18 Best Napa Cabbage Recipes to Up Your Cooking Game! (2024)

These bright, bold, and flavorful napa cabbage recipes will help your family enjoy weeknight dinners in style!

Get ready to discover the versatility and delightful flavors of napa cabbage, the most popular type of Chinese cabbage (sometimes also known as Peking cabbage).

With our roundup of the best vegan recipes that offer a perfect mix of comfort food and nourishing greens.

From stir-fry to dumplings and salads, these recipes bring out the savory and juicy aspects of napa cabbage, which you can easily find in grocery stores or Asian food stores.

From guaranteeing sensational side dishes to main courses that are low in calories yet big on flavor.

Hey, the most important part is, feel free to add your own twist to these recipes!

Easy Napa Cabbage Recipes (Best Ways to Use Napa Cabbage Veggie)

1. Taiwanese Cabbage Stew

Explore the comfort of Taiwanese cuisine with this simple stew that beautifully pairs napa cabbage with other veggies, giving this cabbage dish a juicy and tender texture.

This recipe is a great one for those seeking a hearty yet easy-to-make dish.

The napa cabbage, often a staple in Taiwanese households, takes center stage here, bringing both texture and nutrition to the dish.

Its leafy greens and white ribs surrender to the slow-cooking process, turning juicy and tender, releasing a savory essence that forms the base of this stew.

2. Napa Cabbage Mushroom Stir Fry

This recipe is a stir-fry that is quick and simple and uses the green leaves of the napa to offer a dish full of crunch and flavor.

The mushrooms add a delightful savory note, forming a culinary duo that is both humble and sublime, with the cabbage’s tender strands complementing the mushrooms’ earthy flavor profile.

Feel free to add your choice of proteins like tofu or even a sprinkle of sesame seeds to give the dish an additional layer of texture and nutrition, and don’t hesitate to change up the flavors with a splash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Drizzle a hint of sesame oil just before serving to elevate the dish to new heights with a rich, nutty aroma that is simply irresistible.

3. Vegan Napa Cabbage Rolls with Tofu Stuffings

This recipe allows the napa cabbage to envelop tofu and a medley of spices, creating rolls that are the epitome of savory vegan comfort food.

It’s a great source of dietary fiber and much flavor in a neat package.

Each roll houses a rich stuffing made from crumbled tofu seasoned with a medley of spices, offering a burst of flavor with every bite.

The rolls pair well with a side of tangy dipping sauce made with soy sauce and a dash of rice vinegar, elevating the dish’s savory notes and adding a refreshing contrast to each bite.

4. Napa Cabbage Stir Fry with Salt and Pepper Tofu

Napa cabbage is a type of vegetable that blends well with almost anything.

In this recipe, the napa cabbage is tossed in high heat and stir fried with crispy tofu, and seasoned perfectly with salt and pepper.

This stir-fry dish really brings out the tangy and spicy notes of napa cabbage, making it a sensation in every bite.

It’s straightforward to make this recipe. The dish starts with the tofu, which is pan-fried to crispy golden perfection before being tossed together with the napa cabbage that’s been cut and prepared to retain its crispy texture.

The magic happens when salt and pepper join the fray, enhancing the flavors and drawing out the cabbage’s tangy notes, giving it a savory edge that pairs well with the crunch of the tofu.

5. Miso Soup with Napa Cabbage and Noodles

This bowl of soup is not just a meal; there’s a lot of flavor and texture that make up this dish, promising a comforting, soul-soothing experience with every spoonful.

The cabbage takes this classic soup to a whole new level, transforming it into a hearty meal that’s both nourishing and fulfilling.

Its green leaves and crisp texture pair wonderfully with the smooth, slippery noodles, creating a delightful contrast that’s a joy to savor.

Whether you prefer using ramen, udon, or even glass noodles, the choice is yours to customize this soup to your liking, making it a versatile option for any meal.

