I know what you’re thinking: that “addictive” and “cabbage” really don’t belong in the same sentence. I mean — cabbage — enough said, right?
Well, hold on, maybe cabbage gets a bad rap. Yes, plain cabbage can be boring and not particularly flavorful, but when it’s doctored with sesame oil, garlic, salt and other umami goodies, it really is “crave worthy” — a pretty good translation of yamistuki cabbage (やみつきキャベツ) as it’s known in Japan.
Simple yet delicious, this dish takes almost no time to make as it requires no cooking. Popularized by the barbecue chain Gyukaku in Japan, the crunchy cabbage pairs perfectly with grilled meats.
But honestly, this salad could pair with just about any dish, or even serve as a stand-alone dish for a light lunch.
Here’s how to make it.
Addictive Cabbage
Equipment
- 1 knife
- 1 chopping board
- 1 large bowl
- 1 salad spinner or towel for drying cabbage
- 1 blender or mortar and pestle
Ingredients
- 3/4 head cabbage, green ~340 grams
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp sesame oil, toasted
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/2 tsp dashi powder, instant
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 tsp sugar to balance flavors // optional
Instructions
Prepare the Cabbage
- Peel off outer leaves of the cabbage, cut it in half, then remove the core. Chop the cabbage into 1-1.5 inch pieces, or tear it into bite-sized pieces for a more natural look.
Wash and Dry
- Place the chopped cabbage in a bowl of cold water and wash thoroughly to remove any dirt. Drain and dry the cabbage either using a salad spinner or by spreading it out on a towel.
Salt the Cabbage
- Return the cleaned cabbage to the bowl and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt. Using clean hands, massage the salt into the cabbage for a few minutes to tenderize it. Let it rest for about 10 minutes.
Make the Dressing
- In a blender, combine 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds, 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame oil, ½ teaspoon of instant dashi powder, and the minced garlic. Blend until combined and you achieve a paste-like consistency.
Combine
- After the cabbage has wilted and released some moisture, drain any excess liquid. Add the dressing to the cabbage and mix well until all the cabbage pieces are coated.
Serve
- Plate the addictive cabbage and enjoy! For an enhanced flavor, let it sit in the refrigerator for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to meld further.