Cabbage with Ginger and Fish Sauce
A beloved family recipe that brings the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine to your table. This dish features tender boiled cabbage infused with aromatic ginger, served with a rich fish sauce and hard-boiled egg mixture that adds a delightful umami kick. Simple yet delicious, this dish is a staple in many Vietnamese households, often served alongside a variety of meats, seafood, or as a comforting soup. A great accompaniment to steamed white rice, it embodies the essence of home-cooked warmth and nostalgia.
4
Servings
55
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cabbage
1/2 large head (Chopped into large 2-inch square chunks)
Fresh Ginger
1 tablespoon (Cut into 1/8-inch thick slices (skin on or off))
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Optional)
Egg
1 (Hard boiled)
Fish Sauce
2 tablespoons (To taste)
Instructions
1
Begin by chopping half a large head of cabbage into large, 2-inch square chunks. Slice the fresh ginger into 1/8-inch thick pieces, leaving the skin on or off based on your preference.
2
In a medium pot, combine the cabbage and ginger slices. Add enough water to cover the cabbage completely. If desired, sprinkle in the salt.
3
Bring the pot to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for approximately 4 minutes or until the cabbage becomes tender while retaining its bright color.
4
Once cooked, carefully drain the pot and reserve the flavorful broth for later use if desired. Immediately fill the pot with cold water to halt the cooking process. Drain again thoroughly.
5
Transfer the cooked cabbage into a serving dish, garnishing it with the ginger slices for an added touch of color and visual appeal, even though they are not typically consumed.
6
Prepare the dipping sauce by peeling the hard-boiled egg and placing it in a small bowl. Pour the fish sauce over the egg and use a fork to mash it, breaking the egg white into smaller pieces.
7
To serve, dip pieces of the boiled cabbage into the fish sauce and egg mixture for a satisfying taste guaranteed to delight.
8
If you prefer, the cabbage and ginger broth can be enjoyed as a soup. In this case, add salt to the cooking water and provide fish sauce on the table for users to customize their broth. A squeeze of fresh lime juice can add brightness, and for those who enjoy spice, a few drops of Tabasco can enhance the experience.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
7.5g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
1.25g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cabbage with Ginger and Fish Sauce?
It is a traditional Vietnamese dish featuring boiled cabbage infused with aromatic ginger, served with a savory dipping sauce made from fish sauce and hard-boiled egg.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 55 calories per serving.
How long should I boil the cabbage?
The cabbage should be boiled for approximately 4 minutes until tender while retaining its bright color.
How should I cut the cabbage for this recipe?
The cabbage should be chopped into large, 2-inch square chunks.
Do I need to peel the ginger?
Peeling the ginger is optional; you can leave the skin on or off based on your preference.
How thick should the ginger slices be?
The ginger should be sliced into pieces approximately 1/8-inch thick.
How is the dipping sauce prepared?
The dipping sauce is made by peeling a hard-boiled egg, placing it in a bowl with fish sauce, and mashing it with a fork.
Can I use the cooking water from the cabbage?
Yes, the reserved broth is flavorful and can be enjoyed as a soup alongside the meal.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this dish is tagged as gluten-free.
How do I prevent the cabbage from overcooking?
Immediately after draining the boiling water, fill the pot with cold water to halt the cooking process.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients are cabbage, fresh ginger, salt, egg, and fish sauce.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What can I add to the broth for more flavor?
You can add salt to the cooking water, a squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness, or a few drops of Tabasco for spice.
Should the ginger slices be eaten?
While the ginger slices are used for infusion and garnish, they are not typically consumed.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 2.5g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 7.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in a serving?
There is 2.5g of protein per serving.
How much fiber is in this recipe?
This dish provides 1.25g of fiber per serving.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It is best served with steamed white rice and can be paired with various meats or seafood.
What role does the hard-boiled egg play?
The mashed hard-boiled egg adds richness and a delightful texture to the umami-rich fish sauce dip.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is a healthy, low-calorie vegetable dish that is a staple in Vietnamese home cooking.
What kind of fish sauce should I use?
You can use your preferred brand of fish sauce, adding 2 tablespoons or more to taste.
How much cabbage is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 of a large head of cabbage.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is categorized as a quick and easy recipe with simple instructions.
How much ginger is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger slices.
Can I serve this as a soup?
Yes, if you keep the cooking liquid and season it, it functions perfectly as a comforting soup.
What should the texture of the egg white be in the sauce?
The egg white should be broken into small pieces and mixed thoroughly with the fish sauce.
Does this dish contain any sugar?
No, there is no sugar listed in the nutritional information for this recipe.
What is the primary flavor profile?
The dish is aromatic and savory, combining the brightness of ginger with the salty umami of fish sauce.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is chopping half a large head of cabbage into 2-inch chunks and slicing the fresh ginger.