Chicken Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe 

Craving a delicious and comforting dish that will impress your taste buds? Look no further than chicken stuffed cabbage rolls! This delightful recipe combines tender cabbage leaves, flavorful ground chicken, and a medley of aromatic herbs and spices, all wrapped up in a cozy bundle. Indulge in every mouthful and savor the delightful symphony of textures and flavors, igniting an insatiable desire for another bite.

Below, we will guide you step by step on how to make stuffed cabbage rolls. Once you try my nutritious chicken-filled variation, you'll be eager to recreate this recipe repeatedly. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, these chicken stuffed cabbage rolls are a surefire way to elevate your cooking game and bring a touch of elegance to your dinner table.

Chicken Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Gently detach the cabbage leaves and immerse them in boiling water for approximately 2-3 minutes until they turn flexible. Retrieve the leaves from the water and let them cool aside.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken, grated carrot, diced red bell pepper, chopped onion, minced garlic, half of the coconut amino, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined.

3. Take a cabbage leaf and place a generous amount of the filling meat mixture near the base of the leaf. Take the filling and tightly roll it up in the cabbage leaves, folding the sides inward, resembling a burrito. Repeat this procedure with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.

4. On medium heat, heat a large pan with a lid. Arrange the cabbage rolls with the seam-side facing downwards in the pan, then pour water into the pan to fill it. Add enough water to submerge the cabbage rolls, and add the remaining two tablespoons of coconut amino.

5. Cover the pan with the lid and let the rolls simmer for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage leaves become tender and the filling is thoroughly cooked.

6. After cooking, delicately take out the rolls from the pan and transfer them to a serving dish. Drizzle any remaining pan juices over the rolls. Garnish with green onion or pepper if desired.

What You Will Need To Make Chicken And Mushroom Cabbage Rolls

Ground Chicken Breast

Opting for ground chicken breast is an excellent choice for this recipe of Asian-inspired stuffed cabbage rolls. It offers a lighter and leaner alternative to ground pork, ground beef, or ground turkey while still providing a flavorful and moist filling.

Mushroom

Feel free to select any mushrooms that you prefer. In this particular recipe, I utilized fresh shiitake mushrooms which offer a profound, indulgent, buttery, and savory taste. If you opt for dried shiitake mushrooms, they provide a concentrated, smoky richness. If possible, you can even combine both varieties for an enhanced flavor profile.

Cabbage

Both green cabbage and Napa cabbage are excellent choices for making Asian-inspired stuffed cabbage rolls. Here's more information about each type of cabbage and how they can be used in the recipe:

Green cabbage is the most common variety of cabbage used in traditional stuffed cabbage roll recipes. It has a round shape and dense, tightly packed leaves. Green cabbage possesses a gentle, subtly sweet taste accompanied by a crunchy texture. When cooked, the leaves become tender and add a satisfying bite to the rolls. Its sturdy leaves make it easy to roll and hold the filling securely.

Napa cabbage, also recognized as Chinese cabbage or celery cabbage, features an elongated form and lighter, more delicate leaves in comparison to green cabbage. It has a milder, sweeter flavor with a slight hint of peppery notes. Napa cabbage has a softer texture and more delicate leaves, which can make it slightly more challenging to roll tightly. However, its delicate flavor and tender leaves add a unique twist to the stuffed cabbage rolls.

Carrot

The grated carrot adds natural sweetness, vibrant color, and a pleasant crunch to the filling. Carrots are abundant in beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, known for its ability to enhance vision health and bolster immune function. They also contain dietary fiber and antioxidants that contribute to overall health.

Red Bell Pepper

Diced red bell pepper brings a pop of bright color and a mild, slightly sweet flavor to the filling. It serves as an outstanding source of vitamin C, essential for fortifying the immune system and promoting collagen production. Red bell peppers also provide antioxidants and dietary fiber.

Onion

Finely chopped onion adds depth and savory notes to the filling. Onions are part of the allium family, renowned for their aromatic and flavorful qualities. They offer a harmonious blend of sweetness and tang, elevating the overall taste of the dish. Onions contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that offer various health benefits.

Garlic

Minced garlic brings a distinctive and aromatic flavor to the filling. It offers a pungent yet slightly sweet taste. Garlic is recognized for its potential health advantages, such as supporting the immune system, promoting heart health, and possessing anti-inflammatory properties.

Coconut Amino

Using coconut aminos in this recipe can be a wonderful alternative to traditional soy sauce. Coconut aminos, extracted from coconut blossom sap, have become increasingly popular as a gluten-free, soy-free, and reduced-sodium substitute for soy sauce.

Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce is a dense, dark sauce crafted from soybeans, garlic, sugar, and an array of spices. It offers a sweet, savory, and tangy flavor profile. Hoisin sauce adds richness and depth to the filling, balancing the other flavors and creating a harmonious blend.