6. Napa Cabbage Sticky Rice Rolls

Experience a burst of flavors with these sticky rice rolls.

The napa cabbage adds a crunchy texture, while the rice offers a comforting, sticky base, providing a balance of textures that is simply delightful.

As you delve into this dish, you’ll notice that adding the napa cabbage makes the perfect counterpart to the soft, sticky rice.

The cabbage not only adds a refreshing crunch but also brings a slightly peppery note, elevating the subtle sweetness of the sticky rice and creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

7. Napa Cabbage Chunk Steaks

Move over cauliflower steaks and make room for napa cabbage steaks!

Savory and slightly crispy on the edges, these “steaks” are a low-calorie delight that’s simple yet satisfying.

Each “steak” is a hearty slice of napa cabbage, seasoned to perfection and then roasted to achieve a beautiful exterior that is slightly crispy on the edges while retaining a tender, juicy core.

These napa cabbage steaks are not just a delightful main course but can also serve as a sensational veggie side dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of meals.

Whether accompanied by a tangy salad or a portion of stir-fried noodles, they bring a refreshing, crunchy element to the meal, adding a burst of flavor and nutrition with minimal calories.

8. Roasted Napa Cabbage

This is an easy recipe where napa cabbage is transformed into a sublime dish, with its layers becoming tender and slightly caramelized as they roast.

It’s a comforting dish, best made by removing any outer leaves that show signs of browning to reveal the tender heart of the cabbage. What truly brings this dish to life are the seasonings.

You can keep it simple with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper, or you can venture further, incorporating flavors such as garlic, and red pepper flakes.

Or a splash of apple cider vinegar to add a tangy note that pairs well with the natural sweetness of the roasted cabbage.

9. Cucumber and Napa Cabbage Coleslaw

Enjoy a refreshing slaw that combines the crispiness of cucumber with the tenderness of napa cabbage in tangy lime juice, bringing much-needed freshness to any table.

The joy of this dish doesn’t end with just cucumbers and napa cabbage; feel free to add a variety of other veggies to your Asian slaw.

A handful of chopped chives or a sprinkle of sesame seeds can add a nice twist to the texture and flavor, creating a more complex and layered dish.

Whether served alongside a hearty main or enjoyed as a light salad on its own, this cucumber and napa cabbage coleslaw is an invitation to freshness.

It takes just a few minutes to make, requiring just a bit of chopping and mixing, yet it offers a refreshing and crisp side dish that pairs well with a wide variety of meals.

10. Vegan Asian Napa Cabbage Slaw

Step up your salad game with this delightful slaw that promises not just a feast for your taste buds but also a vibrant splash of colors on your dining table.

This recipe marries the crispness of fresh napa cabbage with a rich, tangy Asian dressing, resulting in a sensational side dish that is both visually appealing and incredibly tasty.

You’ll find that the cabbage pairs beautifully with the dressing, a harmonic blend that teases out the natural sweetness of the cabbage while adding a rich depth of flavor with the dressing’s savory notes.

11. Napa Cabbage Salad with Sweet Tamari-Sesame Dressing

The sweet tamari-sesame dressing, an intriguing blend of sweetness and umami, has the power to transform a simple napa cabbage salad into a masterpiece of flavors and textures.

The tamari brings a deep, savory umami flavor, perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness to tease and tantalize your taste buds.

And, while the cabbage and dressing are a match made in heaven, feel free to add to the mix with additions that will heighten the experience.

Consider tossing in a handful of crunchy sliced almonds for an extra layer of texture or perhaps some juicy orange segments to add a burst of citrusy freshness that pairs well with the rich, savory dressing.

12. SpicySautéed Napa Cabbage

Add a kick to your meal with this spicy garlic napa cabbage recipe.

A simple sautéed napa cabbage recipe that’s flavored with a hint of red chili flakes to give it a spicy touch.

