Sautéed cabbage is a surprisingly flavorful side dish. Thinly sliced cabbage is combined with tomato paste, carrots, and onions, and then caramelized to a golden brown perfection.
It's delicious and I assure you, you'll be coming back for seconds.
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Perfect Sauteed Cabbage
Cabbage recipes are readers' favorite on this blog, so try this ground chicken and cabbage and cabbage steaks next!
Ingredients
- Cabbage - green cabbage is preferred. Other cabbage varieties like red cabbage, savoy cabbage, or napa cabbage, as well as shredded Brussels sprouts, can be a good substitute. Adjust the cooking time slightly for napa cabbage.
- Onion - for extra flavor and sweetness.
- Carrots - for sweetness and color.
- Sugar - it enhances the overall flavor but if you can't have sugar, just leave it out. It will still taste good.
- Oil - use good quality olive oil or your preferred cooking oil.
- Tomato paste - my favorite flavor enhancer, comes in a tube.
- Water - for perfectly sauteed cabbage we need water or use vegetable or meat broth for extra flavor.
📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.
How To Make Sauteed Cabbage Step By Step Photos
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Saute the onion for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, add the carrots and saute for an additional 3 minutes.
- Next, add the cabbage and saute for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Push the cabbage to the edges of the skillet to create a well in the middle. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until it caramelizes. Then, stirring everything together, sprinkle in salt, pepper, and sugar.
- Pour in water and reduce the heat to low. Braise the cabbage mixture for 25 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Cover the skillet with a lid during cooking.
- SERVE! Once done, garnish with fresh parsley and serve with a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy your flavorful sauteed cabbage dish!
Tips For The Best Sauteed Cabbage
- Thinly slice the cabbage for even cooking and easier eating. Use a large cutting board and a sharp knife for slicing.
- It's hard to overcook the cabbage, but aim for at least 15 minutes for desired softness. Different types vary in cooking time; white cabbage cooks faster.
- For extra flavor, consider adding butter (or ghee) or fresh minced garlic towards the end of cooking.
- Cabbage benefits from acidity. Just ½ tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar will elevate this sautéed cabbage and add vibrancy.
What To Serve With Sauteed Cabbage
- Make it a full meal and serve sauteed cabbage topped with grilled chicken, baked trout, meatballs or salmon.
- Smoked sausage
- We love to use this cabbage in pierogi filling or wraps!
Storing Leftover Sauteed Cabbage
- To Store. Transfer the dish into an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days.
- To Reheat On Stovetop: Reheat low and slow for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even heating.
- To Reheat In Microwave: Heat for 1-2 minutes. Both methods are suitable for reheating.
Recipe Card
Sauteed Cabbage Recipe (Vegan)
Sautéed cabbage is a surprisingly flavorful side dish. Thinly sliced cabbage is combined with tomato paste, carrots, and onions, and then caramelized to a golden brown perfection. It's delicious and I assure you, you'll be coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Method
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Saute the onion for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, add the carrots and saute for an additional 3 minutes. Next, add the cabbage and saute for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Push the cabbage to the edges of the skillet to create a well in the middle. Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute until it begins to caramelize. Then, sprinkle in salt, pepper, and sugar, stirring everything together.
- Pour in water and reduce the heat to low. Braise the mixture for 25 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes. Cover the skillet with a lid during cooking.
- Once done, garnish with fresh parsley and serve with a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy your flavorful sauteed cabbage dish!
Nutrition
Notes
- To Store. Transfer the dish into an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days.
- Reheat. Stovetop: Reheat low and slow for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even heating.
- Microwave: Heat for 1-2 minutes. Both methods are suitable for reheating.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
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Ned
The caramelization and flavor turned out amazing. I loved serving this on a corned beef sandwich. Thank you so much!
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
sounds delicious! thank you!
Gianne
I loved this! It's such a simple and delicious dish. The cabbage becomes tender and flavorful, and it's the perfect side for any meal. I could eat it every day!
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
it's so easy and always winner! thank you!
Lima Ekram
Just tried it - it was so good! I was also surprised at how easy it was to make.
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
thank you!
Sky
What a fantastic cabbage recipe! Great flavor and very easy to make. Thanks for sharing.
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
happy you liked it, enjoy!
Ann
I always forget how much I love cabbage. Thanks for this recipe!
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
enjoy! Such an easy way to enjoy this veggie!
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
enjoy perfectly braised cabbage for a tasty side or a meal on its own!