Grilled Cabbage Wraps

As a housewife who loves experimenting with new recipes, I recently stumbled upon a gem that has quickly become a favorite in my household - Grilled Cabbage Wraps. This unique and flavorful dish combines the goodness of cabbage leaves, a deliciously seasoned filling, and a tangy sauce that perfectly complements the flavors. Not only is it a healthy and satisfying meal, but it also adds a touch of creativity to your dinner table. Join me on this culinary journey as I share the recipe and the story behind it.

The Inspiration Behind Grilled Cabbage Wraps

Every great recipe has a story, and the inspiration behind these Grilled Cabbage Wraps stems from my desire to find a creative way to enjoy the humble cabbage. I wanted to elevate this often overlooked vegetable and showcase its versatility by transforming it into a flavorful wrap.

The Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors

To create these mouthwatering wraps, we'll need a handful of simple yet vibrant ingredients. The star of the dish, of course, is the cabbage leaves, which provide a fresh and crisp base for our filling. Other key ingredients include cooked rice, kale stems (or broccoli stems as a substitute), mushrooms (optional), carrots, ginger, and a variety of seasonings. These ingredients come together to form a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds.

The Cooking Process

Preparing Grilled Cabbage Wraps is a breeze, and the results are well worth the effort. After sautéing the ginger and mushrooms, we mix them with the kale stems, carrots, cooked rice, and the perfect blend of seasonings. This savory filling is then carefully wrapped in blanched cabbage leaves, creating neat and appetizing parcels.

Adding the Finishing Touch

To bring out the flavors and create an enticing caramelized crust, the wrapped cabbage rolls are grilled to perfection. The heat transforms the wraps, infusing them with a delightful smokiness while retaining their crisp texture. As they sizzle on the grill, your anticipation for the final result builds, knowing that something truly special is about to grace your plate.

The Sauce

No wrap is complete without a delicious sauce, and our Grilled Cabbage Wraps are no exception. A tangy and slightly sweet sauce made with maple syrup, soy sauce, Thai chili (optional), mirin, salt, pepper, and water is simmered until it thickens slightly. This sauce enhances the flavors of the wraps, adding a delightful zing that ties the dish together.

Serving and Enjoying the Grilled Cabbage Wraps

Once your Grilled Cabbage Wraps are perfectly cooked and the sauce is drizzled on top, it's time to savor the fruits of your labor. The enticing aroma fills the air as you take your first bite, experiencing the harmonious blend of textures and flavors. The combination of the tender cabbage, the flavorful filling, and the tangy sauce is sure to make your taste buds dance with joy.

Grilled Cabbage Wraps Recipe

Grilled Cabbage Wraps: A delectable twist on traditional wraps, combining tender cabbage leaves, a flavorful filling, and a tangy sauce for a satisfying and innovative culinary experience.

PREP TIME: 20 minutes

COOK TIME: 25 minutes

SERVINGS: 3 servings

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 cups cooked rice (used glutinous rice or sub with other rice)
• 3/4 cup kale stems, finely chopped (or use broccoli stem)
• 15-20 cabbage leaves
• 1/2 cup mushrooms, finely chopped -optional (used mini King Oyster mushrooms)
• 1 small carrot, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp finely minced ginger
• 1 tbsp Salt
• 2 tbsp Oil for Cooking

Seasoning

• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp salt & pepper to taste Each

Sause

• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce/tamari
• 1 chopped Thai chili (optional)
• 1 tbsp mirin
• 1 tbsp salt & pepper
• 1/2 cup Water

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. To make the filling, heat a non-stick pan with 1 teaspoon oil, sauté ginger until fragrant, add mushrooms, cook for 1-2mins.
2. Add kale stems & continue to cook for about 30 secs, turn off the heat. ⁣
3. Transfer mixture to a bowl, then add carrots, cooked rice & mix well with seasoning ingredients. Taste test.
4. Bring a pot of water to boil, blanch cabbage leaves for about 45secs. Remove & quickly plunge them in icy water to stop the cooking.
5. Place one cabbage leaf on a cleaned surface. Add a heaping spoon of filling in the middle, fold in the sides & wrap to seal.
6. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.⁣
7. In a heated non-stick pan with 1 teaspoon oil, place as many cabbage wraps as will fit in one layer in the pan.
8. Cook until both sides are nicely browned, flipping in halfway.
9. Sauce: Add the sauce ingredients to a pan, then bring it to simmer & cook until slightly thickened.⁣ 
10. Drizzle sauce on the cabbage wraps & garnish with sesame seeds & chopped cilantro.

Grilled Cabbage Wraps are a culinary adventure that brings innovation to your dining table. From the initial inspiration to the final grilled delight, every step of the process is a testament to the joy of cooking. Whether you're looking to impress your family with a unique and delicious meal or simply indulge in a healthy and satisfying dish, these wraps are the perfect choice. So gather your ingredients, embrace your creativity, and embark on a flavorful journey that will leave you craving more.