10+ Napa Cabbage Recipes to Brighten Your Meals

Napa cabbage is a versatile vegetable that can enhance a variety of dishes with its unique flavor and texture. This leafy green is great for stir-fries, salads, and soups.

You can use napa cabbage for a quick side or a hearty main dish. It fits easily into many types of meals.

Here are delicious napa cabbage recipes that are easy to prepare and satisfying to eat. From sautéed to roasted, these recipes work for both new and experienced cooks.

1) Easy Sautéed Napa Cabbage with Garlic and Butter

Sauté Napa cabbage with garlic and butter for a quick, delicious side dish. The flavors blend well and complement many meals.

Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Add chopped Napa cabbage and stir for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Add a splash of soy sauce if you like extra flavor. Serve warm.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of Napa cabbage, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
3. Add chopped Napa cabbage, cooking for about 5 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve warm.

2) Napa Cabbage Stir Fry with Soy Sauce and Chinese Rice Wine

Napa cabbage stir fry is quick and tasty. The crisp cabbage works well with savory flavors.

Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add chopped napa cabbage and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.

Pour in soy sauce and Chinese rice wine. Stir and let the flavors combine.

Add garlic if you want extra flavor. Serve as a side or main dish with rice or noodles.

Ingredients

• 1 head napa cabbage, chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Chinese rice wine
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• Optional: minced garlic

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add chopped napa cabbage and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.
3. Pour in soy sauce and Chinese rice wine; mix well.
4. Cook for another minute until heated through.
5. Serve hot.

3) Roasted Napa Cabbage with Sesame Ginger Soy Sauce

Roast Napa cabbage for a tasty, healthy side. The sesame ginger soy sauce gives it a bold flavor.

Cut the cabbage into wedges. Brush with sesame oil, soy sauce, and minced ginger.

Roast in a preheated oven at 450°F (232°C) until browned and tender. Serve as a side or add to your meal for more veggies.

Ingredients

• 1 large Napa cabbage
• 1/4 cup sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. Cut the Napa cabbage into wedges.
3. Mix the sesame oil, soy sauce, and minced ginger.
4. Brush the mixture over the cabbage wedges.
5. Place the cabbage on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!

4) Napa Cabbage Salad with Slivered Almonds and Sesame Dressing

This Napa cabbage salad is crunchy and flavorful. Slivered almonds and sesame dressing make it special.

Chop the Napa cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Add slivered almonds and sesame seeds for texture.

Mix sesame oil, soy sauce, and honey for the dressing. Drizzle over the salad and toss to combine.

Serve right away or chill before serving.

Ingredients

• 1 head Napa cabbage
• 1 cup slivered almonds
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 3 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey

Cooking Instructions

1. Chop the Napa cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a bowl, mix sesame oil, soy sauce, and honey.
3. Add the slivered almonds and sesame seeds to the cabbage.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the salad.
5. Toss everything together to combine.
6. Serve immediately or chill before serving.

5) Napa Cabbage Rolls (Polish Gołąbki Style)

Napa cabbage makes excellent rolls. The tender leaves are easy to fill and wrap.

Mix ground meat, rice, and spices for the filling. Roll the mixture in each leaf, tucking in the sides.

Place rolls in a pot and pour tomato sauce over them. Simmer on low heat until the meat is cooked through.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of Napa cabbage
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef or pork
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (15 oz/425g) tomato sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully remove Napa cabbage leaves.
3. In a bowl, mix ground meat, cooked rice, onion, salt, and pepper.
4. Place a spoonful of filling on each leaf and roll tightly.
5. Arrange rolls in a pot and pour tomato sauce over them.
6. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 1 hour.

6) Quick Napa Cabbage with Soy Garlic and Sesame Sauce

This recipe highlights Napa cabbage’s natural flavors. It’s fast to make and works well as a side dish.

Slice Napa cabbage into thin strips. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.

Add the cabbage and stir-fry for a few minutes until it wilts. Mix in soy sauce, minced garlic, and sesame oil, then cook for another minute.

Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for crunch. Serve and enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 head Napa cabbage
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the Napa cabbage into thin strips.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
3. Add the cabbage and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

7) Melting Napa Cabbage with Tomato Paste and Garlic

Melting Napa cabbage brings out its natural sweetness. Tomato paste and garlic add extra flavor.

Cut the Napa cabbage into wedges. Mix tomato paste, garlic, and spices for a savory coating.

Sauté the cabbage in a hot pan with the tomato mixture. Cook until the cabbage is tender, about 20 to 25 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 head Napa cabbage
• 1/3 cup concentrated tomato paste
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced or grated
• Spices (coriander, cumin, black pepper)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cut the Napa cabbage into wedges.
3. In a bowl, mix the tomato paste and sliced garlic with your selected spices.
4. Sauté the cabbage in a pan and add the tomato mixture.
5. Cook until the cabbage is tender, about 20 to 25 minutes.

8) Chicken and Napa Cabbage Stir Fry

Chicken and napa cabbage stir fry is quick and healthy. The tender chicken and crunchy cabbage create a tasty meal.

Marinate chicken in soy sauce and garlic. Chop the napa cabbage.

Heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown.

Add the cabbage and stir fry until just tender. Season and serve hot.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cups napa cabbage, chopped
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken in soy sauce and garlic.
2. Heat the oil in a wok over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown.
4. Add the napa cabbage and stir fry until tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then serve hot.

9) Napa Cabbage Soup with Ginger and Scallions

Napa cabbage soup with ginger and scallions is warm and comforting. It’s quick to make and perfect for chilly days.

Use fresh napa cabbage, ginger, and scallions for a flavorful broth. Sauté the ginger and scallions, then add cabbage and broth.

Let the soup simmer until the cabbage is tender. Serve as a starter or with rice for a full meal.

Ingredients

• 1 head of napa cabbage, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 scallions, sliced
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat a pot over medium heat.
2. Add the ginger and scallions, and sauté for 2 minutes.
3. Pour in the broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Add the napa cabbage and cook for 10 minutes until tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

10) Spicy Napa Cabbage kimchi-style Slaw (non-traditional)

This spicy napa cabbage slaw offers a fresh twist to traditional kimchi. It combines the crunch of cabbage with bold flavors.

You’ll need napa cabbage, garlic, and a mix of flavorful ingredients. This slaw is easy to prepare.

Slice the cabbage thinly and mix it with seasonings to create its unique taste. Serve it as a side dish or as a topping for tacos.

Ingredients

• 1 head napa cabbage, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix the sliced napa cabbage and salt. Let it sit for 20 minutes.

2. Rinse the cabbage. Drain it well.

3. In a separate bowl, combine garlic, fish sauce, gochugaru, sesame oil, sugar, green onions, and rice vinegar.

4. Add the dressing to the cabbage. Toss everything together.

5. Let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to develop.