Baked Cabbage And Butter Cantonese
A savory baked cabbage and pork casserole with rich flavors from butter, onion, and seasoning, perfect for family dinners and those craving comforting Chinese-inspired dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut pork loin into paper-thin bite-size pieces.
- Rinse cabbage lightly, drain, and cut into bite-size pieces.
- Precook cabbage pieces in boiling water until soft, adding stalk pieces first; remove and drain.
- Heat a pan with 4 tablespoons oil and stir-fry pork loin until it changes color.
- Add cabbage and stir-fry briefly over high heat; then add MSG, salt, sugar, and water.
- Turn heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes; remove and drain off the liquid into a bowl, retaining it.
- Place the cooked cabbage in a casserole dish.
- Heat a pan with butter and sauté onion until soft.
- Add flour and stir-fry over low heat until fragrant.
- Add retained cabbage soup and evaporated milk; mix well.
- Pour the mixture over the cabbage in the casserole.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the casserole for 20 minutes.
- Remove from oven and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or oyster sauce when stir-frying the pork. If Chinese cabbage is unavailable, savoy cabbage can be a suitable substitute. For a vegetarian version, you can replace the pork with mushrooms or tofu, adjusting the cooking time accordingly. Additionally, make sure to drain the cabbage thoroughly to avoid a watery casserole.
Serving Suggestions
This baked cabbage pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice for a complete meal. For added texture, serve alongside crispy fried tofu or a fresh cucumber salad. A drizzle of chili oil can offer a spicy kick, enhancing the overall experience. Explore more Chinese recipes for a diverse meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal, ensuring even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Cabbage And Butter Cantonese contains roughly 3284 calories, with 12g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 353g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (36% of the Daily Value) and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1916mg per serving (83% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cabbage?
Yes, while Chinese cabbage gives a unique flavor, savoy or green cabbage can also work well. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time slightly as different cabbages may have varying textures.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This baked cabbage dish is great for meal prep as it stores well and can be reheated easily. Prepare a large batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week for a quick, nutritious meal.
Can I make this dish without MSG?
Yes, you can omit the MSG if you prefer. To enhance the umami flavor, consider using a dash of soy sauce or adding a bit more salt. The dish will still be delicious without it.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).