For Fast and Easy Meal Prep, Use This Restaurant Trick
For Fast and Easy Meal Prep, Use This Restaurant Trick is a easy Japanese recipe that serves 4. 30 calories per serving. Recipe by America's Test Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 32 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 42 min
Cost: $2.11 total, $0.53 per serving
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Green Cabbage (outer wilted leaf removed, chopped into ~3/4-inch pieces)
- 2 teaspoons Kosher Salt (coarse, for massaging)
- 1 clove Garlic (minced)
- 1.5 teaspoons Sesame Oil (toasted sesame oil preferred)
- 1 pinch Sugar (balances salt)
- 1 tablespoon Toasted Sesame Seeds (optional garnish)
- 1 tablespoon Chives (finely sliced, optional garnish)
Instructions
Prepare Cabbage
Remove the outer wilted leaf, cut the cabbage in half, and chop into roughly 3/4-inch pieces.
Time: PT5M
Salt and Massage
Place the chopped cabbage in a large bowl, add 2 teaspoons kosher salt, and toss while squeezing the leaves with your hands until they look bruised and the salt has dissolved.
Time: PT5M
Rest to Draw Moisture
Let the salted cabbage sit uncovered for 15 minutes so the salt can draw out water and concentrate flavor.
Time: PT15M
Rinse Excess Salt
Fill the bowl with water, swirl three times, then drain using a colander. Pat the cabbage dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Time: PT5M
Dress the Cabbage
In a small bowl combine the minced garlic, 1‑2 teaspoons sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar. Drizzle over the cabbage and toss to coat. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and sliced chives if using.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Transfer to a serving dish and serve immediately or at room temperature alongside your main protein.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 30
- Protein
- 1g
- Carbohydrates
- 7g
- Fat
- 0.2g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Allergens: Sesame
Last updated: March 14, 2026






