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Homemade Spicy Napa Cabbage – A Flavorful Tradition You Can Make at Home

Now you can enjoy homemade spicy Napa cabbage with this quick and easy recipe! Packed with flavor from garlic, ginger, gochugaru, and a hint of sweetness, this dish is the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet. Whether you serve it as a side dish, a topping for rice bowls, or enjoy it on its own, this fresh and crunchy cabbage will elevate any meal!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Korean-Inspired
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Napa cabbage sliced into preferred size
  • 2 tablespoons gochugaru flakes or fresh red chili
  • 1 tablespoon grated ginger
  • 2 cloves grated garlic
  • 1-2 carrots sliced
  • 2 tablespoons patis fish sauce
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons glutinous rice flour
  • ¼ cup water

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Cabbage – Wash and slice the Napa cabbage. Place it in a large bowl and set aside.
  2. Make the Seasoning Paste – In a small saucepan, mix glutinous rice flour and water over low heat, stirring constantly until thickened. Let cool.
  3. Combine the Ingredients – In a bowl, mix gochugaru, grated ginger, garlic, fish sauce, and brown sugar. Stir in the cooled rice paste to create a thick seasoning sauce.
  4. Mix Everything Together – Add the sliced carrots and the seasoning paste to the Napa cabbage. Toss until evenly coated.
  5. Let It Rest – Allow the cabbage to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors develop.
  6. Serve and Enjoy – Eat fresh or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for even deeper flavor.

Notes

  • Adjust the spice level by adding more or less gochugaru to suit your taste.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari.
  • Want a fermented taste? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days before refrigerating.
  • Perfect Pairing – Serve with rice, grilled meats, or noodle dishes for a complete meal.