| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 15 mins – 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 155 | 3g | 1g | 27g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 3g | 5g | 0.6g |
There’s something incredibly alluring about Steamed Chinese Cabbage Rolls that keeps drawing me back to them time and time again. Perhaps it’s the soft, gentle texture of the cabbage juxtaposed against the vibrant medley of vegetables and fruits nestled within the roll. Or maybe it’s the nurturing warmth that emanates from steam-kissed rolls, making them seem like exquisitely wrapped, edible presents.
The Inspiration Behind the Rolls
As someone with a deep love for the rich intricacies and bold flavors of Afro-Southern fusion cuisine, the inspiration to include Steamed Chinese Cabbage Rolls on my dinner table is somewhat unexpected, yet profoundly meaningful. Leveraging the techniques and flavors from a different culinary culture, I find myself creating a crossing point of food that fulfills me both gastronomically and spiritually. Discovering and sharing diverse recipes from around the world is one of my biggest passions, particularly when those dishes like these rolls embody health and wellness.
The Health Connection
Loaded with vegetables and fruit, this recipe is bursting with vital nutrients essential for overall wellbeing. Cabbage, the star vegetable of this recipe, is known for its high vitamin C content, while the carrots add a good dose of Vitamin A. Furthermore, the fruit provides natural sweetness and a boost of fiber. Aligning with my commitment to balanced eating, these Steamed Chinese Cabbage Rolls demonstrate that health-conscious fare can be delightful and satisfying.
If you’re familiar with the Nigerian Dish ‘Moi Moi‘ (a steamed bean pudding), you might notice the resemblance in cooking method between my cabbage rolls and ‘Moi Moi. The rolls could also pair beautifully with other mains such as braised black-eyed peas or even a hearty Southern-spiced sweet potato fries.
So, whether you’re a veteran of Afro-Southern fusion, or just venturing into the crossroads of global cuisine, I assure you that these Steamed Chinese Cabbage Rolls are the perfect addition to your culinary repertoire.
What You’ll Need
- 12 Chinese cabbage leaves
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup cooked white rice
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup finely chopped mixed fruit (such as apple, pear, orange)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions for garnish
Method
Step One
Blanch the Chinese cabbage leaves in boiling water for about 1 minute until they’re pliable. Drain them and set aside to cool.
Step Two
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until the onions become translucent.
Step Three
Add the cooked rice, shredded carrots, and finely chopped mixed fruit to the skillet. Stir in the soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until everything is well-combined.
Step Four
Remove the filling from heat and allow it to cool slightly. Place about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the filling on each leaf of the cabbage. Fold in the sides and roll up the leaf to encase the filling. Secure the roll with a toothpick if needed.
Step Five
Line a steamer basket with parchment paper. Arrange the cabbage rolls in the steamer, seam-side down. Ensure they are not touching so that they will steam evenly.
Step Six
Place the steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. Cover and steam for about 15 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
Step Seven
While the cabbage rolls are steaming, heat the chicken broth and hoisin sauce in a small saucepan. Stir until they’re well combined and heated through.
Step Eight
Once done, remove the cabbage rolls from the steamer and place them on serving plates. Drizzle with the hoisin-broth mixture and garnish with the sliced green onions before serving.
