Napa Cabbage Soup Recipe (The Cozy Winter Favorite)

Try this hearty Napa Cabbage Soup as the starting point of a gastronomic journey. There’s a beautiful blend of colorful veggies, aromatic herbs, and filling broth to enjoy. The earthy tones of celery and carrots combine with the subtle sweetness of Napa cabbage to create a well-balanced base that changes with each boil.

This soup, enhanced with flavorful garlic and herbs, becomes a fragrant potion that provides comfort and nourishment with every bite. Whether you’re looking for comfort food on a cold night or a filling supper, this dish celebrates simplicity without sacrificing flavor or well-being.

Get ready to savor a bowlful of deliciousness. The combination of flavors and textures creates a tapestry that makes the ordinary cabbage become a standout element. You want to savor every bite of this soup because of its subtle depth and heartiness.

Enjoyed on its own or accompanied with a crusty piece of bread, this Napa Cabbage Soup is the epitome of handmade comfort food, bringing warmth and contentment to every warm cup.

What is Napa Cabbage?

Napa cabbage is a sort of green vegetable that is frequently used in Asian cooking. It is sometimes referred to as Chinese cabbage or celery cabbage. Its long, oblong-shaped, light green leaves with white veins give it a unique appearance. Compared to traditional cabbage kinds, the leaves are softer and less thick, and they have a milder, slightly sweeter, and peppering flavor.

This cabbage is frequently used in soups, salads, stir-fries, and kimchi, among other recipes. It’s a favorite for both raw and cooked recipes due to its adaptability and flavor-absorbing properties.

Napa cabbage is also known for its nutritional benefits; it has dietary fiber, and antioxidants, and is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K. To know more, check out our recipe for Boiled Cabbage.

Napa Cabbage Cutting Tricks: How To Shred Napa Cabbage

Here’s a list of cutting techniques for Napa cabbage used in soup:

1. Shredded or Thinly Sliced: Cut the cabbage lengthwise, then slice thinly across the width for fine shreds.
2. Chopped into Bite-Sized Pieces: Halve the cabbage and chop it crosswise into smaller, bite-sized chunks.
3. Ribbons or Ribbon Cut: Slice the cabbage lengthwise into thin, ribbon-like strips.
4. Combination Cutting: Use a mix of shredding and chopping for varied textures in the soup.
5. Leaf Separation: Tear the leaves by hand into smaller, uneven pieces for a rustic touch and diverse textures.

Best Napa Cabbage Soup Recipe

Delightfully comforting, this Napa cabbage soup blends fresh cabbage, aromatic veggies, and flavorful broth for a nourishing and easy meal.

3.84 from 6 votes

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Course: Appetizer, Soup

Cuisine: Asian

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes minutes

Calories: 100kcal

Author: Austin Carter

Servings: 4

Equipment

• ▢
  Cutting Board and Knife
• ▢
  Soup Pot
• ▢
  Stirring Utensil
• ▢
  Measuring Spoons and Cups
• ▢
  Vegetable Peeler optional
• ▢
  Colander optional

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 Napa cabbage sliced or chopped
• ▢ 2 carrots diced
• ▢ 2 stalks celery chopped
• ▢ 1 onion finely chopped
• ▢ 3 cloves garlic minced
• ▢ 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• ▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ▢ 1 teaspoon dried thyme or preferred herbs
• ▢ Salt and pepper to taste
• ▢ Dash of lemon juice optional

Instructions

• Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent.
• Toss in carrots and celery, cooking for a few minutes until they begin to soften.
• Incorporate the Napa cabbage into the pot, stirring occasionally until it wilts and reduces in volume.
• Pour in the broth and add dried thyme (or preferred herbs). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add a dash of lemon juice for a hint of brightness.
• Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this Napa cabbage soup!

Notes

1. Add Napa cabbage towards the end to maintain its crispness.
2. Layer flavors by starting with sautéed aromatics for a rich broth base.
3. Experiment with shredded or chunkier cuts for varied texture.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning regularly throughout cooking for balanced flavors.

Nutrition

Calories: 100kcal

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Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Recipe Variations

Here are a few variations to try with your Napa cabbage soup:

1. Spicy Twist: Add chili peppers or red pepper flakes for heat.
2. Creamy Addition: Stir in coconut milk or heavy cream for richness.
3. Protein Boost: Include tofu, shredded chicken, or beans for added protein.
4. Grain or Noodle Inclusion: Add cooked grains or noodles for a heartier soup.
5. Citrus Zest: Finish with lemon or lime zest for a vibrant touch.

Recipe Substitutions

Here are some substitutions you can consider for your Napa cabbage soup:

1. Cabbage Varieties: If Napa cabbage isn’t available, you can substitute it with savoy cabbage, bok choy, or regular green cabbage. Each will impart its unique flavor profile.
2. Aromatics: Onions and garlic can be substituted with leeks or shallots for a slightly different flavor.
3. Broth: Use vegetable broth as a substitute for chicken broth to keep the soup vegetarian or vegan-friendly. For a richer taste, consider using mushroom broth.
4. Herbs: Experiment with different herbs based on availability and preference. Instead of thyme, try using rosemary, parsley, or a pinch of dried oregano.
5. Proteins: Instead of chicken, tofu, or beans, you can use cooked lentils, chickpeas, or tempeh for added protein content.
6. Spices: If you prefer different spices, consider substituting thyme with cumin, coriander, or a blend of your choice for a unique flavor profile.

Feel free to tailor these substitutions to match your dietary preferences or to adapt the soup based on what ingredients you have available in your pantry!

Serving Suggestions

Here are some ideal accompaniments that pair well with Napa cabbage soup:

1. Stuffed Turkey Breast
2. Tuna Steaks
3. Potato Gnocchi
4. Chicken Spaghetti

Storage and Leftovers

To store leftover Napa cabbage soup properly:

1. Cooling: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing it.
2. Refrigeration: Transfer the soup to an airtight container or sealable bags. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
3. Labeling: Label the container with the date to track freshness.
4. Reheating: When reheating, use a pot on the stove or microwave it in portions. Ensure it’s heated thoroughly before serving.
5. Freezing (Optional): If freezing, store in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. It can last for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
6. Quality Check: Check for any signs of spoilage or off odors before consuming leftovers. If in doubt, discard.

Remember, while stored soup is generally safe for a few days in the fridge, always use your judgment regarding its freshness and quality.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)