Cabbage is a tasty and healthy veggie that can be used in many dishes. It’s cheap, easy to find, and lasts a long time in the fridge.
You might think cabbage is boring, but there are lots of yummy ways to cook it.
These 12 easy cabbage recipes will show you how to make this humble vegetable shine in your meals.
From crunchy slaws to warm soups, you’ll find new ways to enjoy cabbage. These recipes are simple to make and use common ingredients, so you can try them out even if you’re not a cooking expert.
1. Classic Coleslaw
Classic coleslaw is a simple yet tasty cabbage dish. You can make it with green or purple cabbage, or both for added color.
Shred the cabbage and carrots finely. Mix them in a bowl.
For the dressing, combine mayonnaise, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss well. Let it chill in the fridge for an hour before serving.
This easy recipe is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish. You can customize it by adding extras like chopped onions or herbs.
2. Cabbage Roll Casserole
Cabbage roll casserole gives you all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss. You’ll love this easy, comforting dish.
Start by cooking ground beef with onions and garlic. Mix in cooked rice, tomato sauce, and seasonings.
Layer chopped cabbage with the meat mixture in a baking dish. Pour more tomato sauce on top. Cover and bake until the cabbage is tender.
This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights. It takes less time than stuffing individual cabbage leaves, but tastes just as good.
3. Stir-Fried Cabbage with Bacon
This tasty dish combines crispy bacon with tender cabbage for a quick and easy meal.
Start by cooking bacon pieces in a large skillet until crisp. Remove the bacon and set aside.
Cook sliced onions in the bacon fat until soft. Add chopped cabbage, salt, and pepper.
Stir-fry for 8-12 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
Mix in the crispy bacon pieces and a splash of vinegar for extra flavor. You can also add garlic powder or paprika if you like. Serve hot as a side dish or light main course.
This recipe is versatile. Try using different types of bacon or adding other vegetables like carrots or kale for variety.
4. Cabbage and Egg Stir-Fry
Cabbage and egg stir-fry is a quick and tasty dish you can make in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fast and healthy.
To make this dish, you’ll need cabbage, eggs, carrots, and onions. Garlic adds extra flavor. The sauce often includes soy sauce and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired taste.
Start by cooking the vegetables until crisp-tender. Then add beaten eggs and scramble them with the veggies. The eggs bring a nice texture and boost the protein content.
This stir-fry is filling on its own, but you can also serve it as a side dish. It’s a great way to use up leftover cabbage and get more veggies in your diet.
5. Spicy Kimchi Stew
Kimchi jjigae is a tasty Korean stew that’s perfect for cold days. It combines spicy kimchi with pork belly and tofu for a hearty meal.
To make it, start by cooking kimchi in a pot until tender. Add onions and cook until soft. Then mix in pork and its marinade.
Pour in water and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for about 40 minutes to develop flavor. Add tofu near the end.
Serve your kimchi stew bubbling hot in bowls. It’s meant to be eaten slowly to savor the spicy, tangy flavors. Pair it with rice for a filling dinner.
6. Savory Cabbage Pancakes
Cabbage pancakes are a tasty way to use up extra cabbage. You mix shredded cabbage with a simple batter and fry until golden brown.
The pancakes come out crispy on the outside and tender inside. They have a natural sweetness from the cabbage.
You can customize these pancakes with different spices or add-ins. Try mixing in some chopped green onions or bacon bits.
Serve the pancakes hot with a dipping sauce of your choice. Soy sauce or a spicy mayo work well. These make a great side dish or light meal on their own.
7. Creamy Cabbage Soup
Creamy cabbage soup is a comforting dish that’s easy to make. You’ll need cabbage, butter, onions, garlic, and broth as the main ingredients.
Start by melting butter in a pot and cooking chopped onions and garlic until soft. Add chopped cabbage and cook for a few minutes.
Pour in broth and simmer until the cabbage is tender.
For a creamy texture, blend some of the soup and return it to the pot. You can also add cream or milk for extra richness.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. This simple soup is perfect for cold days and a great way to use up extra cabbage.
8. Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya
Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya brings a spicy twist to your cabbage dishes. You’ll love this easy one-pot meal packed with flavor.
Start by cooking pork and smoked sausage in a large skillet. Add onions, green peppers, celery, and garlic for that classic Cajun taste.
Mix in diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and chopped cabbage. Season with chili powder, paprika, and cumin for a kick of heat.
Let everything simmer until the cabbage is tender and the flavors blend.
Serve your Cajun Cabbage Jambalaya hot, maybe with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. It’s a tasty way to enjoy cabbage with a Creole flair.
