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Easy Keto Cabbage Rolls Recipe 🥬

Dom Lorenzo
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Have you ever tried stuffed cabbage rolls? A comfort food staple in various South European and Asian cultures, they're the kind of hearty dish that keeps you coming back for seconds. We've put a keto spin on the classic, creating Keto Cabbage Rolls you can prep ahead of time. Picture tender cabbage leaves stuffed with a savory pork mix, all smothered in a gentle curry gravy with a hint of Indian cuisine. It's your favorite comfort food with a low-carb twist. Ready to add some exciting flavors to your healthy eating lineup? Let's get cooking!

One of the keto cabbage rolls is cut to show the pork filling.
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Preparation and cooking overview

First, sauté the veggies and mix them with fresh ground pork. Then, wrap the filling in a blanched cabbage leaf and cook it in chicken stock. To finish, prepare a curry sauce with the remaining chicken stock. Within 30 minutes, your delicious rolls will be ready.

Chef's note

Cabbage rolls are a delicious option to sneak more veggies into your diet, and they're a hit with the kids as well. For an extra nutritional boost, mix in riced cauliflower and tomatoes into the filling. And if you're feeling adventurous, switch out the cabbage for bok choy leaves for a fun twist.

Hey, pork lovers, this isn't our only dish! Dive into our wide range of pork recipes and discover more flavors.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

For more inspiration check out our Pork recipe.

🥬 Ingredients for keto cabbage rolls recipe

To prepare these low-carb cabbage rolls, you'll need the following ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup minced brown mushrooms
  • 2 tablespoons minced shallots
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 12 ounces ground pork
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1 large cabbage head
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • Pinch of freshly cracked black pepper
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Curry gravy

  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
All the ingredients required to make keto cabbage rolls gathered and arranged on the table.

Ingredient substitutions

Looking to switch up the ingredients? Here are some keto-friendly options:

  • Butter: Instead of butter, use ghee or coconut oil.
  • Brown mushrooms: Don't have brown mushrooms? Swap them with white mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms.
  • Heavy cream: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
  • Chicken stock: If you don't have chicken stock, use the same amount of bone broth.

Additional ingredients

Elevate the flavor of your keto stuffed cabbage rolls with these optional ingredients:

  • Green onions: To add more veggies, sauté some freshly chopped green or spring onions with the mushrooms.
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top of the cabbage rolls before serving for a salty, cheesy note.
  • Bacon: Mix some chopped bacon into the minced meat for a juicier filling.
  • Lemon zest: Sprinkle lemon zest and fresh lemon juice over the pork rolls before serving.
Homemade keto cabbage rolls with Indian-inspired curry gravy.

Cooking tools required

To make these low-carb cabbage rolls, you'll need the following tools:

  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cast-iron skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Spatula

Tool substitutes list

  • Cast-iron skillet: If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, use a deep regular pan to sauté the vegetables and simmer the cabbage rolls.

How to make Keto Cabbage Rolls: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Sautéing
  • Simmering

Preparation steps

  1. Gather and measure all the ingredients.
  2. Clean and chop the brown mushrooms into fine pieces.
  3. Mince the shallots, garlic, and ginger.
  4. Wash and chop the fresh cilantro and set it aside.

Cooking steps

Prepare the filling

  1. Heat butter in a pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Once it melts, add the mushrooms and shallots. Stir for 3-5 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender.
  3. Add the minced ginger, garlic, and red chili flakes, stirring for about a minute or until aromatic.
  4. Then, transfer everything to a large mixing bowl and leave for a few minutes to cool down.
  5. Add the pork, curry powder, black pepper, and salt to the bowl. Mix thoroughly.
Cooking the finely chopped mushrooms and shallots in a pan for the filling.
Adding minced garlic and ginger to the pan with shallots and mushrooms for the filling.
A bowl with a mix of prepared mushroom mixture, pork, curry powder, black pepper, and salt.

Ready the cabbage wraps

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  2. Blanch the whole head of cabbage for about 3-5 minutes or until the leaves are tender enough for wrapping.
  3. Next, peel the cabbage leaves and trim the tough white parts with a knife to make a triangular or V-shaped cut.
Blanching the whole head of cabbage in a large pot.
Blanched cabbage leaves on a plate.
Trimming the tough white parts of cabbage leaves in a v-shape.

Cook the cabbage rolls

  1. Lay a leaf of cabbage on a plate.
  2. Put two to three tablespoons of filling near the trimmed edge of the leaf. Roll up the leaf, folding the sides in as you go to create a tight bundle. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
  3. Carefully arrange the cabbage rolls, seam-side down, into the skillet.
  4. Add chicken stock to the pan and bring it to a simmer.
  5. Put the lid on and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
  6. Carefully take the rolls out of the pan and transfer them to a serving platter.
  7. Then, whisk in heavy cream and curry powder with the remaining stock in the skillet.
  8. Simmer over low heat until slightly thickened.
  9. Pour the creamy curry sauce over the rolls and top with fresh cilantro for garnish.

Chef's pro tip

Handle the cabbage leaves with care while wrapping the pork to avoid tearing. While it's tempting to overfill, aim for a balance between meat and cabbage. This ensures the rolls stay intact and cook evenly.

What to serve with cabbage rolls?

