How do you prepare napa cabbage?

Answer 1

1. Use the large outer leaves of the napa cabbage to make napa cabbage wraps. You can roll just about any filling inside the large, flexible leaves: rice and beans, chickpea salad, salsa, seitan, tempeh, etc. You can secure the wrap with a toothpick for presentation. Using a cabbage 'wrap' instead of a flour or corn wrap will save on calories and boost your vegetable intake.

2. Shred napa cabbage, toss with julienne carrots and red bell pepper, lightly dress in your favorite dressing, to make a delicious coleslaw.

3. Heat a small amount of extra virgin olive oil or broth in a large nonstick skillet. Add garlic and chopped fresh ginger and cook one minute. Add sliced Napa and sauté until tender-crisp, about five minutes. The edges get a bit caramelized and those nice curly leaves add some great texture without adding calories.

4. Slice or shred napa into a pot of simmering vegetable stock along with other vegetables such as onions, celery, or parsnips and some long noodles to make a substantial soup. It keeps a nice tender texture and absorbs flavors very well. Drop the cabbage into the pot during the final five minutes of cooking time.

5. Slice napa and place in a steamer over a pan of simmering water. Cook three to five minutes until crisp tender. Serve tossed with some sautéed garlic.

6. Napa cabbage is an excellent leaf for plating a dish. Place a large leaf on the bottom of a salad or entree plate and you have already made your meal appear healthy and appetizing. The fresh green color will accent colors beautifully. Lay two leaves across a plate, or even a shredded leaf on the bottom of a plate. Napa has such a tender hearty texture that your guests can slice into the 'plate accent' and eat the garnish.

7. Use napa cabbage as a wrap for spring roll ingredients and steam.