Cabbage Dumplings Recipe: Easy Steamed Ground Beef Cabbage Dumplings

If you love dumplings but want something a little lighter and different, this Cabbage Dumplings Recipe is a great one to try. Instead of traditional dough wrappers, tender cabbage leaves are wrapped around a savory ground beef filling with garlic, ginger, green onion, and soy sauce.

What I like most is how comforting they are without feeling heavy. The cabbage turns soft and slightly sweet as it cooks, while the filling stays juicy and full of flavor. They also look impressive even though the method is surprisingly simple once you soften the leaves.

These dumplings are great for dinner, meal prep, or serving as an appetizer with a quick dipping sauce.

If you enjoy cabbage-based recipes, try Oven Roasted Cauliflower Recipes: Crispy Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower, Easy Fried Cabbage Recipes: Buttery Skillet Cabbage With Onions, and Stuffed Peppers With Ground Beef next.

Why This Cabbage Dumplings Recipe Works

This recipe is built around simple technique and balanced flavor.

• Cabbage replaces traditional wrappers. It keeps the dumplings tender and naturally gluten-light depending on the sauce you use.
• Ground beef makes the filling hearty. Lean beef gives plenty of flavor without making the filling greasy.
• Garlic and ginger add depth. These ingredients give the filling a warm, savory aroma.
• Steaming keeps the dumplings moist. The cabbage softens while the beef cooks gently inside.
• The dipping sauce adds contrast. A little tang, saltiness, and sweetness makes the whole dish more interesting.

The result is a Cabbage Dumplings Recipe that feels both cozy and fresh.

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Ingredients for Cabbage Dumplings Recipe

Green Cabbage

Use 1 medium green cabbage.

You need about 10–12 large leaves for wrapping.

Green cabbage works well because the leaves are sturdy enough to hold filling but become flexible after blanching.

Ground Beef

Use 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef.

Lean beef keeps the filling flavorful without creating too much fat inside the cabbage wrapper.

Green Onion

Use 3 green onions, finely sliced.

They add a mild onion flavor without overpowering the filling.

Garlic

Use 3 garlic cloves, minced.

Garlic gives the dumplings a strong savory base.

Fresh Ginger

Use 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh ginger.

This gives the filling freshness and warmth.

Soy Sauce

Use 2 tablespoons soy sauce.

If you want a lower-sodium version, use reduced-sodium soy sauce.

Sesame Oil

Use 1 teaspoon sesame oil.

A small amount adds plenty of nutty flavor.

Black Pepper

Use ½ teaspoon black pepper.

This gives the filling a little extra bite.

Cornstarch

Use 1 tablespoon cornstarch.

This helps bind the filling together and keeps it juicy.

Egg

Use 1 large egg.

The egg helps the filling hold together inside the cabbage leaf.

Optional Carrot

Use ½ cup finely grated carrot if you want extra texture and color.

Success Tip: Soften the Cabbage Leaves Properly

For the best Cabbage Dumplings Recipe, the cabbage leaves need to be flexible but not mushy.

Blanch them just until they bend easily. Overcooking makes them fragile and more likely to tear while wrapping.

How to Make Cabbage Dumplings Recipe

1. Separate the Cabbage Leaves

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

Carefully remove the outer cabbage leaves one at a time.

Blanch each leaf for about 1–2 minutes, just until softened.

Transfer to a bowl of cold water, then drain.

Why this matters: Softening the leaves makes them easy to fold without cracking.

2. Trim the Thick Stem

Place each cabbage leaf flat on a cutting board.

Use a small knife to carefully shave down the thick center rib.

Do not cut all the way through the leaf.

Why this matters: Removing some thickness helps the cabbage roll tightly and evenly.

3. Make the Ground Beef Filling

In a large bowl, combine:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 sliced green onions
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp grated ginger
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 egg
• ½ cup grated carrot, optional

Mix gently until combined.

Do not overmix.

Why this matters: Overmixing can make the filling dense instead of tender.

4. Fill the Cabbage Leaves

Place one softened cabbage leaf on a clean surface.

Add about 2 tablespoons filling near the lower center.

Fold the bottom over the filling, then fold in the sides and roll tightly.

Repeat with the remaining leaves.

Why this matters: Tight rolls help the dumplings hold their shape while steaming.

5. Arrange the Dumplings

Place the cabbage dumplings seam-side down in a steamer basket or large skillet fitted for steaming.

Leave a little space between each one.

Why this matters: A little spacing allows steam to circulate evenly.

6. Steam Until Cooked Through

Steam the dumplings over gently simmering water for 15–18 minutes.

The cabbage should be tender and the filling should be fully cooked.

For food safety, ground beef should reach 160°F (71°C) internally.

Why this matters: Gentle steaming keeps the cabbage soft while the filling stays juicy.

7. Make the Dipping Sauce

In a small bowl, mix:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp honey
• ½ tsp chili flakes, optional

Stir until combined.

8. Serve Warm

Transfer the dumplings to a serving plate.

Top with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Serve with the dipping sauce on the side.

