Pork and Vegetable Cabbage Rolls

Name: Pork and Vegetable Cabbage Rolls with Fried Egg
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1 medium head green cabbage; 1 lb ground pork; 1/2 medium white onion, chopped; 1 large carrot, finely chopped; 1/4 cup chives, chopped; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp minced garlic; salt, to taste; black pepper, to taste; 1/2 tsp MSG; 1 tbsp avocado oil; 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce; 1/2 can water (approx. 1 cup); 1 fried egg, for serving; 1 tbsp green onion, chopped, for garnish

These fusion cabbage rolls combine seasoned ground pork, fresh vegetables, and Asian aromatics in a simple tomato sauce, finished with a crispy fried egg for added richness and comfort.

🌍Fusion 🏷️Cabbage rolls 🏷️Pork 🏷️Comfort food 🏷️Dinner Savory

🏷️

🏷️Tomato sauce

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TikTok

Total

1h

Servings

2

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$31–$51

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

-0:00

TikTok

Ingredients

1 medium head green cabbage
1 lb ground pork
1/2 medium white onion, chopped
1 large carrot, finely chopped
1/4 cup chives, chopped
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp minced garlic
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp MSGoptional
1 tbsp avocado oil
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1/2 can water (approx. 1 cup)
1 fried egg, for servingoptional
1 tbsp green onion, chopped, for garnishoptional

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Instructions

1
Core the head of cabbage by cutting around the stem. This will help the leaves come off more easily.
2
Place the cabbage leaves in a pot of boiling water and cook for a few minutes until they become soft and pliable. Set aside.
3
In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, chopped white onion, finely chopped carrot, and chopped chives.
4
Season the meat mixture with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and optional MSG.
5
Using your hands, mix the filling until everything is well combined.
6
Take a softened cabbage leaf and place a small ball of the pork filling in the center.
7
Tuck in the sides of the cabbage leaf and roll it up tightly. Repeat with the remaining filling and leaves.
8
Heat avocado oil in a large pan or pot over medium-high heat.
9
Carefully place the cabbage rolls in the hot pan, seam-side down, to crisp them up slightly.
10
Pour the can of tomato sauce over the rolls, then add about half a can of water.
11
Cover the pan, reduce the heat, and let the cabbage rolls simmer for about 30 minutes.
12
Serve the cabbage rolls in a bowl, spooning extra tomato sauce over the top.
13
Optionally, top with a fried egg and a sprinkle of chopped green onions before serving.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Finely chop the carrot and onion so they cook evenly and blend seamlessly with the pork filling.
Don't skip the sesame oil—it adds depth and is key to the fusion flavor profile; use it sparingly as it's potent.
Cook the pork filling over medium heat until no pink remains before stuffing; this prevents undercooking inside the roll.
Arrange rolls seam-side down in the pan to prevent them from unraveling during the simmer.

Substitutions

Green cabbage → napa cabbage (milder, more delicate; reduce simmer time to 10–12 minutes)
Chives → scallions or green onion (similar onion flavor, chop just before adding)
Oyster sauce → hoisin sauce or additional soy sauce (adjust salty/sweet balance to taste)
Sesame oil → neutral oil with a pinch of toasted sesame seeds (less authentic but similar earthiness)

Storage & make-ahead

Store finished rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. Freeze uncooked rolls for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.

Common Questions

Can I prepare cabbage rolls ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the rolls up to 24 hours ahead, refrigerate covered, then simmer in sauce just before serving. You can also freeze uncooked rolls for up to 3 months.

What's the best way to soften the cabbage leaves?

Boil the whole head for 5–8 minutes until outer leaves are pliable, then carefully peel them away one at a time. Trim the thick center rib to make rolling easier.

Can I use ground chicken or beef instead of pork?

Yes, ground beef works well and gives a richer flavor; ground chicken is leaner but slightly drier. Adjust soy and oyster sauce to taste with either substitute.

How long do the rolls need to simmer?

Simmer for 15–20 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. The pork is already cooked through, so timing focuses on softening the cabbage.