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    Home » Recipes » Pork

    By Carol Published: Dec 9, 2017 Modified: Aug 2, 2021 | This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.

    Spicy Asian Pork Cabbage Rolls

    Jump to Recipe
    4.64 from 90 votes
    1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes
    Spicy Asian Pork Cabbage Rolls are a spicy, Asian twist on traditional cabbage rolls!

    Spicy Asian Pork Cabbage Rolls are a spicy, Asian-inspired twist on traditional cabbage rolls!  Use turkey, chicken, beef or even tofu if you prefer!  Serve with my Miso-Glazed Eggplant for a truly memorable meal!

    "My family and I loved these! Although labor-intensive, it was worth making. The sauce and filling are delicious!"

    Photo of Spicy Asian Pork Cabbage Rolls on blue board with white metal spoon.

    One of my all-time most favorite comfort foods in the world is traditional, old-fashioned cabbage rolls.  They're a traditional Polish/East European dish called Golumpki or Galumpkis.  No matter what you call them, they're delicious!

    I wanted to do a modern twist on the traditional and created Spicy Asian Pork Cabbage rolls.  I spiced them up with a healthy dose of Sriracha hot sauce.  Ground pork is more budget-friendly than beef.  However, feel free to use turkey, chicken, beef or even tofu if you desire.

    Close-up photo of a whole head of cabbage.

    TABLE OF CONTENTS: Click the Icon to Find the Info You Need FAST

    • How to prepare cabbage leaves for stuffing:
    • How to make Spicy Asian Pork Cabbage Rolls:
    • For more great cabbage recipes, try my:
    • Spicy Asian Pork Cabbage Rolls
      • Equipment
      • Ingredients  1x2x3x
        • Sauce
        • Cabbage and Filling
      • Instructions 
        • Sauce
        • Cabbage and Filling
      • Notes
      • Nutrition

    How to prepare cabbage leaves for stuffing:

    Preparing the cabbage leaves for filling can be a bit tricky.  There are two ways to do it and both have their downside:

    1. Carefully remove 12 of the outermost leaves from a large head of cabbage then cook them in salted, boiling water until they're pliable.  DOWNSIDE:  They can be difficult to peel off.  You have to be extremely careful not to tear the leaves when removing them.
    2. Dunk the entire head of cabbage into a pot of salted boiling water and carefully peel leaves off the head of cabbage until you have enough.  DOWNSIDE:  You end up with a small, semi-cooked leftover inner part of the head of cabbage.

    If I have an immediate use for the remainder of a head of cabbage such as soup or a quick stir-fry, I prefer the second method.  I say immediately because if you leave the semi-cooked cabbage sealed up more than a day or two in a plastic bag or plastic container, you'll have something that smells like a batch of sauerkraut when you open it.  Just saying.

    How to make Spicy Asian Pork Cabbage Rolls:

    • First, you'll need to make a V-shaped cut out of the bottom of each leaf.  This makes the cabbage leaf easier to roll up and provides two "flaps" to place over the meat.
    • Give the broccoli slaw a quick blanch in the boiling water you used for the cabbage.
    • Mix the filling ingredients together and start rolling!

    Photo of cooked cabbage leaf with V-Shape cut out of the bottom.

    • Simply place a good handful of filling in the center, pull the flaps over the meat, fold the sides in and continue rolling.

    Photo of uncooked cabbage rolls in white baking dish.

    • If you keep a well-stocked pantry of basic Asian ingredients, you will be able to whip the sauce up easily.  You definitely want to add hoisin sauce to that list!

    Now, you're probably going to read the recipe for the sauce and wonder what you'll then do with a half of a can of leftover tomato paste!  Irritating, I know.  I freeze small amounts of leftover tomato paste in snack-size zipper-top bags in approximately 1 to 2 tablespoon amounts.  Then, when I need a small amount for soups, sauces or other recipes that require a small amount of tomato paste, it's always ready to go.  The frozen paste pops right out of the bag and thaws quickly.

    Photo of uncooked cabbage rolls in white baking pan with sauce drizzled over the top.

