Microwaved Nutty Cabbage Salad
A cabbage salad tossed with mayonnaise and nuts after a quick steam in the microwave to bring out its natural sweetness.
Translated from Korean by AI and not yet checked by a native speaker. Amounts and numbers are taken directly from the original recipe. Read the Korean original →
Steaming the cabbage briefly in the microwave softens it slightly, bringing out its sweetness while preserving a tender crunch. Tossed with a mayonnaise dressing and crunchy nuts, it makes a light dish you can enjoy without worry, even on a diet.
- Servings
- about 4–5 servings
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Spiciness
- Not spicy
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Cabbage1/4 head, 500 g
- Nuts
Sauce
- Mayonnaise (or olive oil, wholegrain mustard)2 tbsp
- Tuna extract sauce (chamchi-aek)1 tbsp
- Lemon juice1 tbsp
- Salta little
- Ground black peppera little
- Prepare by peeling off only the tough green outer leaves.
- You can also season with whole grain mustard or olive oil instead of mayonnaise.
- Drain the cabbage thoroughly and store it in the refrigerator, then toss it with the sauce right before serving.
Steps
Prepare the ingredients
I peeled off just the green outer leaves from 1/4 cabbage. I also prepared the nuts.
Slice the ingredients
Since the cabbage will be lightly steamed in the microwave, it is best to slice it into thick shreds to preserve its crunchy texture.
Chop the nuts finely as well.
Rinse the shredded cabbage lightly and drain the water.
Steam in the microwave
Spread the cabbage out on a plate, cover with plastic wrap, and microwave for 2 minutes to 2 minutes 30 seconds.
This leaves the texture intact while just wilting it slightly, but if you prefer it softer, microwave it for 30 seconds more or longer.
Once microwaved, there will be plenty of moisture on the plate. Transfer to a strainer to drain the liquid and let the heat dissipate.
Once completely cooled, squeeze firmly with your hands to remove any remaining water.
Toss with seasonings
Place the cabbage in a bowl, add 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp tuna extract sauce (chamchi-aek), a little salt, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and a little ground black pepper, then toss together.
The nuts I used had a sweet coating on the outside, so I did not add honey, but tossing it with a little honey or oligosaccharide syrup is also delicious.
You can also flavor it with whole grain mustard or olive oil instead of mayonnaise.
Finish
Transfer the cabbage to a plate and sprinkle the nuts on top to finish.
Ppunwife's tips
- Since the cabbage will be lightly steamed in the microwave, it is best to slice it into thick shreds to preserve its crunchy texture.
- This leaves the texture intact while just wilting it slightly, but if you prefer it softer, microwave it for 30 seconds more or longer.
- The nuts I used had a sweet coating on the outside, so I did not add honey, but tossing it with a little honey or oligosaccharide syrup is also delicious.
FAQ
Can I use something other than mayonnaise?
You can make a dressing to your taste by using olive oil or whole grain mustard instead of mayonnaise.
How should I store it if making it ahead of time?
Squeeze out the moisture thoroughly from the blanched cabbage, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and toss it with the sauce right before eating.
How long should I microwave the cabbage if I want it softer?
After the basic cooking time of 2 minutes to 2 minutes 30 seconds, simply microwave it for an additional 30 seconds or longer if you prefer a softer texture.
What should I add if I want more sweetness?
You can adjust the sweetness to your taste by adding a little honey or oligosaccharide syrup.
