5 from 5 votes

Make this Japanese Pickled Napa Cabbage at home with this quick and simple recipe. A perfect balance of salty, sweet, and umami flavors!

Looking for napa cabbage recipes? Try Napa Cabbage Slaw, Napa Cabbage Miso Stir-fry, or Napa Cabbage Soup!

Featured Comment

From Bob: “Super easy and delicious! Added cucumber and carrots sticks. Yum!”

I’ll walk you through the ingredients and step-by-step instructions. I hope you enjoy it!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Takes less than 5 minutes to prepare—no cooking required! Just chop, mix, and chill.
It is a nutritious side dish packed with mild and natural flavor.
Easy to customize by adjusting seasonings or adding your favorite ingredients.

Napa Cabbage

Napa cabbage, Hakusai in Japanese, is a variety of Chinese cabbage commonly used in Asian cooking. It can be eaten raw, stir-fried, or stewed. It has a milder and sweeter flavor with a more delicate texture than regular cabbage. The best season is during the cold months, from November to February. Learn more about it in this Japanese Napa Cabbage Recipes.

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this Pickled Napa Cabbage:

Napa Cabbage: When choosing, pick one that is tightly rolled with no gaps between the leaves.
Shio Kombu: A Japanese seasoning made from dried kelp cut into thin, thread-like strips and seasoned with salt, sugar, and soy sauce. It adds a sweet yet savory umami flavor to dishes.
Shio Koji: A fermented seasoning made from rice koji, salt, and water, with a slightly salty and sweet flavor. Store-bought shio koji can be found at Japanese grocery stores. If shio koji is not available, you can substitute it with salt.

How To Make Pickled Napa Cabbage: STEP BY STEP

Here are some quick visual instructions! For the video and all the detailed ingredients and instructions, go to the printable recipe card below.

Step 1

Cut the napa cabbage.

Step 2

Combine it with shio koji and shio kombu.

Step 3

Gently massage them.

Step 4

Let it pickle in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Open the bag, plate the dish, and savor its refreshing, light flavor!

Recipe Tips

Massage Thoroughly: Ensure the seasonings are evenly rubbed into the cabbage to enhance flavor absorption.
Pickling Time: For a deeper flavor, let it sit overnight.
Adjust Seasonings: Add a pinch of salt if you want it saltier or a splash of vinegar for extra tang.

Variations

This simple recipe is a great base to get creative! Here are some tasty ways to elevate it:

Sesame Oil and Soy Sauce: Drizzle with sesame oil and a splash of soy sauce for an aromatic, umami-packed twist.
Carrots and Cucumbers: Add thinly sliced carrots and cucumbers for extra crunch and freshness.
Red Pepper: Mix in a small amount of red pepper for a subtle spicy kick that enhances the flavors.

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