    And there you have Spicy Asian Pork Cabbage Rolls.  Ahhh, fiery Asian-inspired goodness!

    Photo of cooked Spicy Asian Pork Cabbage Rolls in white baking dish on blue background with green dish towel and white metal spoon.

    Close-up photo of Spicy Asian Pork Cabbage Rolls in white baking dish with white metal spoon.

    Any leftover rolls reheat beautifully and will also freeze and reheat beautifully.  Hope you enjoy!

    Close-up photo of cooked Spicy Asian Pork Cabbage Rolls in white baking dish with white metal spoon.

    Photo showing Spicy Asian Pork Cabbage Rolls cut in half on black plate garnished with sesame seeds.

    For more great cabbage recipes, try my:

    • Spicy Italian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
    • Farmhouse Cabbage Soup with Cannellini Beans and Kielbasa
    • Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Mustard Vinaigrette
    • Parmesan Roasted Cabbage Wedges
    • Russian Cabbage Soup (Shchi)
    Spicy Asian Pork Cabbage Rolls overhead shot of entire pan

    Spicy Asian Pork Cabbage Rolls

    4.64 from 90 votes
    By: Carol | From A Chef's Kitchen
    Spicy Asian Pork Cabbage Rolls are a spicy, Asian twist on traditional cabbage rolls! Use turkey, chicken, beef or even tofu if you prefer! Any leftovers freeze and reheat beautifully!
    PRINT RECIPE PIN RECIPE SAVE RECIPE Saved!
    Prep Time 30 minutes mins
    Cook Time 50 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
    Course Beef
    Cuisine Asian
    Servings 6
    Calories 387 kcal

    Equipment

    • Saucepan
    • Wusthof Chef Knife
    • Cutting Board
    • Glass Mixing Bowls
    • Dutch Oven
    • 13 x 9 Baking Dish

    Ingredients
      

    Sauce

    • 1 ½ cups water
    • ½ can (3-ounce) tomato paste
    • ¼ cup soy sauce
    • 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce - preferably Lee Kum Kee brand
    • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
    • 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon Sriracha hot sauce - or to taste
    • 4 cloves garlic - minced
    • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
    • 2 tablespoons corn starch

    Cabbage and Filling

    • Oil or non-stick cooking spray
    • Salt
    • 1 large head of green cabbage
    • 1 container (12-ounce) broccoli slaw
    • 1 pound ground pork
    • 1 cup cooked brown rice
    • 1 bunch scallions - white and light green part only, chopped, divided
    • 4 cloves garlic - minced
    • 1 tablespoon minced ginger
    • ¼ cup soy sauce
    • 1 large egg - beaten
    • 2 tablespoons black sesame seeds

    Instructions
     

    Sauce

    • Whisk the sauce ingredients together in a small saucepan until the cornstarch dissolves. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 3 to 4 minutes or until thickened.
    • Transfer ¼ cup of the sauce to a bowl large enough to accommodate the filling you will be mixing up. Set remaining sauce aside to cool.

    Cabbage and Filling

    • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Oil or spray a 13 x 9-inch baking dish. Set aside.
    • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Remove 12 outer leaves from the head of cabbage, being careful not to tear or break the leaves.
    • Place three leaves at a time in the boiling water and cook 1-2 minutes or until pliable. Transfer to a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to drain and cool. Repeat with the remaining leaves.
    • Alternately, boil the entire head of cabbage and remove the leaves with a knife as they become pliable.
    • Keep the water boiling and add the broccoli slaw. Drain immediately in a colander and cool under cold tap water. (You just want it softened slightly so it's easier to roll into the cabbage leaves.)
    • Combine the broccoli slaw, pork, brown rice, all but 2 tablespoons of the scallions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce and egg in the bowl with the reserved sauce and mix well.
    • Cut the thick vein out of each leaf of cabbage in an upside-down V-shape. Place 1/12th of the filling in the center of each cabbage leaf.
    • Pull the bottom "flaps" up and over the filling, overlapping them slightly. Fold in the sides and roll up.
    • Place in the prepared baking dish. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls.
    • Cover with aluminum foil and bake 45 to 50 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into the center of each roll registers 165 degrees. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
    • Spoon any sauce that settled in the bottom of the baking dish back over the rolls. Garnish with reserved 2 tablespoons scallions and sesame seeds.

