Think cabbage is just for coleslaw? Think again! This easy recipe for sautéed cabbage shows you how to turn this simple veggie into a delicious caramelized simple side dish.
Easy Sautéed Cabbage Side Dish
Sautéeing cabbage adds a special flavor and texture you can't achieve with steaming. It's similar to roasted cabbage but MUCH faster and just as easy. In less than 10 minutes, you can transform a head of cabbage into an impressive and healthy side. And if you don't want to chop it, buy bagged slaw mix and cook it up.
Sautéed Cabbage with Vinegar
To make great cabbage, you need a secret ingredient: vinegar! Just ½ tablespoon of vinegar enhances the cabbage's flavor in a way that reduces the need for added fats, like butter. As far as the type of vinegar, I like white wine and rice vinegar, but you could also use apple cider vinegar. Then, you’ll just need olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
How to Sauté Cabbage
Check out how to make perfectly sautéed cabbage in the following steps and the video below:
- Sauté.
Heat some oil in a large skillet. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute before adding the cabbage. Cook until it softens. - Add more flavor.
Season the wilted cabbage with salt and black pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes before adding the vinegar. Toss to combine and cook for another minute. - Bon appétit!
You’ll know the cabbage is just right when you see tender bits of browned cabbage scattered throughout the pan.
How to Cut up Cabbage for Sautéing
For the best-sautéed cabbage results, cut it into thin, even shreds. Larger cabbage pieces take longer to cook. Grab a sharp knife (a dull knife can make this more difficult and increase the risk of an injury), cut the head of cabbage in half, then into quarters, and finally into thin slices.
You can also shred cabbage in a food processor using a shredding attachment. Make sure to quarter the head of cabbage before feeding it into the shoot. You can see how easy it is to cut cabbage in this quick video.
Laura’s Favorite Sautéed Cabbage Variations
Cabbage easily takes on the flavors of other ingredients and sauces added during cooking. Below are a few variations to turn sautéed cabbage into a regular mealtime staple.
- sautéed cabbage with bacon: before cooking the cabbage, brown the bacon in the skillet, remove it from heat, and chop. Cook the cabbage in the bacon drippings (yum!) and add the chopped bacon along with the vinegar.
- sautéed cabbage and onions: cook 1 small sliced onion along with the cabbage.
- stir-fried cabbage: mix 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar, and 1 tablespoon honey in a small bowl. Add the sauce in the final 5 minutes of cooking.
- sautéed cabbage with sausage: brown 12-ounces sliced, smoked sausage, remove it from the skillet, and set aside. Add the sausage back to the skillet along with the vinegar, and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
What Does Sautéed Cabbage Pair Well With?
Cabbage goes with your favorite chicken recipes, pork, shrimp, and just about anything! Some dishes I like to serve with this delicious cabbage recipe are sheet pan sausage & peppers, Italian turkey burgers, chicken thighs and mushrooms, and roasted fingerling potatoes.
Simple Sautéed Cabbage
Watch how it’s made:
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 head cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ tablespoon white wine vinegar
Instructions
- In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and brown for 1 minute.
- Add the cabbage and cook for 3 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper and toss with tongs.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the cabbage is tender and cooked down. Add the vinegar, and sauté for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and serve.
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Isabel Tsantes says
Very good!!!
Lucy says
This was so good!
Jackie says
Incredible cabbage!
Sol says
Simple and delicious sautéed cabbage.
Judy says
This was super simple and went great with dinner tonight!