If you’ve ever wondered how to cook cabbage, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will explore different methods to prepare this versatile vegetable. Whether you prefer it on the stove, in a Dutch oven, slow cooker, air fryer, Instant Pot, or even baked in the oven, we’ve got you covered. With our easy and healthy cabbage recipes, you can create an affordable and nutritious side dish that perfectly complements any main course.
How to Cook Cabbage Healthy
Let’s start with green cabbage, the most commonly used variety. Green cabbage is incredibly versatile and can be cooked with just light seasonings like salt and pepper, along with some broth to make it tender in a pot. If you’re looking for something super simple, try our slow cooker cabbage recipe. It requires minimal effort, as the pot does all the work for you. To save on calories, you can replace butter with water or vegetable broth to soften the cabbage.
For a quicker cooking time, you can use an Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi. With just a bit of liquid, salt, and pepper, you can make our pressure cooker buttered cabbage dish. It’s a great option if you’re new to cooking this vegetable. Now, let’s dive into the details.
How to Cook Cabbage on the Stove
Before you begin cooking cabbage using any method, it’s important to prepare the head first. Start by pulling off and discarding the outer leaves. Slice off the end where it was attached to the plant, as it’s hard and not edible. Then, depending on your recipe, decide how you want to cut the cabbage.
How Long to Cook Cabbage
The cooking time for cabbage depends on the method and the size of the slices. In most cases, cubing the cabbage works well. To cube the cabbage, follow these steps:
- Slice your head of cabbage in half lengthwise.
- Place the cut side of your half down on a cutting board.
- Cut thick strips, about 1.5″ wide.
- Turn the board to the side and slice those strips into cubes or squares.
- Keep in mind that the pieces will shrink as they cook.
This technique is ideal for making Dutch Oven fried cabbage or any other recipe where smaller pieces are desired to soak up the flavors.
What is a Good Seasoning for Cooked Cabbage
The choice of seasoning for cooked cabbage depends on the main dish you’re serving it with. If you’re making corned beef and cabbage, you might want to leave the cabbage plain and simply place it on top of the meat, allowing it to wilt slightly before serving. However, if you’re looking to enhance the flavor, we recommend trying the following seasonings:
- Soy sauce adds a rich saltiness, far superior to plain salt. You can use aminos as a gluten-free or keto alternative.
- Diced cooked bacon and its grease can bring a delicious smoky flavor to the dish.
- Paprika
- Garlic salt
- Lawry’s seasoned salt
- Pepper
- Chili powder or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
If you’re adding meat to the cabbage, it will naturally infuse the dish with flavor. So keep that in mind when deciding on additional seasonings. Let’s start with our cabbage and ham dish, a great way to use up leftover holiday ham. Since ham already contains sodium, you won’t need much additional seasoning.
How to Cook Fried Cabbage
When preparing fried cabbage, it’s crucial not to add too much seasoning at the beginning, as it can easily become overwhelming. It’s better to start with a pinch of this and that, and adjust the flavors when you serve it. Taste it first and see if it needs garlic salt, pepper, or any other spices.
Our Southern fried cabbage recipe is packed with flavor and can be easily made on the stove. If you prefer a crispy texture, try using your Cosori or Foodi air fryer. Yes, you can even make air fryer cabbage! You can cook it in slices or dice it with bacon for a “fried” version.
Easy Way to Cook Cabbage
Baking cabbage is another delicious option. With baked cabbage steaks, all you need to do is slice the cabbage, place a pat of butter on top of each slice, sprinkle on your favorite seasonings, and bake. If you’re already using the oven for your main dish, you can cook the cabbage on a different rack alongside it.
Red Cabbage Recipes
Now, let’s move on to red cabbage. Don’t worry if you call it purple cabbage; both terms are correct. You can use red cabbage for any of the recipes mentioned above. The main difference lies in the taste rather than the cooking time. Recently, I experimented with red cabbage and was blown away by the results. I made red cabbage steaks, which turned out incredibly delicious and served as a great alternative to green cabbage.
Cooking Cabbage
We’ve covered various cooking methods for cabbage, and we continue to add more recipes to our collection every week. Currently, we are working on boiled cabbage and will soon share that recipe with you. However, I typically prefer using a large skillet with a lid over medium-high heat. Add just enough liquid, such as a bit of olive oil or broth, to steam the cabbage until it reaches your desired tenderness. Keep in mind that the cooking time may vary based on personal preference. While some people enjoy tender cabbage, others, like myself, prefer it with a bit of “bite” for added texture. Thinner slices will cook faster and become softer, so take that into consideration when preparing your cabbage.
Don’t miss the simple recipe below, and be sure to try the other options with the provided links. Let us know which one becomes your favorite!
Cold Cabbage Recipes
For a refreshing twist, you can try our red cabbage coleslaw. It features a mayo-based dressing with a thicker, more flavorful sauce. If you’re in the mood for a lighter side dish to pair with grilled chicken, our Asian cabbage salad with homemade dressing is a great choice. Feel free to switch things up and discover your favorite variation.
Now that you’ve learned how to cook cabbage in so many delicious ways, it’s time to get cooking! Visit Ekilove to explore even more mouthwatering recipes and culinary inspiration.
