Although it’s sweltering outside, we’re not giving in to the urge to get Chinese takeout just to avoid using our oven.
To hit a similar sweet spot (without the sodium, MSG and heavy oil), we’ve come up with a healthy, light and satisfying entrée with an Asian twist. And, since we are who we are, we put it together for under $10 (more like $6, actually) for a four-person dinner.
Cooking Cool
The key to keeping your kitchen cool while making this hot dish is to steam the food in the microwave, which releases a lot less heat than baking something in the oven. If you’d rather avoid the microwave, you can also steam this on your stovetop.
Make these cabbage rolls your own by tweaking the spice level—feel free to add extra ginger and jalapeño for zip, or some hot sauce to really amp it up. Also, if you already have Chinese takeout leftovers on hand, feel free to wrap some precooked brown rice in with the filling before steaming.
Make these cabbage rolls your own by tweaking the spice level—feel free to add extra ginger and jalapeño for zip, or some hot sauce to really amp it up.
Steamed Stuffed Cabbage
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Serves: 4
Cost: $6
3 medium carrots, peeled and shredded
1/2 medium jicama, peeled and shredded
1 tablespoon jalapeño, seeded and minced*
2 scallion bulbs, minced*
1 tablespoon ginger, peeled and minced*
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice (juice of one small lime)
1 teaspoon Braggs liquid amino or low sodium soy sauce
1/2 can black beans, well-rinsed
12 Savoy cabbage leaves
8 ounces organic firm tofu, drained and sliced into 12 slabs
In a medium bowl, combine carrots, jicama, jalapeno, scallion, ginger and cilantro. Mix in lime juice and Braggs. Mix in black beans. Place a 1/2 cup of the carrot mixture on the root side of a cabbage leaf. Top with 2 slices of tofu and roll the cabbage tightly.
Place rolls in a Pyrex or microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel. Cook in microwave for 1.5 to 2 minutes, depending on how crunchy you want your cabbage.
Stretch Your Leftovers
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If your microwave is on the fritz or you’d rather not go that route, you can steam these cabbage rolls on the stovetop. Bring about an inch of water to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Place your rolls in a steamer basket and cover the pot. Steam the rolls, 4 to 5 at a time, and hold on a plate until all 12 are al dente. Another benefit of going the stovetop route is that you can add half a chicken breast, thinly sliced, and increase the steam time to about 6 to 7 minutes for a meatier meal. This will add only about $3 to the cost of the $6 entrée.
*Save time and mince jalapeño, scallions and ginger together.
Note: Although these delicious rolls look like lettuce wraps, they are messy to eat with your hands. A knife and fork are recommended.
More Delicious Recipes for Summer
For another $10 meal idea, try our take on risotto. Click here.
Try our no-pot recipe for salmon in phyllo dough with goat cheese and asparagus. Check it out.
Have random ingredients in your fridge? Turn them into panzanella.
