Deliciously Simple Sauteed Cabbage Recipe Everyone Will Love

Sauteed cabbage is a delightful and versatile side dish that transforms an ordinary vegetable into a culinary delight.

This humble preparation method enhances the natural flavors and textures of cabbage, creating a mouth-watering accompaniment to many main courses.

Home cooks and professional chefs alike appreciate the simplicity and speed of sautéing cabbage to achieve a perfect balance of tenderness and slight crispness.

The process involves gently cooking shredded or chopped cabbage in a hot pan with a touch of fat, which caramelizes the edges and develops a rich, golden color.

Seasonings like salt, pepper, and herbs can elevate the dish, adding depth and complexity to its flavor profile.

Sauteed cabbage is not just a nutritious option but also a delicious way to enjoy this often-overlooked vegetable in a quick and satisfying manner.

Simple Sauteed Cabbage: Why It’s So Tasty

• Quick Weeknight Rescue: Whip up this simple sauteed cabbage in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy home cooks needing a fast side dish.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with vitamins and fiber, this low-calorie recipe transforms humble cabbage into a delicious, health-boosting meal companion.
• Versatile Kitchen Companion: Easily customize with additional spices or herbs, making it adaptable for different cuisines and personal taste preferences.
• Budget-Friendly Delight: Requires minimal ingredients and affordable cabbage, delivering maximum flavor without breaking the bank.

Everything In Simple Sauteed Cabbage

• Cabbage: A crisp, mild-flavored vegetable that becomes tender and slightly sweet when cooked, perfect for sautéing.
• Onion: Adds depth of flavor and sweetness, creating a delicious base for the sautéed dish.

• Smoked Paprika: Provides a rich, smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cabbage.
• Garlic: Brings a pungent, aromatic kick to the dish, complementing the cabbage's mild flavor.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Create a rich, golden cooking medium that helps soften the vegetables and adds a luxurious flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Simple Sauteed Cabbage Made Simple

Step 1: Prep Your Veggie Base

Remove the tough core from the cabbage and slice it into delicate, whisper-thin strips. Dice the onion into uniform pieces that will melt beautifully into the dish.

• Cabbage
• Onion

Step 2: Create Aromatic Foundation

Heat a large skillet over medium-high flame. Gently combine butter and olive oil, allowing them to dance and merge. Introduce the chopped onions, letting them sizzle and soften for about 3 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant.

• Butter
• Olive oil
• Chopped onions

Step 3: Transform Cabbage

Cascade the sliced cabbage into the skillet. Use tongs to lovingly coat each strand with the buttery oil mixture. Allow the cabbage to cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a tender yet slightly crisp texture.

Step 4: Elevate with Spices

Sprinkle in smoked paprika and minced garlic, creating a flavor explosion. Stir continuously for 2 minutes, ensuring the spices distribute evenly and release their aromatic essence.

• Smoked paprika
• Minced garlic

Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serve

Generously season with salt and pepper, tasting and adjusting to your preference. Transfer immediately to a serving dish while piping hot, ready to tantalize taste buds.

• Salt
• Black pepper

Top Hints For Simple Sauteed Cabbage

• Slice Cabbage Evenly: Cut cabbage into uniform, thin strips for consistent cooking and better texture.
• Control Cooking Time: Adjust cooking duration based on desired cabbage tenderness, from crisp to soft and silky.
• Prevent Burning: Stir frequently and manage heat to avoid scorching onions and garlic while developing rich flavors.
• Enhance Flavor Variations: Experiment with different spices like caraway seeds, cumin, or red pepper flakes for unique taste profiles.
• Make It Dietary-Friendly: Swap butter with olive oil or coconut oil for vegan options, or use ghee for a dairy-free alternative.

