Hot girl summer is right around the corner
If you’re trying to up your protein and veggie intake like me, then these stuffed cabbage rolls with pork are for you! These rolls are filled with ground pork, mushrooms, carrots, and onions, and make such a tasty dish. The beauty of this pork cabbage roll recipe is that you can customize it and make it your own! These cabbage leaves filled with pork would go beautifully with some ground turkey or chicken, or even some tofu if you want to keep it vegetarian.
Some tips from the kitchen
- I used savoy cabbage for this recipe because I like the look and texture of this cabbage. There are so many different cabbages you could use! Try green cabbage or napa cabbage if you can’t find savoy cabbage.
- Substitute the ground pork for any protein you’d like! Ground chicken, turkey, beef, or crumbled tofu work well with this dish, giving you various cabbage roll-filling ideas.
- I always cook a little piece of filling before rolling just to make sure the seasonings are good! Make a small meatball with the filling and boil for 4-5 minutes or until cooked through. Adjust any seasonings to your liking.
- This filling recipe will make 8 very large pork-stuffed cabbage rolls or 12 smaller ones (I made 8). You only need the outer leaves for this recipe – save the tender inner leaves for a simple salad or stir fry.
- For the sauce, I used a simple chili crisp I got at the store. I love the Sichuan Chili Crisp by Fly By Jing!
Ingredients
- 1 Savoy Cabbage, 8-12 outer leaves
- 16 oz. Ground Pork
- 3/4 cup White or Yellow Onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup Carrots, chopped
- 2 Scallions, chopped
- 3-4 Shiitake Mushrooms (dried), rehydrated and chopped
- 1 cup Cooked White Rice
- 2 Garlic Cloves, grated
- 1 tsp. Ginger, grated
- 1 Egg
- 2 tbsp. Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp. Fish Sauce
Also read this post: soy-marinated
Instructions
- Remove 8-12 outer leaves from the cabbage. Blanch for 2-3 minutes or until pliable.
- Use a small paring knife to remove the thick stem from the cabbage leaves. Cut in a v-shape making sure you only remove the stem.
- Combine ground pork, onions, carrots, scallions, shiitake mushrooms, cooked rice, garlic, ginger, egg, soy sauce, and fish sauce into a bowl. Mix until well combined.
- Make a filling tester by making a small meatball. Boil for 4-5 minutes or until cooked through. Adjust any seasonings if needed.
- Place a cabbage leaf on a cutting board or mat, curl side facing up. Add about 1/2+ cup of filling to the center. Roll upwards halfway, fold in the sides, then continue rolling to secure (like a burrito).
- Place the cabbage rolls into a steamer basket and steam for 10-15 minutes, depending on how big your rolls are. Internal temperature should read at least 165 degrees F.
- Serve with chili crisp or your favorite sauce and enjoy!
Pork Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients
For these savory pork cabbage rolls, you’ll need:
- 1 large head of savoy cabbage
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Follow these steps to create delicious homemade pork cabbage rolls:
- Prepare the cabbage: Core the cabbage and carefully remove 12-15 large leaves. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until pliable. Drain and set aside.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine ground pork, cooked rice, onion, carrots, garlic, egg, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Mix well to create your cabbage and pork filling.
- Assemble the rolls: Place a cabbage leaf on a flat surface, and add about 1/4 cup of the pork mixture near the stem end. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly.
- Cook the rolls: Place the pork-stuffed cabbage rolls in a large pot or Dutch oven. Pour tomato sauce or broth over the rolls.
- Simmer: Cover and simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the pork is cooked through.
These traditional pork cabbage rolls are perfect for a hearty family dinner or meal prep. You can easily turn this into a pork cabbage roll casserole by layering the ingredients in a baking dish and baking it in the oven.
For those looking to explore pork cabbage roll variations, consider adding different spices or herbs to the filling, or try an Asian pork cabbage roll version by incorporating ginger, sesame oil, and hoisin sauce into the mix.
Whether you’re making classic cabbage rolls with pork or experimenting with new flavors, this versatile dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy your baked pork cabbage rolls with a side of sour cream or your favorite dipping sauce for a complete meal!
FAQs
What are cabbage rolls made of?
Cabbage rolls typically consist of cooked cabbage leaves wrapped around a filling of ground meat, rice, and vegetables. The rolls are usually baked or simmered in a tomato-based sauce, creating a hearty and flavorful dish.
What is the difference between halupki and golumpki?
Halupki and golumpki are essentially the same dish, with the names originating from different Eastern European languages. Both refer to stuffed cabbage rolls, with halupki being the Slovak term and golumpki (or gołąbki) being the Polish term.
What can I serve with cabbage rolls?
Cabbage rolls pair well with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. You can also serve them with sour cream, applesauce, or additional tomato sauce on the side for extra flavor.
What are German cabbage rolls made of?
German cabbage rolls, known as Kohlrouladen, typically contain ground beef or pork mixed with onions, breadcrumbs, and eggs as the filling. They are often simmered in a beef broth or tomato-based sauce and may include bacon for added flavor.
