East Asian Style Braised Cabbage

Ingredients

In this East Asian adaptation, the traditional Serbian dish Podvarak is transformed by incorporating East Asian flavors and cooking techniques. The original dish typically includes ingredients such as sauerkraut, pork, and paprika, while this version focuses on cabbage as the main ingredient. The flavors are enhanced with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil, giving it an umami-rich taste. The cooking technique involves braising the cabbage to achieve a tender yet slightly crisp texture. We alse have the original recipe for Podvarak, so you can check it out.

• 1 medium cabbage, shredded 1 medium cabbage, shredded
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (30ml) 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (30ml)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (30ml) 2 tablespoons soy sauce (30ml)
• 1 tablespoon honey (15ml) 1 tablespoon honey (15ml)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (5ml) 1 teaspoon sesame oil (5ml)
• 1 cup vegetable broth (240ml) 1 cup vegetable broth (240ml)
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional garnish: sesame seeds, sliced green onions Optional garnish: sesame seeds, sliced green onions

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 9g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the shredded cabbage to the pan and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly wilted.
4. 4.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and vegetable broth.
5. 5.
   Pour the sauce mixture over the cabbage and stir well to combine.
6. 6.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the cabbage simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired tenderness.
7. 7.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions, if desired.
9. 9.
   Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Cabbage — Make sure to shred the cabbage into thin strips for even cooking.
• Ginger — Use a grater to finely grate the ginger for maximum flavor extraction.
• Garlic — Mince the garlic cloves finely to evenly distribute the flavor throughout the dish.
• Soy sauce — Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a less salty taste.
• Vegetable broth — Use a high-quality vegetable broth for a richer flavor profile.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
• Experiment with different types of cabbage, such as Napa cabbage or bok choy, for a unique twist.
• Add some protein to the dish by tossing in tofu cubes or sliced mushrooms during the cooking process.
• Serve the braised cabbage over steamed rice or alongside stir-fried noodles for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the East Asian Style Braised Cabbage as a main dish accompanied by steamed rice or as a side dish alongside your favorite East Asian-inspired meal. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an added visual appeal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the braised cabbage neatly on a serving platter or individual plates. The vibrant green color of the cabbage will create an eye-catching presentation. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for an extra touch of elegance.