Best Sauteed Cabbage Recipe (2024)

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This is the best sauteed cabbage recipe! It is the perfect quick and healthy side dish for any meal. Using only a few ingredients and taking 10 minutes of your time, you can’t go wrong with this flavorful, affordable gluten free recipe!

Best Sauteed Cabbage Recipe (1)

Original post: March 2019 | Updated: February 2023

Why This Recipe Works

  • One of my favorite things in the entire world is when a handful of super simple ingredients work together to create a magically delicious and versatile recipe. This sautéed cabbage recipe is one for the books!
  • A few simple ingredients come together to create the most flavorful side dish for any meal, with the absolute best flavor.
  • This simple dish only requires 10 minutes of your time, from start to finish.
  • It is a healthy recipe that will fill everyone up.

Recipe Ingredients

Best Sauteed Cabbage Recipe (2)

Cabbage – Find a firm head of cabbage that’s not over sized but that is heavy. Crisp leaves attached to the ball are another sign that it’s a good vegetable. Green cabbage, napa cabbage or red cabbage both work great and can be used interchangeably.

Butter – Replace with equal amounts of olive oil to make this recipe Whole30 compliant.

Garlic – Use fresh minced garlic or up to 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for that big flavor.

Cayenne Pepper – This ingredient is optional, but highly recommended for a good flavor boost! The small amount called for in the recipe adds just enough zing to make the final dish sing.

Salt and black pepper – Cater these amounts to your liking and feel free to spruce up the dish even more by adding garlic powder, onion powder or other fresh or dried herbs.

How To Make Fried Cabbage Recipe

This is such an easy sauteed cabbage recipe. Follow these steps to create this simple side dish:

Step 1

Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cabbage, garlic and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional). Season with salt and pepper.

Best Sauteed Cabbage Recipe (3)

Step 2

Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until cabbage turns golden brown and garlic is fragrant. This will take just a few minutes.

Best Sauteed Cabbage Recipe (4)

How To Make Caramelized Cabbage

When you saute green cabbage it transforms into delicious caramelized cabbage. Follow these instructions:

Step 1

Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic, shredded cabbage and seasonings to the hot skillet.

Step 2

Cook, stirring frequently, until it is tender and lightly browned and the garlic is fragrant (this will take 5-7 minutes).

Recipe Notes

  • Throw in a couple tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to add extra flavor.
  • Cooking cabbage is super easy and will produce one of the easiest, most delicious side dishes you’ll ever make.
  • Use 1 head green cabbage (or red) to double the batch.
  • Spice up the recipe by adding red pepper flakes, a dash or two of hot sauce or additional cayenne pepper.
  • For a meaty side, chop a few strips of bacon (use turkey bacon for a leaner option!) and add them to the pan while frying. The salty bacon will add such great flavor to the dish.
  • You may also toss cooked shredded chicken into the mix. Cook until heated through.
  • Add dried or fresh herbs of your choice to season this side dish just the way you want it. Add thyme, fresh parsley, cumin, chives, oregano or whatever your heart desires!
  • Sprinkle fresh lemon juice over the top just before serving!
Best Sauteed Cabbage Recipe (5)

Best Seasonings For Cabbage

I tend to stick with the simplest-is-best philosophy when it comes to seasoning vegetables. I love adding salt, pepper, garlic and cayenne pepper for an added kick.

However, there are many other spices to explore in this delicious world of ours, so here are a few other flavors that will taste great with sauteed cabbage:

  • Thyme
  • Parsley
  • Cumin
  • Ginger
  • Celery Seed
  • Red pepper flakes

Healthy Cabbage Recipes

Here is a small sampling of my favorite cabbage recipes:

  • Red Cabbage Sauerkraut
  • Corned Beef and Cabbage Soup
  • Reuben Grilled Cheese
  • Cabbage Steaks
  • Runza Casserole
  • Shrimp Tacos
  • Coleslaw
  • Stuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

What To Serve With Cabbage

So many main course options as well as secondary sides pair perfectly with it! If you are searching for that perfect recipe to pair it with, read on for some great ideas about what to serve with cabbage.

Included in the article are recipes for Reubens, tacos, corned beef, potatoes, lamb, pork chops and more!

