Nqaij Qaib Zib Ntsuag (hmong-style Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)

Nqaij Qaib Zib Ntsuag, also known as Hmong-style Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, is a traditional dish that features a flavorful filling wrapped in tender cabbage leaves. This dish is a staple in Hmong cuisine and is perfect for a comforting family meal or special occasions.

Nqaij Qaib Zib Ntsuag (hmong-style Stuffed Cabbage Rolls)

Ingredients

  • 1 head of cabbage
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the cabbage leaves and blanch them in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, cooked rice, onion, garlic, ginger, salt, black pepper, cilantro, and green onions. Mix well.
  3. Place a spoonful of the pork mixture onto each cabbage leaf and roll it up, tucking in the sides to form a neat roll.
  4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the stuffed cabbage rolls, seam side down, and cook until browned on all sides.
  5. Pour the tomato sauce and soy sauce over the cabbage rolls. Cover and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
  6. Serve the Nqaij Qaib Zib Ntsuag hot, garnished with additional green onions and cilantro if desired.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
30 minutes
Cooking time:
1 hour
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
300 per serving
Carbohydrates
25g
Protein
15g
Fat
12g

Supplies

Large pot Knife Cutting board Bowl Large pot or Dutch oven

Tools

Tongs Spatula Cooking spoon

Serving suggestions

Serving suggestions: Serve the Nqaij Qaib Zib Ntsuag with steamed white rice and a side of spicy chili sauce for an authentic Hmong meal.

Tips & tricks

Tips: To make the cabbage leaves more pliable for rolling, you can carefully remove the core of the cabbage before blanching the leaves.

Cost

$15