Steamed Medium
Korean Braised Napa Outer Leaves
Blanched outer leaves of napa cabbage are thinner than dried radish greens and, once tossed with doenjang (Korean soybean paste) and covered, soften in under twenty minutes. Trimming off the stringy stems and thick ribs first is what makes the texture even; left in, they stay fibrous among the tender leaves. The seasoned leaves are stir-fried in perilla oil before any water is added, laying a nutty base under the salty bean paste. If the liquid cooks off too quickly under the lid, a splash more water is needed before it turns salty or catches on the bottom. Ground perilla seeds scattered in at the end thicken the liquid so it clings to the greens, giving a mellow, nutty side dish for rice.
Prep 18min Cook 28min 2 servings