9. Stuffed Cabbage Leaves
Stuffed cabbage leaves are a tasty and filling dish. You’ll need cabbage leaves, ground beef, rice, and spices. Start by boiling the cabbage to make the leaves soft.
Mix ground beef, rice, onion, and garlic in a bowl. Add salt, pepper, and some tomato sauce. Put this mix into each cabbage leaf and roll it up.
Place the rolls in a pot with more tomato sauce. Cook them until the meat is done and the cabbage is tender. This dish takes some time, but it’s worth the effort.
You can try different fillings too. Use ground turkey or pork instead of beef. Add extra veggies like carrots or zucchini to the filling for more flavor and nutrition.
10. Pickled Red Cabbage
Pickled red cabbage is a tasty and easy side dish. To make it, you’ll need red cabbage, vinegar, sugar, and spices like cloves.
Start by slicing the cabbage thinly. Mix it with salt and let it sit for a bit to release excess water.
In a pot, heat vinegar, sugar, and spices. Pour this mixture over the cabbage and mix well.
Pack the cabbage into clean jars. Let it cool, then store in the fridge.
Your pickled cabbage will be ready to eat in about 15 minutes. It gets more flavorful the longer it sits.
11. Cabbage and Sausage Skillet
This easy one-pan meal combines crispy sausage with tender cabbage. Start by browning sliced sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Remove the sausage and set it aside. In the same pan, cook chopped onions until soft. Add minced garlic and sliced cabbage on top.
Cover and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage will wilt down as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked sausage back to the pan and heat everything through. You’ll have a delicious, low-carb dinner ready in about 20 minutes.
12. Cabbage and Apple Slaw
Cabbage and apple slaw is a refreshing dish that’s easy to make. You’ll love the crisp texture and sweet-tangy flavor.
Start by shredding cabbage and cutting apples into thin slices. Mix them in a bowl with some grated carrots for extra color and crunch.
For the dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt, vinegar, and a touch of honey. Pour it over the vegetables and toss well.
Add some celery seeds and a pinch of salt for more flavor. Let the slaw chill in the fridge for an hour before serving.
This slaw goes great with grilled meats or as a light side dish. It’s perfect for picnics and barbecues too.
Nutritional Benefits of Cabbage
Cabbage packs a powerful nutritional punch. This veggie is low in calories but high in vitamins, minerals, and other health-boosting compounds.
Vitamins and Minerals
Cabbage is full of important nutrients. It gives you lots of vitamin C, which helps your immune system. You’ll also get vitamin K for strong bones.
Cabbage has vitamin B6 and folate too. These B vitamins are key for making red blood cells.
This veggie offers plenty of minerals. You get potassium for healthy blood pressure. There’s also manganese, which your body needs to heal wounds. Cabbage gives you some calcium and magnesium as well.
One cup of raw cabbage has only 22 calories. But it gives you 2 grams of fiber. Fiber helps you feel full and keeps your gut healthy.
Antioxidant Properties
Cabbage is packed with antioxidants. These compounds fight harmful molecules in your body called free radicals.
Red cabbage has lots of anthocyanins. These give it the purple color. They may lower your risk of heart disease.
All types of cabbage have vitamin C. This vitamin is a strong antioxidant. It protects your cells from damage.
Cabbage also has sulfur compounds. These may help prevent some types of cancer. They can also reduce inflammation in your body.
By eating cabbage, you get a mix of different antioxidants. This variety helps protect your health in many ways.
Cooking Tips for Cabbage
Cabbage is a tasty and flexible veggie. You can cook it in many ways and pair it with lots of flavors.
Best Cooking Methods
Raw cabbage is crunchy and great in slaws. Slice it thin for salads.
You can also steam cabbage for a quick side dish. It takes about 5-7 minutes.
Sautéing brings out cabbage’s sweet flavor. Cut it into strips and cook in a pan with oil for 5-10 minutes. Stir often.
Roasting makes cabbage crispy and caramelized. Cut it into wedges, brush with oil, and roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes. Flip halfway through.
Braising works well for tougher cabbage. Cook it slowly in liquid for about 30 minutes. This makes it very tender.
Flavor Pairings
Cabbage goes well with many flavors. Try these combos:
- Garlic and butter for a simple side
- Apples and caraway seeds in a slaw
- Bacon and onions for a hearty dish
- Vinegar and sugar for sweet and sour cabbage
- Soy sauce and ginger for an Asian twist
Herbs like dill, parsley, and thyme also taste great with cabbage.
Don’t forget salt and pepper to bring out its flavor.
Cabbage can take on strong flavors. Try it with spicy foods or in curry dishes.
It also works well with fatty meats like pork.