    Notes

    Broccoli slaw is typically found near the prepped vegetable section of the produce department. It is shredded broccoli stems, cabbage and carrots.
    I found hoisin sauce can really vary by brand and some are heavy on five-spice.  I use Lee Kum Kee hoisin sauce which does not have an overwhelming five-spice note.
    Unseasoned rice vinegar is also called "natural" and does not have salt or sugar.
    FREEZER-FRIENDLY:  Bake, cool completely, divide into desired portions and place into an airtight container.  Freeze 1-2 months.  Thaw in the refrigerator.  To reheat, can be microwaved or reheated in a toaster oven or oven.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 | Calories: 387kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 86mg | Sodium: 1366mg | Potassium: 720mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 301IU | Vitamin C: 81mg | Calcium: 152mg | Iron: 3mg

    These are estimated values generated from a nutritional database using unbranded products. Please do your own research with the products you're using if you have a serious health issue or are following a specific diet.

    Did you make this recipe? Please leave a comment, star rating or post your photo on Instagram and tag @fromachefskitchen.

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    Categories: Make Ahead and Meal Prep

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Gisele St Cyr says

      April 30, 2022 at 11:45 pm

      To make it easier freeze your cabbage leaves,when you do that it saves you 1/2 the times. Gisele

      Reply
      • Carol says

        May 01, 2022 at 7:38 am

        Hi, Gisele, Thanks so much for the tip! Can you be more specific? While still as a head or removed? Thanks again!

        Reply
    2. Susan says

      March 15, 2022 at 5:29 pm

      5 stars
      My family and I loved these! Although labor intensive it was worth making . The sauce and filling are delicious. Next time I think I’d add more rice in the mixture and definitely start making them earlier in the day. Great for freezing to have later.

      Reply
      • Carol says

        March 15, 2022 at 6:46 pm

        Hi, Susan, Thanks so very much! Cabbage rolls in general are just labor-intensive; there's no getting around it. Thanks again and glad everyone enjoyed!!

        Reply
    3. Carol says

      March 11, 2022 at 10:28 am

      3 stars
      This is not something I'd make again on a week night - I found it to be labor intensive and messy. The flavors didn't overwhelm me, but my partner loved it. I also thought it would be spicier.

      Reply
      • Carol says

        March 11, 2022 at 10:31 am

        Hi, Carol, Thanks so much for your feedback. No, it's probably not right for a weeknight and you can always add more spice. As a personal chef, I know everyone has different tastes/tolerances so maybe tweak the flavors. Glad your partner enjoyed!

        Reply
    4. Ami says

      January 29, 2022 at 7:20 am

      Hi and thank you for the recipe. I will substitute pork for tofu but what kind of tofu shall I use and if I wanted to make this vegan what do I substitute for the egg?

      Reply
      • Carol says

        January 29, 2022 at 7:54 am

        Hi, Ami, Thanks so much for your question. I would use firm or extra-firm tofu. For the egg, I would suggest some bread crumbs such as panko and a tablespoon of flaxseed mixed with a little water. Thanks again and hope you enjoy!!

        Reply
    5. Terria Kehr says

      October 13, 2021 at 7:42 pm

      Can white rice be used?

      Reply
      • Carol says

        October 14, 2021 at 7:37 am

        Hi, Terria, Thanks so much for your question. Yes, you could use white rice. I usually use "converted" rice if using white rice in cabbage rolls which is parboiled so it has a head start on cooking. If you're using plain white rice that's not converted, you may want to give it a quick boil for several minutes to soften it up. Thanks again and hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    6. Nona says

      September 28, 2021 at 8:16 am

      5 stars
      Hello,
      My family usually hates cabbage, but I was at the market and saw a dutch cabbage and thought it looked cool. So I looked up Asian cabbage rolls and came across your recipe. My family and I LOVED them! It is a staple in my home now. I also am trying Turkish style cabbage rolls next. Thank you for the inspiration in the kitchen.

