Korean Cabbage Rolls (Printable Version)

Napa cabbage leaves filled with spicy gochujang beef, steamed and served with a soy-sesame dipping sauce.

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Cabbage Rolls

01 - 1 large head Napa cabbage (about 12 large leaves)
02 - 500 g (1 lb) ground beef
03 - 2 green onions, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 small carrot, grated
06 - 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
07 - 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
08 - 1 tbsp soy sauce
09 - 1 tbsp sesame oil
10 - 1 tsp sugar
11 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
12 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

→ For the Dipping Sauce

13 - 2 tbsp soy sauce
14 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
15 - 1 tsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
16 - 1 tsp sesame oil
17 - 1 tsp honey
18 - 1 clove garlic, minced
19 - 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds

# How To Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully separate the cabbage leaves, blanch them for 1–2 minutes until pliable, then drain and cool under cold water. Pat dry.
02 - In a bowl, combine ground beef, green onions, garlic, carrot, ginger, gochujang, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, black pepper, and sesame seeds. Mix until well combined.
03 - Lay a cabbage leaf flat. Place 2–3 tablespoons of the beef mixture at the base of the leaf, fold in the sides, and roll up tightly. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
04 - Arrange the rolls seam-side down in a steamer basket. Steam over simmering water for 15–20 minutes, until the beef is cooked through.
05 - While steaming, mix all dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
06 - Serve the cabbage rolls hot with the dipping sauce on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This is secretly the perfect make-ahead main dish—reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
  • The spicy beef filling wraps you in warmth, while the dipping sauce adds a tangy kick that makes every bite irresistible.
02 -
  • If you over-blanch cabbage, it will tear as you roll—set a timer and trust the clock.
  • I once skipped patting the leaves dry, and soggy rolls haunted me all dinner; a dry towel is your friend.
03 -
  • If a cabbage leaf tears, patch it with a piece from another—no one will notice after steaming.
  • Brushing the finished rolls with a bit of sesame oil just before serving makes them glossy and fragrant.
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