When it comes to cooking, many people overlook one of the most versatile and nutritious vegetables out there: cabbage. This humble cruciferous veggie can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from hearty stews and soups to crunchy slaws and salads. And yet, despite its many uses, cabbage is often relegated to the realm of traditional Eastern European cuisine – where it’s commonly pickled or fermented into sauerkraut.
But fear not, dear cooks! For we’re here to show you that cabbage can be just as delicious in modern, everyday dishes. In this article, we’ll share 18 simple and easy cabbage recipes that are perfect for busy home cooks looking to add some excitement (and nutrition) to their meals. From classic comfort foods to international-inspired twists, these recipes showcase the incredible versatility of this underappreciated veggie. So let’s get started!
Garlic Butter Sautéed Cabbage
Add a flavorful twist to your favorite vegetables with this simple and delicious recipe.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cabbage, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for some heat
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced cabbage to the pan, stirring to combine with the garlic and butter.
4. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Easy Cabbage Stir-Fry with Soy Sauce
A quick and flavorful stir-fry that combines the crunch of cabbage with the savory flavor of soy sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium-sized cabbage, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for some heat)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the cabbage and cook for 3-4 minutes, until it starts to soften.
3. Add the garlic and stir-fry for another minute, until fragrant.
4. Pour in the soy sauce and stir-fry everything together for about 30 seconds.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles, or enjoy on its own.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Quick Cabbage and Carrot Slaw
Add a burst of color and flavor to your meals with this refreshing slaw recipe. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it’s perfect for topping sandwiches, salads, or using as a crunchy side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cabbage, shredded
– 2 medium carrots, peeled and grated
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and grated carrots.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until well coated.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve cold.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including chilling time)
One-Pot Cabbage and Sausage Skillet
A hearty and flavorful one-pot dish that combines tender cabbage, savory sausage, and aromatic spices for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium-sized head of cabbage, chopped
– 4-6 Polish-style sausages (such as kielbasa or knockwurst), sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet, stirring to combine with the onion mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the cabbage begins to soften.
5. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, adding paprika and salt and pepper to taste.
6. Pour in the chicken broth, then cover the skillet with a lid and transfer to the preheated oven.
7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the cabbage is tender and the sausages are cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Simple Roasted Cabbage Wedges
A flavorful and healthy side dish that’s perfect for any meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can bring out the natural sweetness of cabbage with a hint of caramelized flavor.
Ingredients:
– 1 large head of cabbage, cored and cut into 8 wedges
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss cabbage wedges with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until they’re evenly coated.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving enough room for the cabbage to spread out in a single layer. Arrange the cabbage wedges on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized.
5. If using apple cider vinegar, drizzle it over the roasted cabbage during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Healthy Cabbage Soup with Chicken
Healthy Cabbage Soup with Chicken Recipe
Looking for a nutritious and delicious soup recipe? This Healthy Cabbage Soup with Chicken is a perfect option, packed with vitamins, minerals, and lean protein. It’s an easy and quick meal that’s great for any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium cabbage, chopped
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic in a little bit of oil until softened.
2. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
3. Add the cabbage, chicken broth, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the cabbage is tender.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Serves: 4-6 people
Easy Cabbage and Potato Hash
A hearty and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend brunch. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of cabbage with the earthy goodness of potatoes, all in one delicious hash.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium-sized head of cabbage, shredded
– 2-3 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the diced potatoes and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes, or until they start to brown.
4. Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and stir well to combine with the potatoes and onion.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and the potatoes are cooked through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Braised Cabbage with Bacon
This recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a rich and flavorful side dish. Braised cabbage with bacon is a classic combination that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium-sized head of cabbage, cored and chopped
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup of chicken broth
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy.
2. Remove the cooked bacon from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. Add the chopped cabbage, minced garlic, and chicken broth to the same pan. Stir to combine.
4. Reduce heat to low and let the cabbage simmer for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
5. Stir in the cooked bacon and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Cabbage Kimchi (Quick Version)
Get a taste of Korea with this spicy and tangy kimchi recipe, made with just a few simple ingredients!
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs napa cabbage, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup coarse salt
– 1/4 cup Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup fish sauce
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Rinse the cabbage pieces in cold water to remove any impurities.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cabbage and coarse salt. Massage the salt into the cabbage for about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chili flakes, garlic, ginger, fish sauce, rice vinegar, and water to the bowl. Mix everything together until the cabbage is evenly coated.
