There are many different types of cabbage. Most are versatile in the kitchen and can be consumed raw or cooked.
They also come in a delightful array of flavors and textures.
In this article, we take a look at ways in which you can utilize Taiwan Cabbage in various recipes. You can also click here to learn more or purchase fresh and ethically sourced produce from FAVE Produce.
What is the Taiwan Cabbage?
The Taiwan cabbage, also called Taiwanese or Flat cabbage, is a type of cabbage that is easily recognizable by its large size. It typically measures between 20 to 30 centimeters in diameter and has a distinctive oblate shape.
Here are more characteristics:
- The flat heads of Taiwanese cabbages are comprised of thinly packed layers shielded by outer leaves, whose color range from dark green to purple.
- Underneath the top layer, the leaves are smooth, broad, and light green with subtle veins in a white or pale green color.
- The Taiwanese cabbage is renowned for its sweet taste and subtle grassy undertones. It is crunchy, tender, and juicy.
Availability and Nutritional Value
Taiwanese Flat cabbage is readily available year-round. Believed to have originated in Taiwan, this cabbage is now cultivated in many areas worldwide. For example, you can find it growing in Northern Europe, Asia, Canada, and the United States.
In terms of nutrition, this type of cabbage is packed with essential nutrients such as vitamin C, iron, magnesium, vitamin B6, and calcium. Some associated health benefits include promoting skin health and bolstering the immune system.
Culinary Applications
Taiwanese Flat cabbage can be enjoyed both raw and cooked. It is often sliced or chopped for applications in stir-fries, soups, and side dishes.
Additionally, it can be stuffed, braised, or thrown into Taiwanese-style kimchi—a milder version of the traditional Korean dish. Taiwanese-style kimchi is a popular snack commonly found at night markets in Taiwan and is sometimes paired with stinky tofu, a beloved local delicacy.
Key Takeaway
The Taiwanese Flat cabbage is large and has a distinct oblate shape. Most people love it for its sweet taste and delicate grassy undertones, as well as its crunchy, tender, and juicy texture.
You can find flat cabbage all year round in Northern Europe, Asia, Canada, and the United States. The nutrients that this cabbage variety has include vitamin C, iron, magnesium, vitamin B6, and calcium.
How to Get Creative with Taiwan Cabbage
As is the case with the other types of cabbages, the culinary opportunities for Taiwan cabbage are endless. You can experiment with various recipes, including stir fries, roasted cabbage steaks, roasted chicken, and Polish sausage.
In the following sections, we take a look at some of the most common flat cabbage recipes.
Taiwanese Cabbage Stir Fry
This recipe features thinly sliced cabbage cooked with ground chicken or beef, along with carrots, in a delightful Chinese-inspired stir-fry sauce.
It’s a quick and healthy dinner option that features flat cabbage as the star ingredient.
Ingredients:
- Ground chicken
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Ground cloves
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Red pepper flakes
- Stir fry sauce
- Green onions
- Cilantro
Preparation:
- Mix the garlic, ginger, and spices in one bowl, and mix the stir-fry sauce ingredients in another.
- Prepare the cabbage by cutting it up into pieces.
- Brown the ground chicken in a skillet, adding a portion of the soy sauce.
- Sauté the cabbage and carrots until tender.
- Pour the ingredients in the sauce, cover, and cook until the cabbage is wilted.
- Add the green onion, cilantro, and cooked chicken.
- Enjoy!
Polish Sausage with Flat Cabbage
This meal features fully-cooked Polish sausage simmered with coarsely chopped cabbage, and seasoned with caraway seed, sugar, and salt.
Polish Sausage with Flat Cabbage is also infused with beer to create a satisfying meal with incredible flavors.
Ingredients:
- 24 oz. fully-cooked Polish sausage
- 12 oz. beer
- Water
- 1 head flat cabbage, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 head red cabbage, coarsely chopped
- 3/4 tsp. caraway seed
- 1 tsp. sugar
- 1 tsp. salt
Directions:
- In a four-quart Dutch oven, combine the beer with enough water to cover the sausage. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and add the sausage. Allow it to simmer for 8-10 minutes, then remove the sausage from the liquid.
- To the cooking liquid, add the coarsely chopped Taiwanese cabbage, caraway seed, sugar, and salt. Mix the ingredients well and then place the sausage on top.
- Cover the Dutch oven and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes. Drain the liquid before serving, and enjoy your Polish sausage with flat cabbage.
Roasted Chicken with Flat Cabbage
The following delicious meal serves four people.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, approximately 3 1/2 lbs., cut into 6 pieces
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of dried red chili flakes
- 3 tablespoons of sake
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil
- 1 head of cabbage, core removed and cut into 8 sections, each about 2 inches wide
- Salt
- Pepper
Directions:
- Prepare the marinade by adding olive oil, dried chili flakes, grated ginger, soy sauce, and sake in a medium-sized bowl. Mix thoroughly.
- Place the chicken pieces in a shallow glass bowl and pour the marinade over them, reserving 2 teaspoons.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Drizzle olive oil over a shallow baking pan. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces on the pan and bake for 15 minutes.
- Prepare the cabbage by slicing it using a shredder. Toss the sliced cabbage with the reserved marinade.
- Remove the pan from the oven and place the sliced cabbage around the chicken. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving platter.
- Return the pan with the cabbage to the oven and roast for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the liquid is reduced and the cabbage begins to caramelize.
- Remove from the oven and serve the roasted chicken with the caramelized cabbage.
- Enjoy your meal!
Wrapping Up
This exploration of Taiwan cabbage opens up a world of opportunities for you. Whether you want to include it in stir-fries, as a side dish, or as part of traditional recipes like Polish sausage with cabbage or roasted chicken, this cabbage variety has many culinary applications that are both savory and nutritious.
Try them today, and don’t forget to tell us which one is your favorite!
