Forget everything you thought you knew about Caesar salad. This recipe elevates the classic with the surprising addition of grilled Napa cabbage, lending a smoky sweetness and delightful textural contrast to the creamy dressing and crisp romaine. The charring process intensifies the cabbage's natural flavor, creating a depth rarely found in traditional Caesar salads. We're not just adding a new ingredient; we're transforming the entire experience. Imagine tender, slightly charred cabbage leaves mingling with the familiar tang of Parmesan, the richness of the dressing, and the satisfying crunch of croutons.
This Grilled Napa Caesar Salad is more than a side dish; it's a statement. It's a sophisticated yet surprisingly simple dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive dinner party. Ready to experience the smoky, sweet, and utterly delicious world of grilled Napa cabbage Caesar salad? Let's dive into the step-by-step process to create this culinary masterpiece.
Tools Needed
- Grill
- Knife
- Blender
Ingredients
- Napa cabbage
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Lemon
- Bread
- Red onion
- Garlic: 3 cloves
- Mustard: 1 tablespoon
- Honey wine vinegar
- Green onions
- Anchovy fillets (white)
- Parmesan cheese: 4 tablespoons (approx.)
- Egg: 1
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare and Grill the Vegetables and Croutons
- Remove outer leaves, check for cleanliness. Cut the cabbage, leaving the core intact to hold it together during grilling. Season with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place the cabbage face up on the grill. Drizzle more olive oil into the leaves. Grill until charred.
- Drizzle lemons with olive oil and grill until charred.
- Brush bread slices with olive oil and salt, then grill.
Step 2. Make the Caesar Dressing
- Chop green onions roughly. Combine green onions, garlic, mustard, honey wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and anchovy fillets in a blender.
- Add olive oil slowly while blending, until desired consistency is reached.
- Add a farm-fresh egg and approximately 4 tablespoons of parmesan cheese to the blender. Blend until smooth.
Step 3. Assemble the Salad
- Place the grilled Napa cabbage on a serving dish. Add the grilled croutons.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the cabbage, add charred green onions and grilled lemon slices. Top with shaved Parmesan cheese.
Read more: Perfect Korean BBQ Pork: Yangnyeom Teji Galbi Recipe
Tips
- Use a hot grill for optimal charring.
- The Napa cabbage is delicious even without any dressing, so don't overdo it.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of cabbage instead of Napa cabbage?
While Napa cabbage offers the best sweetness and texture for grilling, you can experiment with savoy or green cabbage. Just be aware that the grilling time might need adjustment.
2. What can I substitute for the Parmesan cheese?
A good alternative to Parmesan is Pecorino Romano, which offers a similar sharp and salty flavor profile. You could also use a vegetarian Parmesan substitute.
This Grilled Napa Cabbage Caesar Salad is a testament to how simple additions can elevate a classic dish. The smoky sweetness of the grilled cabbage perfectly complements the creamy Caesar dressing, creating a flavor profile that's both familiar and exciting. Enjoy this unique and delicious salad, and don't be afraid to experiment with your favorite variations!