Are you craving a comforting, flavorful meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! These sweet and sour cabbage rolls are a delightful twist on a classic, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe balances the tender sweetness of cabbage with a tangy, savory sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest! This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of green cabbage
- 1 lb ground pork (or a mix of pork and beef)
- 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped carrots
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions:
Preparing the Cabbage:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage using a sharp knife.
- Submerge the cabbage in the boiling water for about 3-5 minutes, or until the outer leaves are softened enough to peel off easily. Remove the leaves one by one and set them aside to cool. You might need to repeat the boiling process a couple of times to get enough leaves.
Making the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, rice, onion, carrots, garlic, soy sauce, ginger, and pepper. Mix well until everything is thoroughly incorporated.
Assembling the Cabbage Rolls:
- Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat mixture in the center of the leaf.
- Fold the sides of the leaf inward, then roll it up tightly from the bottom to the top. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
Cooking the Cabbage Rolls:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Brown the cabbage rolls on all sides, then set them aside.
- In the same pot, whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly.
- Return the cabbage rolls to the pot, ensuring they're mostly submerged in the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45-60 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the cabbage is tender.
Tips for Perfect Cabbage Rolls:
- For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the meat filling.
- If your cabbage leaves are very large, you can cut them in half before adding the filling.
- Don't overcrowd the pot when browning the cabbage rolls; work in batches if necessary.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more chicken broth to adjust the consistency.
Variations:
- Spicy Sweet and Sour: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground pork with 1 cup of cooked lentils or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Different Cabbage: Feel free to experiment with other types of cabbage like Napa cabbage or savoy cabbage.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 300-350
- Protein: Around 20-25g
- Fat: Around 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Around 20-25g
This sweet and sour cabbage rolls recipe is a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. It's a wonderful choice for those seeking quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Enjoy!