Stuffed Chinese Cabbage Rolls: 7 Irresistible Flavor Bombs

Name: Stuffed Chinese Cabbage Rolls: 7 Irresistible Flavor Bombs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 large head of Chinese cabbage; 1 pound ground pork; 1 cup cooked rice; 1/2 cup chopped green onions; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, minced; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Posted on November 1, 2025

Posted by Georgina sami

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Stuffed Chinese Cabbage Rolls are one of those dishes that never fail to impress! They’re not only a feast for the eyes with their vibrant green cabbage leaves, but they also pack a punch of flavor and nutrition. I vividly remember the first time I made these for my family; the kitchen was filled with the warm, inviting aroma of ginger and garlic, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in. The combination of tender cabbage, savory ground pork, and fragrant seasonings creates a satisfying meal that’s both healthy and delicious. Plus, they’re gluten-free, making them a great option for everyone at the table. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your cooking rotation!

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to create these mouthwatering Stuffed Chinese Cabbage Rolls:

1 large head of Chinese cabbage
1 pound ground pork
1 cup cooked rice
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1 tablespoon sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Prepare Stuffed Chinese Cabbage Rolls

Making Stuffed Chinese Cabbage Rolls is a fun and rewarding experience! Let’s dive into the steps that will lead you to a delicious meal that your family will rave about.

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when your rolls are ready to go in!
Next, carefully remove the leaves from the head of Chinese cabbage. Here’s where it gets a bit steamy: blanch the leaves in boiling water for just 2-3 minutes. You want them tender but not mushy—trust me, overcooked leaves won’t roll well. Drain and set aside.
Now, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the ground pork, cooked rice, chopped green onions, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix it up thoroughly—this is where all the flavors come together, so don’t be shy!
Take a cabbage leaf and place a generous spoonful of the filling at the base. Roll it up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Think of it as a little gift you’re wrapping up!
Place the rolls seam side down in a baking dish. It’s okay if they’re snug; they’ll hold together beautifully as they cook.
To keep them moist, add a splash of water or broth to the bottom of the dish. Cover it with foil to lock in all that goodness.
Bake for 30-40 minutes until everything is cooked through and the kitchen smells heavenly. Once done, serve them hot and enjoy the delightful flavors!

Nutritional Information

These Stuffed Chinese Cabbage Rolls are not only delicious but also quite nutritious! Each roll contains approximately 250 calories, 12g of fat, 15g of protein, 20g of carbohydrates, and 2g of sugar. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy these wholesome rolls knowing they’re packed with flavor and health benefits!

Why You’ll Love Stuffed Chinese Cabbage Rolls

Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein from the ground pork and loaded with veggies, these rolls are a wholesome meal option.
Easy to Prepare: With simple steps, even novice cooks can whip up these delicious rolls without any fuss.
Flavorful: The combination of ginger, garlic, and sesame oil gives these rolls a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist!
Versatile: Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite meats or add more veggies for extra nutrition—there are endless possibilities!
Gluten-Free: Great for those on a gluten-free diet, these cabbage rolls are a delicious alternative to traditional stuffed dishes.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare them in advance and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Tips for Success

To make your Stuffed Chinese Cabbage Rolls truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, don’t be afraid to mix up the filling—ground chicken or turkey works great if you want a lighter option, and you can sneak in finely chopped veggies like carrots or bell peppers for added crunch and nutrition. When blanching the cabbage leaves, make sure to cool them in ice water afterward to stop the cooking process; this helps them retain their vibrant color and prevents overcooking.

For presentation, arrange the rolls on a large platter and drizzle some extra soy sauce or homemade dipping sauce over the top—it looks gorgeous and adds a burst of flavor. And remember, these rolls also freeze beautifully! Just make sure to wrap them tightly before storing. You’ll be so glad to have a batch ready for those busy nights!

Variations

One of the best things about Stuffed Chinese Cabbage Rolls is their versatility! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the ground pork for ground beef or even shrimp for a delightful twist. You can also go meatless by using a combination of mushrooms, tofu, and nuts for a hearty vegetarian option. Want more crunch? Add finely chopped bell peppers, carrots, or water chestnuts to the filling for an extra texture boost.

For spice lovers, a dash of Sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. And don’t forget about fresh herbs! Chopped cilantro or basil can brighten up the flavor profile. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative with what you have on hand!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Stuffed Chinese Cabbage Rolls properly is key to enjoying them later! Once they’ve cooled, place the rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze beautifully—just wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight.

To reheat, place the rolls in a baking dish, add a splash of water or broth, cover with foil, and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. This keeps them moist and flavorful!

FAQ Section

Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?
Absolutely! While I love using ground pork, you can easily swap it for ground chicken, turkey, or even beef. Just be mindful of cooking times, as leaner meats may require less baking time.

Can I make these rolls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed cabbage rolls in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them tightly to keep them fresh.

What if I don’t have Chinese cabbage?
No worries! You can use regular green cabbage or even collard greens if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to blanch them, so they’re pliable for rolling.

How can I make these rolls vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with a mix of mushrooms, tofu, and your favorite vegetables. You can also add some cooked quinoa for extra protein!

Can I freeze the cooked cabbage rolls?
Yes! Once baked, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly and freeze. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just reheat from frozen, adding a little extra time in the oven.