CABBAGE WRAP
By Tima Gaye
🌟 Table of Contents – Cabbage Wrap 🌟
- 🌟 Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Wrap 🌟
- Introduction
- 🥬 What Makes This Cabbage Wrap Special
- 🍴 Perfect for Any Occasion
- 📝 Ingredients for Cabbage Wrap
- Prepare the Meat Filling
- Blanch the Cabbage Leaves
- Make the Sauce
- Roll the Cabbage Wraps
- Serve & Enjoy
- 💡 Tips for Success
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions
- 🌿 Explore More About Cabbage Wraps
- 🍯 You Might Also Enjoy
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Wrap 🌟
- Fresh & light: Tender cabbage leaves wrap a savory filling for a meal that feels clean but satisfying.
- Big flavor, simple steps: Garlic, spring onions, soy and oyster sauce create a balanced, delicious finish.
- Versatile: Great with beef, lamb, chicken—or a veggie swap like mushrooms or tofu.
- Weeknight-friendly: Blanch, roll, steam, glaze—done! Perfect for family dinners.
- Pretty on the plate: Bright green wraps with a glossy glaze look restaurant-quality.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Wrap 🌟
- Healthy & Light: Fresh cabbage leaves make this wrap naturally low-carb and full of nutrients.
- Packed with Flavor: The garlic, spring onions, and soy–oyster glaze create a delicious balance of savory and fresh.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps like blanching, rolling, and steaming keep the process stress-free.
- Versatile: Use beef, chicken, lamb, or even a vegetarian filling—it works beautifully every time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Light enough for lunch, elegant enough for dinner with guests.
🎥 Unlock the Cabbage Roll Quiz Answers
Watch a short video first, then reveal the answers to test your knowledge!
🧠 Quick Quiz: Cabbage Roll Facts
- Which two types of meat can be used for the filling in this recipe?
- What leafy vegetable is used to wrap the filling?
- Which two sauces bring savory depth to the flavorful sauce?
Introduction
🥬 What Makes This Cabbage Wrap Special
This Cabbage Wrap recipe is a healthy, light, and flavorful dish that is simple to prepare. First, tender cabbage leaves are blanched just long enough to soften without losing their bright green color. Then, they are wrapped around a savory filling made with seasoned meat, garlic paste, and spring onions. As a result, every roll is tasty, well-balanced, and satisfying.
🍴 Perfect for Any Occasion
In addition, these wraps are versatile and can be enjoyed in many settings. They are light enough for lunch, yet filling enough for dinner. Because they are steamed, they remain soft, warm, and healthy. Finally, the soy–oyster glaze poured on top ties everything together, giving the wraps a glossy finish and a burst of flavor.
Whether you are preparing a cozy family meal or hosting guests, this dish always impresses. Therefore, it’s a recipe worth keeping in your collection.
📝 Ingredients for Cabbage Wrap
- 100–150g lamb or beef, finely chopped or ground
- 5 fresh cabbage leaves
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp garlic paste
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1.5 tsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sweet rice seasoning
- 2 spring onions, chopped
- A pinch of chili flakes (optional)
- A splash of water (to thin sauce, as needed)
Prepare the Meat Filling
Dice or mince your meat into small pieces to ensure even cooking. Place it in a bowl, add salt and garlic paste, and let it rest for 10–15 minutes. This gives the meat time to absorb flavor.
Next, heat a pan over medium heat and cook the meat until it turns brown and is fully cooked. When it’s ready, stir in chopped spring onions and a little sweet rice seasoning. This mix will be the delicious filling for your cabbage wraps.
Blanch the Cabbage Leaves
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Gently dip each cabbage leaf into the water and let it soften for about 30–45 seconds. Be careful not to leave it too long, or it will lose its shape.
Right after blanching, move the leaves into a bowl of cold water with ice. This stops them from cooking further and keeps their fresh green color. Soft leaves are easier to roll while still looking bright and appetizing
Make the Sauce
At the same time, while your cabbage rolls are cooling, it’s time to prepare the sauce that ties everything together. In a small pan, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, a pinch of chili flakes (if you like a little heat), and a splash of water. Stir well and let the mixture simmer gently for about 2–3 minutes.
As it cooks, the sauce will slightly thicken and develop a glossy finish. This simple glaze is rich, savory, and just the right balance to complement the light cabbage leaves and flavorful filling.
Roll the Cabbage Wraps
Lay each blanched cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface or cutting board. Place a spoonful of the savory meat filling in the center of the leaf. Gently fold the sides inward, then roll it up tightly, just like a burrito. This will keep the filling secure inside.
Continue the process with the rest of your cabbage leaves and filling until you have a neat row of rolls. Because the leaves were blanched and cooled in an ice bath, they stay flexible and bright green, making them easy to fold without tearing.
Serve & Enjoy
Place your warm cabbage wraps on a plate and pour the sauce over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or some extra spring onions for freshness.
Serve them hot, and enjoy a meal that is both light and full of flavor—perfect for sharing with family or guests.
💡 Tips for Success
🥬 Preparing the Cabbage
- Blanch carefully: Don’t leave the cabbage leaves too long in hot water—30 to 45 seconds is enough to soften them without making them mushy.
- Cool quickly: Always transfer blanched leaves to an ice bath to lock in the bright green color and keep them flexible for rolling.
🌯 Rolling the Wraps
- Roll tightly: Fold the sides inward and roll like a burrito so the filling stays secure during steaming.
🍲 Cooking & Sauce
- Steam gently: 8–10 minutes is just right—enough to warm through without overcooking the cabbage.
- Balance the sauce: Adjust soy, oyster sauce, and chili flakes to suit your taste. Add a splash of water if it feels too strong.
🌿 Final Touch
- Garnish for freshness: Sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped spring onions before serving to add flavor, crunch, and color.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make Cabbage Wraps ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the rolls and keep them in the fridge. Steam them just before serving for the best taste and texture.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the meat with mushrooms, tofu, or even lentils. The sauce works just as well with plant-based fillings.
Q: What can I serve with Cabbage Wraps?
They pair wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or a light side salad for a complete meal.
Q: Can I freeze Cabbage Wraps?
Yes, but freeze them after rolling and before steaming. When ready, defrost and steam as usual before adding the glaze.
🌿 Explore More About Cabbage Wraps
Want to try a different take? Discover this Chinese-style version filled with pork or mushrooms for a unique twist: Chinese Steamed Cabbage Rolls .
Curious about the origins of cabbage rolls? Learn about the many cultural variations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East on: Wikipedia – Cabbage Roll .
🍯 You Might Also Enjoy
If you loved these fresh and savory cabbage wraps, why not try another delicious recipe from my kitchen? Check out my Honey Sour Chicken Wings — crispy, juicy, and glazed with the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavor.
About the Author:
Tima Gaye is a Gambian-born, UK-based home cook and recipe creator. She shares rich, flavorful recipes inspired by African roots and global dishes. Every meal she creates comes from the heart — blending tradition, creativity, and love.
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👉 Facebook: Cook with Tima Gaye
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