Oyster Sauce

Oyster sauce, a lustrous and viscous condiment, is prepared from oysters, soy sauce, and a medley of seasonings. It imparts a rich, savory, and umami essence to the filling. Oyster sauce enhances the overall taste profile and adds complexity to the dish.

Sesame Oil

Sesame oil, derived from sesame seeds, is an aromatic and savory oil. It possesses a distinctive nutty flavor that enhances the depth and richness of the dish. Used in small amounts, sesame oil provides a delightful aroma and enhances the overall Asian-inspired flavors.

Ginger

Grated fresh ginger adds a warm, spicy, and slightly citrusy flavor to the filling. Ginger brings a zingy freshness and depth of taste to the dish. It is known for its potential digestive and anti-inflammatory properties.

How to elevate stuffed cabbage rolls dish

Experiment with the Filling

While the recipe already includes a flavorful combination of ingredients, feel free to add additional elements to enhance the taste. Consider adding finely chopped water chestnuts for crunch, shiitake mushrooms for an earthy flavor, or even a splash of fish sauce for added umami depth.

Use Homemade Sauces

Instead of store-bought sauces like soy sauce or hoisin sauce, consider making your own from scratch. Crafting homemade sauces can enhance the flavors of your dish and provide an opportunity to tailor the taste according to your preferences. Experiment with different combinations of soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, garlic, ginger, and chili paste to create a personalized sauce that perfectly complements the rolls.

If you don't want to go with the Asian route, you can use tangy tomato sauce instead. Cooking stuffed cabbage rolls in tomato sauce is a popular and delicious variation that adds a rich and tangy element to the dish. The crushed tomatoes will infuse the rolls with their robust flavors and create a succulent, saucy finish. Serve the cabbage rolls with a ladle of tomato sauce, and you'll have a comforting and satisfying meal that bursts with savory goodness.

Add Aromatics

Infuse the filling with aromatic herbs and spices to elevate the flavor profile. Add a touch of lemongrass, fresh basil, or Thai basil for a burst of freshness. A sprinkle of five-spice powder, ground coriander, or star anise can bring a delightful Asian-inspired twist to the rolls.

Try Different Cooking Techniques

While the recipe suggests baking or stovetop cooking, consider experimenting with other cooking techniques. For example, you can try grilling the stuffed cabbage rolls for a smoky flavor or steaming them for a lighter and healthier approach. These alternative methods can add unique characteristics to the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you bake cabbage rolls

Yes, you can definitely bake cabbage rolls! Opting for the oven-baking technique is a well-liked and practical approach that produces delectable outcomes. Choose a spacious baking dish, such as a casserole dish or baking pan, that provides ample room for the cabbage rolls without overcrowding. Ensure that the chosen dish possesses sufficient depth to contain any sauce or liquid you intend to include.

Can I use a different type of meat in the filling?

Certainly! While traditional recipes often use ground beef or pork, you can experiment with different meats or plant-based alternatives. Ground chicken, turkey, lamb, or even a mixture of meats can work well. Veggie options like mushrooms, lentils, or tofu can be used as substitutes too.

Can I make stuffed cabbage rolls vegetarian or vegan?

Stuffed cabbage rolls can be easily adapted to a vegetarian or vegan diet. Substitute the meat with plant-based protein alternatives such as tofu, tempeh, or cooked lentils. You can also load the filling with various vegetables, grains, and spices for added flavor.

How do I prevent the cabbage leaves from tearing when rolling?

To prevent cabbage leaves from tearing, blanch them briefly in boiling water to soften them before rolling. Eliminate the resilient central rib from each leaf, as it may impede the rolling process. If a leaf does tear, you can use an extra cabbage leaf to patch it up or simply roll the filling tightly to hold everything together.

Can I freeze Stuffed Cabbage Rolls?

Certainly, stuffed cabbage rolls can be frozen! Freezing them offers a convenient option to prepare them ahead of time or preserve leftovers for future enjoyment. These rolls can be stored in the freezer for a period of up to 3 months. Beyond that, their quality may begin to deteriorate.

When you're prepared to relish the frozen cabbage rolls, take them out from the freezer and allow them to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you have the option to reheat them in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop. It's important to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to guarantee thorough heating.

What To Serve This Chicken Stuffed Cabbage Rolls With?

Chicken stuffed cabbage rolls complement a diverse range of side dishes and accompaniments beautifully.

Steamed Rice: To stick with the Asian theme, serve the cabbage rolls with cooked rice or brown rice. The fluffy rice complements the savory flavors of the rolls and helps soak up any delicious sauce.

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a comforting and hearty side dish that pairs well with the cabbage rolls. The buttery and smooth texture of the potatoes adds richness to the meal.

Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Serve a side of warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls to accompany the dish. They can be used to mop up any delicious sauce from the cabbage rolls or simply enjoyed for some added texture and satisfaction.