Sichuan-Inspired Cabbage

  • Level: Easy
  • Yield: 6 servings (side dish)
  • Total: 20 min
  • Active: 20 min
My gal and I are obsessed with "mala" which is the Chinese term for the combo of spicy and numbing qualities that you get from Sichuan peppercorns. If you are into fun food experiences, this is a must-try! As cabbage is practically free, with a few pantry items, you can make a cheap but satisfying and palate-pushing side dish.
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Ingredients

3 tablespoons peanut oil

1 pod star anise

2 teaspoons whole cumin seeds

2 teaspoons chile powder 

2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

2 teaspoons whole Sichuan peppercorns 

1 pound green cabbage, cored, halved and sliced 1-inch thick 

3 tablespoons chile crisp sauce, preferably Lao Gan Ma

2 teaspoons soy sauce 

2 teaspoons Chinese black vinegar 

Kosher salt

Fresh cilantro leaves and sliced green onions, for garnish, optional 

Directions

  1. In a large wok over high heat, add the peanut oil and preheat the wok. Meanwhile, combine the star anise, cumin seeds, chile powder, cayenne and Sichuan peppercorns in a spice grinder and pulverize. When the oil is just starting to smoke, add the spices and cook for 1 minute. Add the cabbage and cook, tossing and stirring to coat, just until the cabbage is slightly pliable but still has some crunch, about 5 minutes. Finish with the chile crisp, soy sauce and black vinegar. Adjust for seasoning. Transfer to a platter and garnish as desired with the cilantro and green onions.

Let's Get Cooking!

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Anonymous

Made this last night. I don't know how this recipe has received so many 5 stars. I used 2 tsp of red pepper flakes instead of cayenne pepper as some reviewers pointed out and did not use the star anise since I didn't have it. Otherwise, I followed the recipe as written. This recipe turned out WAY too hot. That's saying a lot coming from a couple of Texans who love hot and spicy foods. Spices are meant to enhance food, not mask what you're eating. Will be throwing this recipe in the trash.

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