How To Cut Cabbage

Using a sharp knife, remove and discard the outermost leaves and cut the very bottom of the stem off on a cutting board. Place the head of cabbage on its end where you cut and slice down the center vertically. Cut each half lengthwise.

Remove the core and stem by cutting a wedge out of each quarter. Place each cabbage quarter onto a flat portion so it is lying flat and slice 1/4-inch strips, creating shredded cabbage.

FAQ About Cabbage

Is cabbage good for you?

There are benefits to adding cabbage to your meals such as it can raise levels of beta-carotene and lutein as well is high in Vitamin C and K. One cup of shredded cabbage contains approximately 17 calories and 4 grams of carbohydrates.

Can dogs eat cabbage?

All types of cabbage are not only safe for dogs to eat, but are actually beneficial. It aids in digestion and can help to fight disease. Be warned, however, that cabbage can produce gas, so feed it to your dog in small quantities for this reason.

Can cabbage be eaten uncooked?

Yes, cabbage can be eaten raw, it can be cooked, added to stir fries and soups. You will find it added to salads and it’s also fermented to make sauerkraut.

Can cabbage be frozen?

You can freeze cabbage for 1-2 months when stored in an airtight container. However, if you want it to last longer in your freezer, your best bet is to blanch it first, giving it a longer life in the freezer.

Delicious Healthy Sides in 30 Minutes or Less

Putting together a vegetable side for your meal should be easy and delicious. Mix up your go-to vegetable with one of these flavorful options!

  • Best Roasted Vegetables Recipe
  • Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Pomegranate Seeds Recipe
  • Easy Sautéed Zucchini and Mushrooms Recipe
  • Coleslaw With Apple Cider Vinegar Recipe

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Best Sauteed Cabbage Recipe (10)

Best Sauteed Cabbage Recipe

This is the best sautéed cabbage recipe you'll find! It is the perfect quick and delicious side dish for any meal. Using only a few ingredients and taking 10 minutes of your time, you can't go wrong with this super flavorful and affordable recipe!

5 from 9 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 3 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: 89kcal

Author: Megan Porta

Ingredients

  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 head cabbage shredded, red or green
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cabbage, garlic, cayenne pepper (if using), salt and pepper.

  • Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until cabbage has softened and garlic is fragrant. Serve warm!

Notes

  • Throw in a couple tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to add extra flavor.
  • Cooking cabbage is super easy and will produce one of the easiest, most delicious side dishes you’ll ever make.
  • Use 1 head green cabbage (or red) to double the batch.
  • Spice up the recipe by adding red pepper flakes, a dash or two of hot sauce or additional cayenne pepper.
  • For a meaty side, chop a few strips of bacon (use turkey bacon for a leaner option!) and add them to the pan while frying. The salty bacon will add such great flavor to the dish.
  • Add dried or fresh herbs of your choice to season this side dish just the way you want it. Add thyme, fresh parsley, cumin, chives, oregano or whatever your heart desires!
  • Sprinkle fresh lemon juice over the top just before serving!

Nutrition

Calories: 89kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 81mg | Potassium: 137mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 377IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg

Did you make this recipe?If you loved this recipe, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below!

Best Sauteed Cabbage Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What does baking soda do to cabbage? ›

You don't add baking soda. Adding baking soda to your boiling cabbage can help reduce the objectionable smell and maintain the green color long after when it typically turns grayish from cooking for too long. However, this may rid the cabbage of its nutritional value.

Why do you put vinegar in cabbage when boiling it? ›

Green is the heartiest variety; it takes well to all cooking methods. Red can turn a funny blue color when cooked, so it's best used raw. If you do want to cook it, add a touch of acid like lemon juice or vinegar to lessen the effect. Savoy can be used in any recipe that calls for green cabbage.

How to cook cabbage Jamie Oliver? ›

Wash and drain your cabbage leaves, getting rid of any tough stalks. Add to a large pan of salted boiling water, bring back to the boil then cook on a medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, or until tender. Drain well in a colander and leave to cool. Carefully squeeze the cabbage leaves to get rid of any excess moisture.