4. Pack the kimchi mixture into a jar or container, pressing down firmly to remove any air pockets.
5. Let the kimchi ferment at room temperature for 1-2 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week.
Cooking Time: None needed! This kimchi is ready to eat as soon as you’ve assembled and fermented it.
Lazy Cabbage Rolls with Ground Beef
Take a break from traditional cabbage roll recipes and try this simplified version that still packs plenty of flavor! This lazy approach skips the tedious rolling process and uses pre-cooked ground beef for added convenience.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium-sized head of cabbage, cored and chopped
– 1 lb ground beef, cooked and crumbled
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup tomato soup
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent.
2. Add the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir well.
3. Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet and cook until slightly softened.
4. Pour in the tomato soup and stir everything together.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
6. If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
7. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes or until the cabbage is tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Easy Cabbage and Noodles
This classic comfort food dish is a simple and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of cabbage and noodles. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a satisfying meal on the table in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded
– 8 oz pasta (such as egg noodles or macaroni)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 5-6 minutes.
4. Combine the cooked pasta and cabbage mixture in a large serving dish.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Simple Cabbage and Apple Salad
Add a touch of crunch and sweetness to your meals with this refreshing salad. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium-sized head of cabbage, shredded
– 1 large apple, diced (any variety)
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 tablespoon of white vinegar
– 1 teaspoon of honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and diced apple.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white vinegar, and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Just before serving, garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Quick Pickled Cabbage
A tangy and crunchy condiment perfect for topping tacos, sandwiches, or salads, this quick pickled cabbage recipe is a game-changer. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a deliciously fermented flavor in no time!
Ingredients:
– 1 head of green cabbage, thinly sliced
– 1 cup (250ml) apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) water
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cabbage and salt. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to help soften the cabbage.
2. Rinse the cabbage slices with cold water to remove excess salt. Drain well and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and caraway seeds (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Pack the cabbage slices into a clean glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the cabbage, leaving about 1 inch of headspace.
6. Seal the jar and let it cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus fermentation time)
Stir-Fried Cabbage with Garlic and Ginger
This simple and flavorful stir-fry is a great way to enjoy the sweetness of cabbage, paired with the pungency of garlic and ginger. It’s a quick and easy side dish that can be served alongside your favorite proteins or as a standalone vegetarian option.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium head of cabbage, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and ginger; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the cabbage; stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of tenderness.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 6-7 minutes
Easy Cabbage and Cornbread Casserole
A hearty, comforting casserole that combines the flavors of tender cabbage, sweet corn, and warm cornbread.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded
– 1 cup frozen corn kernels
– 1 cup cornbread mix
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté the cabbage and corn in butter until the cabbage is tender.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the cornbread mix and milk. Stir until just combined.
4. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
5. Add the cooked cabbage and corn mixture to the prepared dish.
6. Top with the cornbread mixture, spreading evenly.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cornbread is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Simple Cabbage and Lentil Stew
This comforting stew is a perfect blend of tender lentils, crunchy cabbage, and aromatic spices. It’s a simple and satisfying meal that’s ready in under an hour.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 head of cabbage, shredded
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the shredded cabbage and cook until slightly wilted, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the lentils, vegetable broth, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Roasted Cabbage with Parmesan
Roasted Cabbage with Parmesan: A Simple yet Flavorful Side Dish
Bring out the natural sweetness of cabbage by roasting it with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. This easy recipe is perfect for accompanying your favorite main courses.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cabbage, outer leaves removed and discarded
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Cut the cabbage into wedges, removing the thick center stem.
3. Place the cabbage wedges on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the cabbage, sprinkling salt and pepper as needed.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized.
6. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
7. Return to the oven for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 22-28 minutes
Easy Cabbage and Ham Fried Rice
Easy Cabbage and Ham Fried Rice Recipe
Get ready to delight your taste buds with this simple and satisfying dish that combines the savory flavors of ham, cabbage, and rice.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
– 1 cup diced ham
– 1 cup shredded cabbage
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Scallions, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add the cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
5. Stir-fry the rice mixture for about 5 minutes, or until heated through and slightly crispy at the bottom.
6. Add the diced ham, shredded cabbage, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get creative with these 18 simple and easy cabbage recipes! From savory stir-fries to hearty soups and satisfying casseroles, there’s something for everyone. Try garlic butter sautéed cabbage, quick pickled cabbage, or roasted cabbage wedges with parmesan. For a comforting twist, try one-pot cabbage and sausage skillet or braised cabbage with bacon. And don’t forget the healthy options like cabbage soup with chicken or simple cabbage and lentil stew. Whatever your taste buds desire, these easy recipes will get you started!