Steamed Cabbage Rolls with Flavorful Ssamjang
Healthy Cabbage Rolls with Homemade Ssamjang Sauce
Discover the simple yet delightful recipe for steamed cabbage rolls, featuring a wonderfully crisp texture. We’ll pair this with a special homemade ssamjang (dipping sauce) that adds a burst of savory and slightly spicy flavor. This recipe uses a convenient quartered cabbage, perfect for a quick and healthy meal. Learn how to easily prepare both the cabbage and the ssamjang for a delicious experience!
For the Cabbage
- 1/4 head of cabbage
- 700ml water (for steaming)
For the Ssamjang (Dipping Sauce)
- 3 Tbsp anchovy sauce
- 3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp finely chopped green onion
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 3 Tbsp anchovy sauce
- 3 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp finely chopped green onion
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the cabbage. Gently rinse the cabbage leaves under running water to remove any dirt or debris from between the layers. Place the cleaned cabbage in a steamer. Once the water in the steamer begins to boil, reduce the heat to medium and steam for about 8 to 10 minutes. It’s important to steam it just enough to retain a pleasant crispness, rather than making it overly soft.
Step 2
Once the cabbage is perfectly steamed, immediately immerse it in cold water for a brief moment. This quick dip in cold water helps to enhance its crisp texture. After taking it out of the cold water, place the cabbage on a rack or colander, stem-side down, to allow excess water to drain completely. Proper draining ensures the rolls won’t be watery and will taste better.
Step 3
Now, let’s make the delicious ssamjang! In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of anchovy sauce, 3 tablespoons of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon of finely chopped green onion. Add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil for a nutty aroma, a pinch of black pepper for a subtle kick, and 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame seeds. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined. You can adjust the ingredient amounts to your preference.
Step 4
Voila! Your crisp steamed cabbage and homemade ssamjang are ready. Simply place a generous spoonful of ssamjang onto a cabbage leaf, wrap it around some rice, and enjoy this incredibly satisfying and healthy meal. It’s simple, healthy, and bursting with flavor!