How To Store Simple Sauteed Cabbage Safely

• Refrigerate: Store leftover sauteed cabbage in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Reheat Stovetop: Warm the cabbage in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or butter to prevent drying and restore moisture.
• Microwave Option: Place cabbage in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Avoid Freezing: Sauteed cabbage tends to become watery and lose its texture when frozen, so it's best enjoyed fresh within a few days of preparation.

What Goes With Simple Sauteed Cabbage

• Pair with Hearty Protein Partner: Serve alongside grilled bratwurst or roasted pork chops for a classic German-inspired meal that balances the cabbage's subtle sweetness with rich, savory meat flavors.
• Complement with Crisp White Wine: Select a dry Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the buttery cabbage and refresh the palate with its light, acidic notes that enhance the dish's delicate flavors.
• Match with Rustic Bread Companion: Offer crusty sourdough or rye bread to soak up the flavorful butter and oil, creating a perfect textural contrast and helping to make the side dish feel more substantial and satisfying.
• Create Comfort Plate Harmony: Combine with roasted chicken or slow-cooked beef stew to transform the simple cabbage into a warm, comforting meal that feels like a hug on a plate.

Try A Twist On Simple Sauteed Cabbage

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace butter with coconut oil and use extra virgin olive oil. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and include diced bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Use duck fat or bacon grease instead of butter. Increase cooking time for crispy edges and add chopped bacon bits for extra protein and flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Include diced jalapeños and replace smoked paprika with chipotle powder. Sprinkle fresh cilantro and squeeze lime juice before serving for a zesty kick.
• Asian-Inspired Cabbage Sauté: Swap olive oil with sesame oil, add minced ginger and soy sauce. Garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds for an authentic Asian flavor profile.

Simple Sauteed Cabbage Q&A

• What type of cabbage works best for this recipe?

Green cabbage is ideal due to its crisp texture and mild flavor, but you can also use Napa or Savoy cabbage for slightly different taste profiles.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, simply replace butter with olive oil or vegan butter to create a plant-based version of the dish.

• How do I prevent the cabbage from becoming mushy?

Cook the cabbage on medium-high heat and stir frequently, allowing it to soften but maintain some texture. Avoid overcooking by checking the tenderness every few minutes.

• Is smoked paprika necessary for the recipe?

While smoked paprika adds depth and complexity, you can substitute with regular paprika or skip it entirely if you don’t have it on hand. The dish will still be delicious with basic seasoning.

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crisp cabbage dances with garlic and butter in this Simple Sauteed Cabbage recipe, revealing Mediterranean-inspired comfort on your plate. Delicate ribbons of green melt into a savory side dish that brings warmth and flavor to any meal you serve.

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Ingredients

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Main Vegetables:

• 1 medium head green cabbage, cored & sliced into thin strips
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Fats and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) olive oil

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Trim the tough center core from the cabbage and slice into delicate, uniform ribbons. Dice the onion with precision for even cooking.
2. Heat a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, combining butter and olive oil to create a rich, flavorful base. Gently sauté the onion until translucent and soft, releasing its aromatic essence.
3. Introduce the cabbage strips to the skillet, using tongs to ensure each strand is luxuriously coated with the butter-oil mixture. Allow the cabbage to transform, stirring periodically to prevent sticking and promote even caramelization.
4. When the cabbage begins to soften and develop golden edges, sprinkle in the smoked paprika and freshly minced garlic. Stir continuously to distribute the spices and prevent burning, letting the ingredients meld together.
5. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to your preferred flavor profile. Transfer the vibrant, tender cabbage to a serving dish, ensuring each portion is infused with the rich, savory notes developed during cooking.

Notes

• Use a sharp knife to slice cabbage uniformly for even cooking and professional-looking presentation.
• Select butter and olive oil combination for rich flavor and preventing butter from burning at high temperatures.
• Stir cabbage consistently to ensure each piece cooks evenly and develops golden caramelized edges.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting smoked paprika quantity or exploring alternative seasonings like caraway seeds or red pepper flakes for added complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Side Dish
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 15mg