Spicy Umami Mayo Drizzled Charred Cabbage is a dish that demonstrates the beauty of simplicity in culinary art. It turns the unassuming cabbage into a highlight of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. The dish blends the rustic charm of charred cabbage with the bold flavors of a specially crafted spicy umami mayo drizzle, creating a culinary experience that is both grounding and exhilarating.
The dish starts with a head of green cabbage cut into wedges, brushed with extra virgin olive oil, seasoned with salt and ground black pepper, and then broiled at high heat. This process highlights the vegetable’s natural sweetness and adds a smoky depth that can only be achieved through charring. The edges of the cabbage turn golden and crispy. At the same time, a subtle sweetness emerges, counterbalanced by the slight bitterness characteristic of charred foods, offering a rich tapestry of flavors derived from a cooking method as old as fire itself.
The spicy umami mayo drizzle blends ingredients that speak to a global palate. Mayonnaise provides the creamy base, while Sriracha sauce introduces a fiery heat that tingles the tongue. Soy sauce and sesame oil add depth and richness, contributing salty, nutty, and umami notes. Adding minced garlic infuses the sauce with a spicy kick, and a squeeze of lime juice cuts through the richness, adding a bright acidity that lifts the entire dish.
When drizzled over the charred cabbage, the spicy umami mayo becomes more than just a topping; it seeps into the cabbage’s crevices, marrying the smoky vegetable with the vibrant, complex sauce. Each bite is a journey through contrasting textures and a spectrum of flavors, from the cabbage’s crisp, caramelized edges to its tender heart and from the vegetable’s earthy sweetness to the sauce’s rich, spicy, and tangy notes.
Spicy Umami Mayo Drizzled Charred Cabbage is a dish that elevates simple ingredients through thoughtful preparation and bold flavors. It respects the origins of its components while embracing the possibilities of fusion, creating something entirely new and captivating. The dish is versatile, serving as a stunning side that complements many main courses, yet it’s substantial and flavorful enough to stand alone as the meal’s star.
Whether it graces a casual weeknight dinner table or becomes the talk of a dinner party, it’s a dish that leaves a lasting impression. It invites diners to reconsider their perceptions of familiar ingredients and delight in the unexpected beauty that can emerge from the marriage of the elemental and the complex.
Spicy Umami Mayo Drizzled Charred Cabbage
4
servings10
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minutesSpicy Umami Mayo Drizzled Charred Cabbage transforms simple cabbage into a flavor-packed dish, combining the rich smokiness of charred edges with a tangy, savory drizzle for an unforgettable taste experience.
Ingredients
1 head of cabbage
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
to taste, salt and ground black pepper
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 clove of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
for garnish, cilantro leaves
for garnish, red pepper flakes
Directions
- Preheat the Broiler:
Position an oven rack near the top of the oven and preheat the broiler to high. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. - Prepare the Cabbage:
Slice the cabbage into eight even wedges, keeping a bit of the core attached to each wedge to hold the leaves together. Brush each cabbage wedge on all sides with extra virgin olive oil and season generously with salt and ground black pepper. - Broil the Cabbage:
Place the cabbage wedges on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they’re not touching for even charring. Broil for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are nicely charred and the cabbage is tender. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. - Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and lime juice until smooth and thoroughly combined. Adjust the sriracha to taste for more or less heat. - Drizzle:
Transfer the wedges to a serving platter once the cabbage is charred to your liking. Drizzle generously with the spicy umami mayo, allowing it to seep into the layers of the cabbage. - Serve:
Serve immediately while the cabbage is warm. Garnish with cilantro and red pepper flakes.
Notes
- Keeping the core attached helps maintain the wedge’s structure under the broiler, but ensure to remove any tough or inedible parts of the core before serving.