Liaoning-style Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Ingredients

While the original Futoška sarma is typically made with a combination of ground beef and pork, our Liaoning-style Stuffed Cabbage Rolls focus solely on ground pork for a more authentic Liaoning flavor. Additionally, we incorporate traditional Liaoning spices and seasonings to enhance the taste profile of the dish. The cooking technique remains similar, with the cabbage rolls being simmered in a flavorful broth until they are tender and infused with the delicious essence of the ingredients. We alse have the original recipe for Futoška sarma, so you can check it out.

• 1 large cabbage head 1 large cabbage head
• 500g (1.1 lb) ground pork 500g (1.1 lb) ground pork
• 1 cup cooked fragrant rice 1 cup cooked fragrant rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, grated 1 carrot, grated
• 1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms, finely chopped 1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) chicken or vegetable broth

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the cabbage leaves, one by one, and blanch them in the boiling water for 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, cooked fragrant rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, grated carrot, chopped shiitake mushrooms, soy sauce, oyster sauce, grated ginger, Chinese five-spice powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. 3.
   Take a cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the pork mixture in the center. Roll the leaf tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and pork mixture.
4. 4.
   In a large pot, arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls in a single layer. Pour the chicken or vegetable broth over the rolls, ensuring they are fully submerged.
5. 5.
   Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the cabbage rolls are tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. 6.
   Serve the Liaoning-style Stuffed Cabbage Rolls hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cabbage — Be careful when removing the cabbage leaves to avoid tearing them. If a leaf tears, you can still use it by overlapping the torn edges when rolling the cabbage rolls.
• Fragrant rice — Use long-grain fragrant rice, such as jasmine or basmati, for the best flavor and aroma.
• Shiitake mushrooms — If shiitake mushrooms are not available, you can substitute them with other mushrooms like cremini or button mushrooms.
• Chinese five-spice powder — If you don't have Chinese five-spice powder, you can make your own by combining equal parts ground cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorns.

Tips & Tricks

• To add an extra layer of flavor, you can brown the stuffed cabbage rolls in a skillet before simmering them in the broth.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to the broth.
• Serve the Liaoning-style Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with a side of steamed rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Leftover cabbage rolls can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. They often taste even better as the flavors continue to develop.

Serving advice

Serve the Liaoning-style Stuffed Cabbage Rolls hot, accompanied by a bowl of steamed rice or crusty bread. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the stuffed cabbage rolls on a platter, allowing the vibrant green cabbage leaves to showcase the delicious filling. Drizzle some of the flavorful broth over the rolls for an enticing presentation.