Delicious Steamed Cabbage Rolls with Savory Pork and Mushroom Filling

These Steamed Cabbage Rolls are a healthy and flavorful dish that combines tender Savoy cabbage leaves with a savory pork and shiitake mushroom filling. The rolls are delicately steamed and served with a simple yet rich sauce made from mushroom water and oyster sauce. Perfect as a light meal or appetizer, these cabbage rolls are packed with flavor and can be easily adapted to your dietary needs. Let’s get started with this easy and nutritious recipe!

Ingredients:

For the Wrappers:

• 8 Savoy cabbage leaves (see note 1)
• 1 long carrot, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish)

For the Filling:

• 4 dried shiitake mushrooms, rehydrated in water (save the mushroom water for the sauce)
• 200g minced pork, beef, or chicken (about 7 oz)
• 1 stalk scallions, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons light soy sauce (use gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free version)
• 1 pinch Chinese five spice powder
• 1 pinch sugar
• 1 dash sesame oil

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons mushroom water (from rehydrating shiitake mushrooms, see note 2)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• ½ teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water until fully dissolved

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cabbage Leaves:

• Carefully remove 8 large cabbage leaves from a head of Savoy cabbage. Blanch the cabbage leaves in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until they become soft and pliable. Remove the leaves and place them in cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. Rehydrate the Shiitake Mushrooms:

• Place the dried shiitake mushrooms in a bowl of warm water and let them soak for about 20-30 minutes, or until they become soft. Once rehydrated, squeeze out excess water and finely chop the mushrooms. Reserve 3 tablespoons of the mushroom water for the sauce.

3. Prepare the Filling:

• In a large bowl, combine the minced pork (or beef/chicken), chopped shiitake mushrooms, finely chopped scallions, soy sauce, Chinese five spice powder, sugar, and sesame oil.

4. Assemble the Cabbage Rolls:

• Lay a blanched cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface.
• Place a spoonful of the filling mixture in the center of the leaf.
• Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and roll it up tightly like a burrito.

5. Steam the Cabbage Rolls:

• Place the cabbage rolls seam side down in a steamer basket.
• Steam over boiling water for 12-15 minutes, or until the filling is cooked through and the cabbage is tender.

6. Prepare the Sauce:

• In a small saucepan, combine the reserved mushroom water, oyster sauce, and dissolved cornstarch mixture.
• Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the sauce begins to thicken.

7. Serve:

• Arrange the steamed cabbage rolls on a serving plate. Drizzle the sauce over the rolls and garnish with thinly sliced carrot, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Conclusion:

These Steamed Cabbage Rolls are a delicious and healthy option for anyone looking for a light, flavorful dish. The savory filling, made from minced meat and shiitake mushrooms, pairs beautifully with the tender cabbage leaves. The simple mushroom-based sauce enhances the flavor without overpowering the delicate rolls. Perfect for a light meal or an appetizer, these cabbage rolls are sure to impress with both their taste and presentation. Enjoy!