Napa Cabbage: How to Use Napa Cabbage in Your Cooking

Napa cabbage, also known as celery cabbage and wong bok, is a vegetable with pale green outer leaves and a yellow center. Along with bok choy, napa cabbage is one of the most popular types of Chinese cabbage. Napa cabbage originated in northern China and has a mild, sweet flavor.

Napa cabbage is a nutritious vegetable full of folic acids and dietary fiber. Napa cabbage is low in calories and high in vitamin C. Additionally, napa cabbages contain minerals like calcium and potassium.

Napa cabbage is a useful ingredient to include in a variety of dishes.

1. 1. Eat napa cabbage raw. Served raw, napa cabbage has a crisp texture that works well in salads. Rinse your napa cabbage and dry it thoroughly before tossing it into a salad with other flavorful vegetables like onions, radishes, and garlic.
2. 2. Grill napa cabbage. Slice your napa cabbage into wedges and coat them in a thin layer of sesame oil, salt, and lemon juice. Place the cabbage on a grill and cook for about ten minutes, flipping the slices of cabbage for even grilling. For an additional garnish, sprinkle sesame seeds on top of your grilled napa cabbage.
3. 3. Include napa cabbage in dumplings and stir-fries. Napa cabbage is a popular ingredient in dumplings and stir-fries. After rinsing and drying your napa cabbage, dice it and add it to a pan or wok with other ingredients like rice noodles, scallions, and ginger for a simple cabbage stir-fry. Napa cabbage is also a classic ingredient in Korean kimchi.
4. 4. Use leftover napa cabbage in soups. If you have any cooked napa cabbage left after a meal, add it to a soup or stew for added texture and nutritional value. If you plan to store fresh napa cabbage, put it in a sealed plastic bag and place it in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. When properly sealed, napa cabbage can stay fresh for up to a week.

Become a better chef with the MasterClass Annual Membership. Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Gordon Ramsay, Gabriela Cámara, Chef Thomas Keller, Dominique Ansel, Yotam Ottolenghi, Alice Waters, and more.