Cabbage Roll Dumplings: Bite-Sized Comfort Food
Cabbage roll dumplings are a creative, bite-sized take on the classic stuffed cabbage roll. While traditional cabbage rolls are hearty and often served as a full meal, these dumplings offer the same savory, comforting flavors in a fun, appetizer-friendly format. Each dumpling is packed with a mixture of seasoned meat, rice, and vegetables, wrapped in tender cabbage leaves, and lightly steamed or pan-fried to perfection.
The beauty of cabbage roll dumplings lies in their versatility. They can be served as a starter at family gatherings, a main course for lunch or dinner, or even as an elegant appetizer at parties. Their tangy, savory filling combined with the subtle sweetness of cabbage makes them a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Unlike traditional cabbage rolls that take longer to cook, these dumplings are quicker to prepare and allow for endless customization.
Ingredients Needed
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef or pork | 1 lb (450 g) | 960 kcal |
| White rice (uncooked) | ½ cup (100 g) | 360 kcal |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 medium (110 g) | 45 kcal |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves | 10 kcal |
| Carrot, grated | 1 medium (60 g) | 25 kcal |
| Green cabbage leaves | 8–10 large | 150 kcal |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp (33 g) | 30 kcal |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp (15 ml) | 120 kcal |
| Salt | 1 tsp | 0 kcal |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | 3 kcal |
| Paprika | 1 tsp | 6 kcal |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 2 tbsp (8 g) | 2 kcal |
| Water or broth | ½ cup (120 ml) | 5 kcal |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage leaves
Bring a large pot of water to boil. Blanch cabbage leaves for 2–3 minutes until pliable. Drain and pat dry. - Prepare the filling
In a bowl, mix ground meat, rice, onion, garlic, grated carrot, tomato paste, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until well combined. - Form the dumplings
Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of a cabbage leaf. Fold sides in and roll tightly like a small burrito. Secure with toothpicks if needed. - Cook the dumplings
- Steaming: Place dumplings in a steamer for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked.
- Pan-frying (optional): Heat a bit of oil in a skillet and brown dumplings on all sides. Add ½ cup water or broth, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until cooked through.
- Serve
Remove toothpicks (if used) and place dumplings on a plate. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or a dollop of sour cream.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Protein options: Use ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat substitute for lighter or vegetarian versions.
- Rice alternatives: Substitute quinoa, cauliflower rice, or cooked rice for different textures.
- Flavor boosters: Add soy sauce, ginger, or cumin to the filling for a fusion twist.
- Sauces: Serve with tomato sauce, sour cream, or even sweet chili sauce for variety.
- Cooking method: Dumplings can also be baked at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, covered with foil, for a hands-off option.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per 2 dumplings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 200–220 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | Moderate |
| Iron | Moderate |
| Vitamin C | Moderate |
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as an appetizer or party finger food with dipping sauces.
- Enjoy as a main dish with mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple salad.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, dill, or a sprinkle of paprika for visual appeal.
- Pair with a light soup or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Cabbage Roll Dumplings: Bite-Sized Comfort Food
4–6
servings20
minutes25
minutes200-220
kcalIngredients
IngredienttQuantitytApprox. Calories
Ground beef or porkt1 lb (450 g)t960 kcal
White rice (uncooked)t½ cup (100 g)t360 kcal
Onion, finely choppedt1 medium (110 g)t45 kcal
Garlic, mincedt2 clovest10 kcal
Carrot, gratedt1 medium (60 g)t25 kcal
Green cabbage leavest8–10 larget150 kcal
Tomato pastet2 tbsp (33 g)t30 kcal
Olive oilt1 tbsp (15 ml)t120 kcal
Saltt1 tspt0 kcal
Black peppert½ tspt3 kcal
Paprikat1 tspt6 kcal
Fresh parsley, choppedt2 tbsp (8 g)t2 kcal
Water or brotht½ cup (120 ml)t5 kcal
Directions
- Prepare cabbage leaves: Blanch cabbage leaves in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until pliable. Drain and pat dry.
- Mix filling: In a bowl, combine ground meat, rice, onion, garlic, carrot, tomato paste, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well.
- Form dumplings: Place a spoonful of filling in the center of a cabbage leaf. Fold sides in and roll tightly. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Cook dumplings:
- Steaming: Steam for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked.
- Pan-frying: Brown in a skillet with oil, add ½ cup water or broth, cover, and simmer 15–20 minutes.
- Serve: Remove toothpicks, plate dumplings, and serve hot with dipping sauce or sour cream.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Ground beef, pork, or a combination works best, but ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based protein are great alternatives.
Pre-cooked rice can save time; add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking if steaming or pan-frying.
FAQs
1. Can I make cabbage roll dumplings ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dumplings and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking. Cook them fresh when ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze cabbage roll dumplings?
Absolutely. Place uncooked dumplings on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen by steaming, baking, or pan-frying for slightly longer.
3. Can I make them vegetarian?
Yes! Replace ground meat with cooked lentils, chickpeas, tofu, or a plant-based meat substitute. Add extra vegetables to keep them flavorful and hearty.
4. Can I use pre-cooked rice instead of uncooked rice?
Yes, but reduce the cooking time since pre-cooked rice will cook faster. Add it during the last 10 minutes if steaming or simmering.
5. How do I keep the dumplings from falling apart?
Blanch cabbage leaves to make them pliable, and roll the filling tightly. You can secure with toothpicks or tie with kitchen twine for extra stability.
Conclusion
Cabbage roll dumplings offer a fun, bite-sized twist on a classic comfort food. Combining the flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls with the convenience of a dumpling, they are perfect for family meals, gatherings, or casual weeknight dinners. With customizable fillings, sauces, and cooking methods, these dumplings are versatile, delicious, and sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