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity and versatility. While it pairs perfectly with a wide variety of meals, from rice dishes to noodle stir-fries, it also allows for personalization.

Feel free to add your favorite additions — perhaps a splash of hot and sour sauce for a deeper savory note or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a nutty undertone and a beautiful visual contrast.

With every forkful, you will appreciate the balance of spicy, savory, and crispy elements.

13. Asian Napa Cabbage Salad

This salad boasts a wonderful crunch from freshly prepared napa cabbage or green cabbage, presenting a dish that’s not just easy to make but incredibly harmonious with a range of dishes, making it a versatile choice for any dining occasion.

Whether enjoyed as a side dish to accompany your main course or savored as a light meal on its own, this napa cabbage salad with Asian dressing promises to be a hit.

Preparing this dish is easy, and the flavors allow it to fit seamlessly into any meal plan.

14. Korean Vegan Kimchi

While traditional kimchi recipes often include fish sauce or shrimp paste, this vegan variant opts for soy sauce or tamari, maintaining that deep, umami richness that is characteristic of a well-made kimchi.

And giving it a savory backbone that beautifully complements the spicy and tangy notes.

Pair this vegan kimchi with a simple bowl of rice or steaming bowl of hot pot, use it as a sensational side to elevate any meal, or even enjoy it as a flavorful snack on its own — the possibilities are endless.

It’s not just a dish but an experience, a celebration of Korean culinary arts, promising a dynamic and flavorful addition to your vegan dishes.

15. Napa Cabbage Wraps

If you thought cabbage couldn’t be a snack, think again.

In this recipe, the napa or regular cabbage leaves create a crisp wrapping for a variety of savory fillings, offering a refreshing crunch with every bite.

Pair it with a dip of your choice, maybe a side of tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy Asian dressing, or a simple soy sauce dip infused with a hint of ginger for even more flavor.

They can be prepared in minutes, making them a quick yet nutritious choice for a busy day.

They promise a burst of flavors and textures, a refreshing crunch, and the satisfaction that comes from a meal that is both tasty and healthy.

It’s a simple yet sophisticated choice that is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

16. Pan-fried Napa Cabbage

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and nutritious side dish to elevate your meal, look no further than this easy sautéed napa cabbage recipe.

The key here is to sauté it just right. Heat the oil on medium-high heat and stir-fry the napa cabbage for a few minutes, allowing it to wilt a bit while retaining a crunch that gives it that fresh, garden-crisp vibe.

Serve this easy sautéed napa cabbage as a sensational side with your favorite main courses, and watch how it brings a refreshing, light, and crisp element to your meal.

It truly is the best way to enjoy napa cabbage in its most natural yet incredibly satisfying form.

Note that this dish is best when made just before serving. However, if you’re short on time, the napa cabbage can be cut, and the garlic can be chopped in advance.

In case you don’t have napa cabbage available, you can easily substitute it with bok choy or regular green cabbage, but it will take longer to cook.

17. Rice Noodle Stir-fried Napa Cabbage

This recipe effortlessly brings together the crisp, almost sweet crunch of fresh napa cabbage with the soft and comforting texture of rice noodles.

Imagine a meal where every bite offers a delightful crunch, followed by the comforting embrace of tender noodles, each strand absorbing the savory notes of the seasoning used.

The cabbage’s natural flavors stand tall in this dish, offering a refreshing, leafy green note that balances the rich, comforting nature of the rice noodles.

18. Chinese-Style Cabbage Soup

This recipe is a comforting soup that brings the mild flavor of napa cabbage into a warm, nourishing broth.

It’s a great one to try if you’re looking for a comforting dish that is perfect for cold days or when you are looking for a lighter meal option.

Whether you’re looking to warm up during a cold day, seeking a gentle start to your meal, or opting for a lighter yet satisfying dining option, this Chinese Cabbage Soup stands as a perfect choice.

It offers a comfort that is both nourishing and revitalizing—a true comfort food that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.