely placed so it doesn’t fall out during steaming. The rendered bacon fat will naturally moisten and flavor the cabbage.
Step 4
Prepare your steamer by adding water and bringing it to a boil. Once boiling, carefully arrange the bacon-stuffed Napa cabbage in the steamer basket. Cover and steam over medium heat for approximately 20 minutes. The steaming time may vary depending on the thickness and size of your cabbage wedges.
Step 5
As the cabbage steams, the savory juices from the bacon will render and infuse the cabbage with its delicious flavor. This process allows the richness of the bacon to meld with the natural sweetness of the cabbage. To check for doneness, gently pierce the cabbage with a skewer or fork; it should be tender.
Step 6
Once tender, carefully remove the steamed Napa cabbage and bacon from the steamer and arrange it attractively on a serving plate. You can place it cut-side up to showcase the tucked bacon. Finally, using a brush or a spoon, generously coat the top of the steamed cabbage with the prepared soy-based sauce. Serve immediately while warm for the best taste and texture!