You can enjoy the keto pork cabbage rolls and the curry sauce as a standalone dish. Or you can pair it with these options:

  • Keto Naan Bread: Dip and scoop up the rich curry sauce with a soft piece of keto-friendly naan bread.
  • Charred Brussels Sprouts Salad: Complement the tender rolls with a crunchy and hearty charred Brussels sprouts salad.
  • Labneh: While these cabbage rolls are traditionally served with sour cream or cheese, we recommend trying Labneh. It's a fantastic addition that complements the dish beautifully.

How to make it healthier?

  • Opt for a low-sodium chicken stock or make your own at home to control the salt content.
Low-carb keto cabbage rolls served with Indian-inspired curry gravy.

Time-saving tips

  • If you're pressed for time, buy chicken stock from your grocery store.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Prepare the pork mixture in advance. It'll remain fresh in the fridge for a few days.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage instructions

  • Let the cabbage rolls cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They'll stay tasty for 3-4 days.
  • Store the leftover sauce in a separate airtight container in the fridge.

Best reheating practices

  • Microwave: Place the leftovers on a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small opening for steam to escape. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes.
  • Stovetop: Place the leftovers in a skillet or pot over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken stock or water and reheat for 8-10 minutes.
An up-close view of keto cabbage rolls that have been sliced, revealing the pork stuffing.

Recipe wrap-up conclusion

These Keto Cabbage Rolls come packed with flavorful pork and tender mushrooms, all topped with a lush curry gravy. They're ideal for a fuss-free dinner or a sophisticated lunch, sure to shine as the centerpiece of your meal.

Eager to transform simple ingredients into something special? Take this healthy recipe for a whirl. It just might become one of your go-to favorites!

Craving more pork dishes? We've got plenty! Check out these mouth-watering recipes:

Frequently asked questions

Traditional cabbage rolls are not keto, as they often contain rice or grains in the filling. But you can easily make them low-carb pork by adjusting the ingredients.

The calorie content of a cabbage roll varies depending on its size and ingredients. On average, a traditional cabbage roll containing beef, rice, and tomato sauce can have between 150 and 200 calories.

Yes, cabbage is keto-friendly. It's low in carbs and contains fiber, which makes it a suitable vegetable for the keto diet.

Green cabbage is best for cabbage rolls because of its sturdy and flexible leaves. But you can also use other types for this recipe, like Savoy cabbage or even fermented cabbage leaves if you find them!

A traditional cabbage roll with rice might contain around 15-20 grams of carbs or more. However, a keto-friendly cabbage roll that doesn't contain grains will have around 5 to 10 grams per serving.

Yes, you can! Experiment with ground meats like beef, sausage, shrimp, turkey, and bacon. They all go well in this low-carb stuffed cabbage rolls recipe.

📖 Recipe

A close-up of sliced keto cabbage rolls, showing the pork filling inside.

Keto Cabbage Rolls

These Keto Cabbage Rolls are a low-carb twist on a classic comfort food, featuring tender cabbage leaves stuffed with savory pork and topped with a mild curry gravy, infusing vibrant flavors into your healthy meal.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Keyword: cabbage rolls curry, keto cabbage rolls
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 401kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup minced brown mushrooms
  • 2 tablespoons minced shallots
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 12 ounces ground pork
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1 large cabbage head
  • 1 cup chicken stock
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • Pinch of freshly cracked black pepper
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Curry gravy

  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Prepare the filling

  • Heat butter in a pan over medium-high heat.
  • Once it melts, add the mushrooms and shallots. Stir for 3-5 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender.
  • Add the minced ginger, garlic, and red chili flakes, stirring for about a minute or until aromatic.
  • Then, transfer everything to a large mixing bowl and leave for a few minutes to cool down.
  • Add the pork, curry powder, black pepper, and salt to the bowl. Mix thoroughly.

Ready the cabbage wraps

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  • Blanch the whole head of cabbage for about 3-5 minutes or until the leaves are tender enough for wrapping.
  • Next, peel the cabbage leaves and trim the tough white parts with a knife to make a triangular or V-shaped cut.

Cook the cabbage rolls

  • Lay a leaf of cabbage on a plate.
  • Put two to three tablespoons of filling near the trimmed edge of the leaf. Roll up the leaf, folding the sides in as you go to create a tight bundle. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
  • Carefully arrange the cabbage rolls, seam-side down, into the skillet.
  • Add chicken stock to the pan and bring it to a simmer.
  • Put the lid on and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
  • Carefully take the rolls out of the pan and transfer them to a serving platter.
  • Then, whisk in heavy cream and curry powder with the remaining stock in the skillet.
  • Simmer over low heat until slightly thickened.
  • Pour the creamy curry sauce over the rolls and top with fresh cilantro for garnish.

Video

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Cabbage Rolls
Amount Per Serving
Calories 401 Calories from Fat 315
% Daily Value*
Fat 35g54%
Saturated Fat 17g106%
Trans Fat 0.2g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 12g
Cholesterol 110mg37%
Sodium 125mg5%
Potassium 464mg13%
Carbohydrates 5g2%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 17g34%
Vitamin A 713IU14%
Vitamin C 2mg2%
Calcium 53mg5%
Iron 2mg11%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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