This simple yet exquisite braised Napa cabbage recipe highlights the natural flavors of the seasonal vegetable. It's easy to make with minimal ingredients, perfect for adding a warm dish to your everyday meals. A recipe that warms your body and soul on cold days.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients (2 servings)

  • Napa Cabbage 1/4 head (500g)
  • Pork Belly 200g
  • Potato Starch 1 tbsp

Seasonings

  • [A] Ginger 10g
  • [A] Cooking Sake (Rice Wine) 2 tbsp
  • [A] Mirin (Sweet Rice Wine) 2 tbsp
  • [A] Soy Sauce 1 tbsp
  • [A] Oyster Sauce 1 tbsp
  • [A] Chicken Bouillon Granules 1 tsp
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)

Steps

  1. To make the sauce, grate 10g of ginger into a bowl. (Pro Tip: Grating over a scale helps use every bit of the ginger. Laying plastic wrap on your cutting board makes cleanup easier.)
  2. Add 2 tbsp of Cooking Sake (Rice Wine), 2 tbsp of Mirin (Sweet Rice Wine), 1 tbsp of Soy Sauce, 1 tbsp of Oyster Sauce, and 1 tsp of Chicken Bouillon Granules to the grated ginger and mix.
  3. Prepare the slurry in a separate container. Mix 1 tbsp of Potato Starch with 3 tbsp of water until smooth and lump-free. (Pro Tip: A 1:3 ratio of potato starch to water will ensure a smooth slurry without lumps, as it thickens with less liquid.)
  4. Trim the core from the Napa Cabbage (approx. 500g) at an angle so there are no hard parts left.
  5. Separate the Napa cabbage leaves and slice them diagonally, cutting against the grain. Chop the leafy parts coarsely. (Pro Tip: Slicing the core diagonally helps it cook faster and release more flavor. A slight tilt of the knife while cutting, like drawing a 'te' character, creates a beautiful diagonal slice.)
  6. Wash all the cut Napa cabbage under running water and thoroughly drain using a salad spinner. (Pro Tip: Inspect Napa cabbage leaves for insects as they are often found inside. Ensuring the leaves are dry prevents the sauce from becoming too watery.)
  7. Heat oil in a frying pan.
  8. Cut 200g of Pork Belly into bite-sized pieces. (Pro Tip: Fatty pork belly remains tender even after braising and is ideal for this dish.)
  9. Add the cut pork belly to the frying pan, separating the pieces.
  10. Heat the pan over medium heat. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and generous amount of pepper over the pork and sear lightly until the surface changes color. (Pro Tip: Lightly searing the pork before braising helps to reduce any gamey odor.)
  11. Once more than half of the pork has turned white, add all the Napa cabbage.
  12. Pour in the prepared sauce, cover the pan, and steam for 1 minute. (Pro Tip: Steaming wilts the Napa cabbage, making it easier to mix.)
  13. Remove the lid and mix thoroughly until the Napa cabbage is tender. (Pro Tip: As the leaves soften, they absorb the delicious flavor of the sauce. The slight crunch of the remaining white core adds a delightful texture.)
  14. Turn off the heat. Stir the slurry well again, then pour it evenly over the mixture.
  15. After adding the slurry, stir immediately and thoroughly. (Pro Tip: Starch thickens when heated, so mixing off the heat and then returning to medium heat to thicken prevents lumps.)
  16. Return to medium heat and let it simmer to stabilize the thickened sauce.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

🚨 レシピの修正をリクエストする

レシピの誤りがありましたらお知らせください。ご協力をお願いします。

Scroll to Top
PAGE TOP