      Sincerely,
      Nona

      Reply
      • Carol says

        September 28, 2021 at 8:13 pm

        Hi, Nona, Thanks so very much and so glad you enjoyed! When I see someone who doesn't care for something but then enjoys it because it's a recipe I've shared, it means everything to me!!! Thank you again so very much!!!!

        Reply
    7. Stacey says

      August 04, 2021 at 2:30 pm

      5 stars
      Hi there - do you brown the pork first or roll it up uncooked??

      Reply
    8. Wendy says

      July 27, 2021 at 11:10 am

      OMG! These rolls look delicious, they must be to die for 😂😂😂I love Asian food. I just subscribed. Greetings from Spain 😘😘😘

      Reply
      • Carol says

        July 27, 2021 at 12:54 pm

        Hi, Wendy!! Thanks so much and great to hear from you! Hope you enjoy the cabbage rolls and more from my site. Thanks again!

        Reply
    9. KC says

      July 26, 2021 at 2:17 pm

      5 stars
      Hi! Made recipe last night and got raves. I used a beef/pork mix my super carries, but otherwise followed recipe. Taste was fantastic. As a side note, I had extra meatmix, so I added an extra egg and some bread pieces to make asian style grilled burgers—they were fab too!

      Reply
    10. Darren says

      July 04, 2021 at 1:58 am

      Hi there great recipe however what is broccoli slaw?

      Reply
      • Carol says

        July 04, 2021 at 7:52 am

        Hi, Darren, Thanks so much for your question and glad you enjoyed! Broccoli slaw is found in the prepped vegetable area. It's shredded broccoli stems with some cabbage and carrots added. Thanks again and I'll make a note to the recipe.

        Reply
    11. Casey says

      May 12, 2021 at 8:18 pm

      Do these freeze well? Would you prepare them and freeze them before baking?

      Reply
      • Carol says

        May 13, 2021 at 7:41 am

        Hi, Casey, Thanks so much for your question. Yes, they freeze great. You definitely want to bake it and then freeze it either in small portions or whole. Thanks again and hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    12. Lulu says

      February 24, 2021 at 9:15 pm

      My neighbour puts her head of cabbage into the freezer. When she makes cabbage rolls, she takes it out, thaws it in the fridge and the leaves peel off no problem. Give it a try!

      Reply
      • Carol says

        February 25, 2021 at 6:38 am

        Hi, Lulu, Thanks so much! Very interesting idea and I will definitely give it a try!

        Reply
    13. Linda Vining says

      January 24, 2021 at 9:33 pm

      5 stars
      Just finished making and eating these! OMG they were amazing. Happened to have all of the ingredients in our pantry except the cabbage which was nice. These rolls were very tasty. Initially I thought the sauce was too thick, but it wasn't at all when we took them out of the oven. I can't think of anything I would change. The tip to core the cabbage and put it whole in a pot of boiling water for 10 minutes was spot on. We made 12 large cabbage rolls with this recipe.

      Reply
    14. christine von seggern says

      January 13, 2021 at 3:00 pm

      This recipe looks amazing! I'm going to try this using raw rice noodles along with rice. I think that it will work well with this Asian-inspired dish.

      Reply
      • Carol says

        January 13, 2021 at 6:38 pm

        Thanks, Christine! Hope you enjoy and please let me know how it worked!

        Reply
    15. Debbie Deluna says

      November 05, 2020 at 12:36 pm

      Can you use ground beef instead of the pork and get the same flavor?

      Reply
      • Carol says

        November 05, 2020 at 5:28 pm

        Hi, Debbie, Thanks so much for your question. Yes, I think it will be close. Ground turkey might be a little closer in flavor to pork but I think beef will be fine. Thanks again and hope you enjoy!

        Reply
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