How To Cook Napa Cabbage and 5 Easy Japanese Recipes

Looking for fresh ideas and the best way to cook with Napa cabbage? These healthy and easy-to-make Napa Cabbage recipes will help you enjoy this versatile vegetable. Try them out today!

Napa cabbage is a versatile and popular winter vegetable in Japan, and there are countless ways to prepare it, from savory stir-fries to refreshing salads and hearty soups.

With these healthy Napa cabbage recipes, you're sure to discover delicious and new ways to enjoy this nutritious vegetable!

This recipe is for you if:
• You love napa cabbage.
• You don't know how to cook napa cabbage.
• You are looking for easy Japanese napa cabbage recipes

Jump to:

• How to Cook Napa Cabbage
• 5 Ways to Cook Napa Cabbage
• More Ways To Cook Napa Cabbage
• What is Napa Cabbage?
• Where to Buy
• How to Store
• Thanks for Stopping By!
• 📖 Recipe
• How To Cook Napa Cabbage and 5 Easy Japanese Recipes
• 💬 Comments

How to Cook Napa Cabbage

Napa cabbage is a great vegetable that is used in many dishes, including stir-fries, soups, and salads. Its tender texture and mild flavor make it a popular ingredient in many East Asian cuisines.

In stir-fries, napa cabbage can be cooked quickly over high heat to retain its crispness and add a refreshing crunch to the dish.

It can be simmered in soups until tender and flavorful, adding a mildly sweet flavor to the broth.

In salads, napa cabbage can be thinly sliced, mixed with other vegetables, such as romaine lettuce and red cabbages, and dressed for an easy side dish.

5 Ways to Cook Napa Cabbage

I will share my favorite way to cook napa cabbage below. They are all simple and the best napa cabbage recipes. I hope you will love them! Let's dive in!

1. Napa Cabbage Coleslaw
2. Vegetarian Napa Cabbage Rolls
3. Pickled Napa Cabbage
4. Napa Cabbage Miso Soup
5. Napa Cabbage Miso Stir-fry

1. Napa Cabbage Coleslaw

If you're searching for a napa cabbage salad recipe, try this one! It's a simple recipe that you might find yourself making over and over again.

2. Vegetarian Napa Cabbage Rolls

Filled with healthy tofu and wrapped in tender napa cabbage leaves, these flavorful cabbage rolls make a nutritious and satisfying dish!

3. Pickled Napa Cabbage

Try this raw napa cabbage recipe that is refreshing, crunchy, and packed with flavor! It's a perfect side dish to enjoy napa cabbage's crisp texture and delicate sweetness in a simple and healthy dish.

4. Napa Cabbage Soup

Try this easy napa cabbage recipe if you want something warm with a savory flavor!

5. Napa Cabbage Miso Stir-fry

This easy napa cabbage stir fry is a flavorful and healthy recipe using miso paste. You can prepare the dish quickly with just a handful of ingredients! Serve it with Japanese white rice for a delicious meal. Enjoy!

More Ways To Cook Napa Cabbage

• Stir-fried napa cabbage: Stir-fry napa cabbage and other vegetables, such as green onions, bok choy, carrot, and mushrooms with sesame oil, and season with soy sauce. Oyster sauce also works well.
• Sautéed napa cabbage: Sauté napa cabbage with olive oil and garlic, and season with sea salt. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy flavor if desired.
• Stir-fried noodles: Add napa cabbage to Japanese stir-fried noodle dishes, such as yaki udon, and yaki soba.
• Miso soup: Add napa cabbage to Japanese miso soup.

What is Napa Cabbage?

Napa cabbage, Hakusai in Japanese, is a variety of Chinese cabbage that is commonly used in Asian cooking. Napa cabbage has a milder and sweeter flavor with a more delicate texture than regular cabbage.

It's a popular vegetable in Japan, and the best season is during the cold months, from November to February.

A head of cabbage weighs between 2 to 4 kilograms on average. The leaves are tightly packed together and wrap around each other, forming a dense head. The outer leaves are typically darker and thicker, while the inner leaves are lighter and more tender.

Where to Buy

You can find Napa cabbage at Japanese grocery stores, Asian markets, and local farmer's markets during the season. You can find it at online stores as well.

Where to buy napa cabbage

• Japanese grocery stores: Mitsuwa marketplace, Marukai
• Asian markets
• Local farmer's markets
• Online stores: Instacart, Walmart

How to Store

Room temperature:

To store a head of Napa cabbage (without cutting it), wrap it in newspaper and place it in a cool location, making sure to stand the cabbage upright.

The Napa cabbage should stay fresh for up to two weeks if stored properly.

Refrigerator:

After cutting the cabbage, be sure to store it in the refrigerator. Wrap it in plastic wrap and place it in the vegetable drawer. To keep the freshness for a longer period, it is best to cover the cut edges with a damp paper towel before wrapping it in plastic wrap.

Cut Napa cabbage can last for about a week in the refrigerator.

Freezer:

To freeze Napa cabbage, dry the leaves thoroughly, cut them into bite-sized pieces, and place them in a freezer bag. When you're ready to use the frozen cabbage, add it directly to your recipe without thawing. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may be slightly different after being frozen.

Frozen Napa cabbage can be stored in the freezer for up to one month.

Thanks for Stopping By!

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog♡. If you've tried this recipe (or any other recipe on the blog), please give it a star rating below!

Also, feel free to leave comments if you have any questions. I love hearing from you!

Chef JA Cooks is a Japanese food blog that shares simple and healthy Japanese home cooking recipes, including vegan and vegetarian. From traditional Japanese recipes to modern recipes with step-by-step instructions.

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