How do you keep cabbage crisp when cooking? ›

Steaming is a gentle cooking method that helps retain the cabbage's crispiness and nutrients. To steam cabbage, place it in a steamer basket over simmering water and cover with a lid. Steam until it's tender yet still slightly crunchy. If you plan to sauté or stir-fry cabbage, consider blanching it first.

What takes the gas out of cabbage? ›

To reduce the likelihood of experiencing gas after eating cabbage, consider cooking it thoroughly. This can help break down the fibers and make it easier to digest. Additionally, try adding caraway seeds or fennel seeds to your cabbage dishes, as these spices are known to help reduce gas.

What is the disadvantage of using baking soda to vegetables? ›

This is a bad practice, however, and you should avoid adding baking soda when boiling any type of vegetable. It has various unwelcome effects, such as softening the vegetable, altering the vegetable's flavor, destroying thiamine content, and hastening the loss of vitamin C.

Why do you soak cabbage before cooking? ›

Crisp it up: Shredded cabbage stays perky if it's soaked in cold water. This also helps cut the pungent edge. Drain well before combining with other ingredients.

Why is my cabbage bitter after cooking? ›

Overcooking cabbage releases sulfur compounds that can give it a bitter taste. Another possible reason is that the cabbage was not fresh.

Can you overcook cabbage? ›

The key to cooking cabbage: Don't overcook it.

Cabbage is sweet and aromatic when cooked correctly. But the same sulfuric compounds that provide many of its health benefits can turn saboteur when overcooked, creating a pungent, unpleasant smell.

How long does it take to boil cabbage? ›

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add cabbage. (It's OK to crowd the pot because the cabbage will shrink!) Step 2Boil until tender, about 5 minutes for shredded cabbage and 10 minutes for wedges. Drain on a paper-towel lined plate to dry.

How to cook cabbage Alton Brown? ›

Directions
  1. Heat the canola oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the apple to the pan and cook until lightly browned. Increase the heat to high and add the apple juice, caraway seeds, salt, pepper and cabbage to the pan. Cover the pan and shake to toss the cabbage to coat.
  2. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 20 minutes.

How do you cook Mary Berry cabbage? ›

Mary Berry's simmered red cabbage and cider recipe

Add in the oil and a knob of butter followed by the sliced onion and shredded cabbage. Fry for three or four minutes until everything starts to soften, then add the cider and redcurrant jelly.

Why is my fried cabbage bitter? ›

Cabbage and onions contain sulfur-based compounds and enzymes that are kept apart — and nonreactive — in separate cells when the plants are whole. But when you cut the vegetables, the compounds and enzymes mix, creating pungent, bitter and foul-smelling compounds that repel insects (and people!).

What happens when you pour salt on cabbage? ›

The salt also helps to draw out moisture from the cabbage, which creates a brine that helps to protect the cabbage from harmful bacteria while allowing the lacto-fermentation process to occur. Depends on how you have it chopped. I like mine sliced thin on a cabbage cutter “Banjo” and then salted.

Should cabbage be cooked over high heat? ›

As with other brassicas, high heat is what you're after here in order to get the most flavor out of cabbage. Cutting the head up into fat wedges helps build up a nice contrast between deeply browned exterior and tender, meaty interior.

How long to soak cabbage in baking soda? ›

Submerge the fruit or vegetables in the baking soda water. Let soak for 12 to 15 minutes. The time will help the baking soda do its job. Swish the produce around in the water or push it down several times to ensure all sides of the produce is being cleaned.

Why does baking soda turn cabbage blue? ›

Red cabbage react with basic or acidic solutions, that is a very good PH test, blue indicate that your meal is quite alkaline. Are you adding baking soda to your cabbage ? That will explain everything. Add a bit of lemon juice or vinegar, to make it red again !

Why do you soak greens in baking soda? ›

Because baking soda lessens the acidity of the cooking water, it also slows down the chlorophyll dulling process, thereby keeping the veggies greener for longer.

Why should we avoid using baking soda when cooking? ›

Turns out cooking food with baking soda (a.k.a. sodium bicarbonate) can indeed damage a number of nutrients, such as vitamin C, vitamin D, riboflavin, thiamin, and one essential amino acid. Yet it doesn't hurt others, including vitamin A, vitamin B12, niacin, and folic acid.

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