Cabbage Dumplings Recipe Variations

Chicken Cabbage Dumplings

Replace the ground beef with ground chicken.

Add an extra teaspoon of sesame oil to keep the filling moist.

Spicy Cabbage Dumplings

Add:

• ½ teaspoon chili flakes
• or 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce

Mix directly into the filling.

Cabbage Dumplings With Mushrooms

Add ½ cup finely chopped mushrooms to the beef mixture.

Cook them first to remove excess moisture.

Cabbage Dumplings Without Rice

This recipe is naturally rice-free, making it a lighter alternative to stuffed cabbage rolls.

Pan-Steamed Cabbage Dumplings

Place the wrapped dumplings in a large skillet.

Add about ½ cup water, cover, and steam over medium-low heat for 15–18 minutes.

Remove the lid at the end and let any extra moisture evaporate.

What to Serve With Cabbage Dumplings

This Cabbage Dumplings Recipe works well with:

• Steamed rice
• Fried rice
• Cucumber salad
• Sesame green beans
• Stir-fried vegetables
• Miso-style soup
• Garlic noodles
• Edamame
• Simple Asian-inspired slaw

For a lighter meal, serve them with [LINK: Oven Roasted Cauliflower Recipes] or [LINK: Easy Fried Cabbage Recipes].

Cabbage Dumplings Recipe FAQs

What Are Cabbage Dumplings?

Cabbage dumplings are dumplings that use softened cabbage leaves instead of dough wrappers.

They are filled with a savory mixture, then steamed or pan-steamed until tender.

Can I Use Ground Beef for Cabbage Dumplings?

Yes.

Ground beef works very well and gives the filling a rich, savory flavor.

This Cabbage Dumplings Recipe uses lean beef to keep the dumplings hearty but not greasy.

Do I Need to Cook the Beef Before Filling?

No.

The beef goes into the cabbage raw and cooks fully during steaming.

Make sure the filling reaches 160°F (71°C) internally.

Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead?

Yes.

Ground chicken is a good alternative and gives the dumplings a lighter flavor.

What Type of Cabbage Works Best?

Green cabbage is the easiest to use.

Napa cabbage can also work, but the leaves are more delicate and may tear more easily.

How Do You Keep Cabbage Dumplings From Falling Apart?

Soften the cabbage just enough to make it flexible, trim the thick center rib, roll tightly, and place the dumplings seam-side down during cooking.

Can I Make Cabbage Dumplings Ahead of Time?

Yes.

You can assemble them several hours ahead and refrigerate them covered.

Steam them when ready to serve.

How Long Do Cabbage Dumplings Last in the Refrigerator?

Store cooked dumplings in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat by steaming or microwaving gently.

Can You Freeze Cabbage Dumplings?

Yes.

Freeze uncooked wrapped dumplings in a single layer until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container.

Freeze for up to 2 months.

Steam from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I Make These Without Soy Sauce?

Yes.

Use a soy-free alternative such as coconut aminos.

The flavor will be slightly sweeter, so adjust seasoning to taste.

Are Cabbage Dumplings Low Carb?

They are lower in carbohydrates than traditional flour-wrapper dumplings because cabbage replaces the dough.

The final nutrition depends on the filling and dipping sauce.

Can I Bake Cabbage Dumplings?

Yes, but steaming gives the best tender texture.

If baking, place them in a covered baking dish with a small amount of broth or water and bake at 375°F (190°C) until cooked through.

Cabbage Dumplings Recipe Card

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 43 minutes
Yield: 10–12 dumplings
Category: Dinner / Appetizer
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Method: Steamed

Ingredients

For the Dumplings

• 1 medium green cabbage
• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
• 3 green onions, finely sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup grated carrot, optional

For the Dipping Sauce

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp honey
• ½ tsp chili flakes, optional

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Separate 10–12 large cabbage leaves.
3. Blanch leaves for 1–2 minutes until flexible.
4. Transfer to cold water and drain.
5. Trim the thick center rib from each leaf.
6. Combine ground beef, green onion, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, pepper, cornstarch, egg, and carrot.
7. Place about 2 tablespoons filling on each cabbage leaf.
8. Fold the bottom over the filling.
9. Fold in the sides and roll tightly.
10. Arrange seam-side down in a steamer basket.
11. Steam for 15–18 minutes.
12. Check that the filling reaches 160°F (71°C).
13. Mix dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
14. Serve dumplings warm with dipping sauce.

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Conclusion

This Cabbage Dumplings Recipe is a simple way to make a comforting dumpling-style meal without using traditional dough wrappers. Tender cabbage leaves, savory ground beef, garlic, ginger, and green onion come together in a dish that feels light but still satisfying.

If you are looking for an easy cabbage dumplings recipe, this steamed version is straightforward and works well for dinner, meal prep, or appetizers. It is also a good option if you want ground beef cabbage dumplings, steamed cabbage dumplings, or a cabbage dumplings recipe without pork.

Once you learn how to soften and wrap the leaves properly, this Cabbage Dumplings Recipe becomes easy to customize with chicken, mushrooms, extra vegetables, or different dipping sauces.

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