Cabbage is a seriously underrated vegetable that deserves a lot of appreciation. This simple green is packed with vitamins, fiber, and a dozen other good nutrients your body needs to stay healthy. That’s why cabbage can improve your heart health and immunity. On top of that, this vegetable is budget-friendly!
I get it, you might think cabbage is boring. But stick with me! When cooked the right way, it is one of the most delicious vegetables out there. If you follow my recipe, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start cooking with it sooner. Keep reading for easy cabbage recipes and some bonus tips.
4 Health Benefits of Cabbage You Should Know
Cabbage is a superstar when it comes to your health. Seriously, it’s one of those foods that surprises you with just how much it does for your body. It’s packed with nutrients, especially potassium, vitamins, and calcium. Let’s talk about how these nutrients benefit us:
Aids in Digestion
If there’s one thing cabbage does exceptionally well, it’s helping your gut. Its high fiber content is a lifesaver. How? It promotes a healthy gut microbiome. And when your gut is happy, you feel lighter, less bloated, and more energetic. To improve digestion, most people prefer coleslaw mix in a salad. Even small children find it delicious.
Improve Our Immune System
Cabbage is a great source of protein, vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. All of them can make our immune system stronger. Protein is crucial for building and repairing body tissues, including immune cells. Similarly, vitamins protect immune cells from damage. Furthermore, folate supports white blood cell production.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Another great thing about cabbage is that it is rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins (in red cabbage) and sulforaphane. They help fight inflammation, which ultimately reduces the risk of chronic conditions like diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, etc.
Supports Heart Health
Your heart will absolutely love cabbage, especially red cabbage heads. The anthocyanins in red cabbage are clinically proven to improve cardiovascular health. These nutrients can help lower blood pressure, reduce bad cholesterol levels, and keep your blood vessels flexible.
For me, a bowl of cabbage soup made with chicken broth or vegetable broth is the ultimate comfort food. It’s hearty, warm, and loaded with heart-friendly benefits. To enhance the taste, you can also add other simple ingredients, like half–steamed carrots, onions, cooked bacon, butter, or seasoning salt. My family loved the taste and still ask me about this recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need For Cabbage Recipes
Okay, so you’re ready to cook with cabbage, but you might wonder what you’ll need. Don’t worry; it’s all super simple. Most of these are pantry staples:
- Green or red cabbage head (both work great)
- Olive oil or even bacon grease
- Sweet onion
- Garlic
- Sugar (optional)
- Slice of butter (optional)
- Caraway seeds (optional)
- Bacon
- Black Peppers
- Salt (for flavor)
- Chicken broth or vegetable broth.
Vegetarian Fried Cabbage Options
Fried cabbage is hands down one of the tastiest ways to enjoy this veggie. I’ve tried so many versions, and each one is as delicious as the next. Here are the top three you should try:
Classic Olive Oil-Cabbage Recipe
This is the OG fried cabbage recipe, and it’s ridiculously easy. I usually make it for dinner when I just want something simple and comforting. Just follow these steps:
- Add olive oil to a pan or skillet and warm it over medium heat.
- Add sautéed onions and garlic, stirring until fragrant.
- Toss in the chopped head of cabbage and season with salt and pepper.
- Stir occasionally until the cabbage is tender and a little browned. Enjoy eating!
Shrooms and Green Cabbage Recipe
The mushrooms have a deep, rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the cabbage. When you cook both together, you will get a dish that tastes a bit earthier. Here’s the amazing recipe:
- Heat avocado oil a bit in a skillet.
- Add diced onions, some sugar, and garlic. Cook until softened.
- Toss in sliced shrooms and sauté until golden brown. Mix some seasoning salt for maximum flavor.
- Add chopped cabbage, stir, and cook until tender. It will be nutritious and a bit filling.
Sweet and Sour Fried Cabbage Recipe
If you prefer fun recipes, then you should try the amazing “Sweet and Sour” recipe. It’s got a balance of tangy and sweet flavors that make it irresistible. Just do these steps carefully as cabbage cooked the right way makes the effort worth it:
- Fry cabbage in a mix of bacon fat and butter.
- Add a teaspoon of sugar and a splash of vinegar.
- Stir until everything is well-coated and tender.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Fried Cabbage (Most Popular Way)
Fried cabbage is a flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple ingredients like chopped cabbage, sauteed onions, and your choice of fat, you can create it within minutes. Let me walk you through the Fried cabbage recipe:
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
First things first: get everything ready. Start with a fresh head of cabbage. Chop it into bite-sized pieces—don’t worry about being too perfect. Then, dice an onion and mince some garlic if you like extra flavor. Then, choose your fat: Olive oil, a slice of butter, or bacon grease.
If you want to elevate the dish, keep some sunflower seeds, red pepper flakes, or even a splash of chicken broth on hand.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the second step, heat your large skillet over medium heat and add your fat of choice—olive oil, butter, or bacon fat all work wonderfully. Once the pan is hot, toss in the diced onion. If you like using garlic powder, add it too with a teaspoon. Sauté everything until the onion turns soft and brown.
Step 3: Cook the Cabbage
Now it’s time for the most important step: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Don’t forget to give it a good stir so it gets coated in all that oniony, garlicky goodness. Season with salt, black pepper, and whatever spices you love. I like to add a pinch of seasoning salt and red pepper flakes to make it taste great.
Note: Cook the cabbage until it’s tender and slightly caramelized. This step usually takes about 13–15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are a little crispy, and the cabbage has a savory, nutty flavor. If you want to make it extra comforting, add a splash of chicken broth.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Before serving, taste the cabbage and adjust the seasoning as needed. Garnish it with fresh parsley or even a sprinkle of seeds if you’re feeling fancy. Serve it hot as a side dish, or pair it with pork chops or crispy bacon for a complete meal.
Storing Leftover Fried Cabbage
If you end up making a lot of fried cabbage, then it’s crucial you also know how to store the leftovers. Storing it correctly will keep it yummy and fresh. Here are the proven tips:
- Cool Completely: Let the cabbage cool down to room temperature before storing it.
- Use Airtight Containers: Transfer it to a tightly sealed container to lock in the flavor. Avoid using large pots.
- Refrigerate: Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for Long-Term Storage: If you won’t eat it within a few days, freeze it. It’ll keep for up to a month in a freezer-safe container.
That’s all.
Conclusion
Cabbage is a versatile, nutrient-packed vegetable that tastes flavorful when you cook it right. It works in salads, soups, fries, and more. You can also fry it if you want by following the recipe discussed above. It will become your favorite vegetable and you won’t even realize it. So, make cabbage a staple in your kitchen now without any hesitation!
