Cabbage Blanket Dumplings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 2 tbsp Zen Basil Seeds

  • 1 cup water (to hydrate seeds)

  • 1 tbsp salt

  • 1 tbsp black pepper

  • 1 tbsp paprika

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

Optional Add-Ins:

  • Finely chopped carrots

  • Mushrooms

  • Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, etc.)

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp sesame oil

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tsp chili pepper

  • 1 tsp honey

  • Dash of salt

  • Chopped garlic

  • Crushed ginger

Toppings

  • Olive oil drizzle

  • Chili sauce

  • Honey

  • Sesame seeds

  • Fresh herbs

Instructions

  1. Hydrate the Seeds
    In a bowl, mix 2 tbsp Zen Basil Seeds with 1 cup water. Let sit for 3–5 minutes until gel-like.

  2. Prepare the Meat Mixture
    In a large bowl, combine ground beef, hydrated basil seeds, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and any optional add-ins. Mix well.

  3. Form the Dumplings
    Roll into medium-sized balls.

  4. Cook + Wrap

    • Heat a pan over medium heat with coconut oil.

    • Place meatballs in the pan, leaving space between each.

    • Wrap each meatball with cabbage leaves, gently pressing to form a “blanket.”

    • Let them sear for 2–3 minutes.

  5. Steam Finish

    • Add 1/2 cup water to the pan.

    • Cover and cook on medium-high heat for ~20 minutes.

    • Check that water has evaporated and cabbage is soft and fully steamed.

  6. Finish + Serve

    • Drizzle prepared sauce over dumplings.

    • Add olive oil, chili sauce, and a touch of honey.

    • Sprinkle sesame seeds and fresh herbs on top.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish combines high-quality protein from beef with the fiber and binding power of Zen Basil Seeds, creating dumplings that are both satisfying and gut-friendly.

Unlike traditional dumplings, the cabbage wrap keeps things light while adding texture and nutrients, no refined flour needed.

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