25 Creative Cabbage Recipes for Every Meal

Cabbage is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be the star of any dish, from hearty dinners to light salads. Here is a listicle of 25 delicious cabbage recipes, complete with ingredients and step-by-step instructions.

1. Classic Cabbage Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 medium green cabbage, chopped
• 3 carrots, diced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat a large pot over medium heat and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
• Add carrots and celery; cook for 5 minutes.
• Stir in cabbage, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes.
• Add thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Simmer for 25-30 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

Tip: Add a Parmesan rind to the soup while it simmers for an extra layer of umami flavor. Remove it before serving.

2. Cabbage Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 small green cabbage, shredded
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

• Heat sesame oil in a large skillet.
• Sauté garlic and ginger for 1 minute.
• Add cabbage and bell pepper; stir-fry for 5-7 minutes.
• Drizzle with soy sauce and toss well.
• Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

Tip: For a crunchier texture, stir-fry the cabbage on high heat for a shorter time (3-4 minutes).

3. Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Ingredients:

• 12 large cabbage leaves
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 egg
• 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Boil cabbage leaves for 2-3 minutes to soften; set aside.
• Mix ground beef, rice, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
• Place a spoonful of the mixture on each cabbage leaf and roll tightly.
• Place rolls in a baking dish and pour tomato sauce over the top.
• Cover and bake at 375°F for 45 minutes.

Tip: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the ground beef mixture for a subtle smoky flavor.

4. Cabbage Coleslaw

Ingredients:

• 1/2 green cabbage, shredded
• 1/2 red cabbage, shredded
• 1 carrot, grated
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Combine cabbage and carrot in a large bowl.
• In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
• Pour dressing over cabbage mixture and toss well.
• Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Tip: Let the coleslaw sit in the fridge for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly.

5. Sauteed Cabbage with Garlic

Ingredients:

• 1 medium cabbage, shredded
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
• Stir in shredded cabbage and cook for 8-10 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper.

Tip: Finish with a splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar for a bright, tangy note.

6. Cabbage Stir-Fry Noodles

Ingredients:

• 1 small green cabbage, shredded
• 8 oz rice or egg noodles, cooked
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Instructions:

• Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok.
• Sauté garlic for 1 minute.
• Add cabbage, carrot, and bell pepper; stir-fry for 5-7 minutes.
• Toss in cooked noodles, soy sauce, and oyster sauce.
• Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, mixing well.

Tip: Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce or sriracha for a spicy kick.

7. Braised Red Cabbage

Ingredients:

• 1 medium red cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 apple, peeled and chopped
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add onion and cook until softened.
• Stir in cabbage and apple; cook for 5 minutes.
• Add vinegar, brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
• Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Tip: Use a splash of red wine instead of apple cider vinegar for a richer, deeper flavor.

8. Cabbage and Sausage Skillet

Ingredients:

• 1 medium cabbage, chopped
• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Sauté sausage slices until browned; set aside.
• Add garlic and cabbage to the skillet; cook for 10-12 minutes.
• Return sausage to the skillet and toss everything together.
• Season with salt and pepper.

Tip: Add a teaspoon of caraway seeds for a traditional Eastern European twist.

9. Asian Cabbage Salad

Ingredients:

• 1/2 green cabbage, shredded
• 1/2 red cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp honey

Instructions:

• Combine cabbage, carrots, cilantro, and peanuts in a large bowl.
• Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey in a small bowl.
• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.
• Serve immediately or chill before serving.

Tip: Toast the peanuts before adding them to the salad for a nuttier, crunchier texture.

10. Cabbage and Potato Hash

Ingredients:

• 1 small cabbage, shredded
• 4 medium potatoes, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Cook potatoes until golden and tender; set aside.
• Add onion and cabbage to the skillet; sauté for 8-10 minutes.
• Mix in cooked potatoes and season with salt and pepper.

Tip: Add a fried or poached egg on top for a hearty breakfast or brunch option.

11. Creamy Cabbage Gratin

Ingredients:

• 1 medium cabbage, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Blanch cabbage in boiling water for 5 minutes; drain well.
• Layer cabbage in a greased baking dish.
• Pour cream over the cabbage and sprinkle with cheeses.
• Dot with butter and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Tip: Mix a teaspoon of Dijon mustard into the cream for a tangy, complex flavor.

12. Cabbage and Bacon Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 small cabbage, shredded
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy; set aside.
• Sauté onion in the bacon grease for 2-3 minutes.
• Add cabbage and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Stir in soy sauce and mix with bacon.
• Season with salt and pepper.

Tip: Reserve a bit of crispy bacon to sprinkle on top before serving for added texture.

13. Cabbage Tacos

Ingredients:

• 1 small cabbage, shredded
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 8 taco shells
• Optional toppings: salsa, avocado, cheese

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a skillet.
• Add cabbage, chili powder, and cumin; sauté for 5-7 minutes.
• Fill taco shells with seasoned cabbage.
• Add your favorite toppings and serve.

Tip: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to balance the spiciness of the seasoned cabbage.

14. Fermented Sauerkraut

Ingredients:

• 1 medium green cabbage, shredded
• 1 tbsp salt

Instructions:

• Place shredded cabbage in a large bowl and sprinkle with salt.
• Massage cabbage until it releases liquid.
• Pack cabbage tightly into a clean jar, ensuring it’s submerged in its own liquid.
• Cover with a lid and let ferment at room temperature for 1-2 weeks.

Tip: Use a fermentation weight or a small jar to keep the cabbage submerged in its liquid for even fermentation.

15. Cabbage and Lentil Stew

Ingredients:

• 1 medium cabbage, chopped
• 1 cup dried lentils
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat a large pot and sauté onion and garlic.
• Add lentils, cabbage, and broth; bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 25-30 minutes.
• Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.

Tip: Add a bay leaf while simmering for an aromatic depth of flavor.

16. Korean Kimchi

Ingredients:

• 1 medium Napa cabbage
• 1/4 cup salt
• 2 tbsp fish sauce
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp grated ginger

Instructions:

• Cut cabbage into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle with salt.
• Let sit for 2 hours, then rinse and drain.
• Mix fish sauce, chili powder, garlic, and ginger in a bowl.
• Combine cabbage with the spice mixture.
• Pack into a jar and ferment for 3-5 days.

Tip: Use Korean chili powder (gochugaru) for authentic flavor and heat.

17. Cabbage Stir-Fry with Shrimp

Ingredients:

• 1 medium cabbage, shredded
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp ginger, grated
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions

Instructions:

• Heat sesame oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add garlic and ginger; sauté for 1 minute.
• Add shrimp and cook until pink; set aside.
• Stir-fry cabbage for 5-7 minutes.
• Toss shrimp back in with soy sauce and green onions.

Tip: Marinate the shrimp in a little soy sauce and sesame oil before cooking for extra flavor.

18. Cabbage Pancakes (Okonomiyaki)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 head cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oil for frying

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, mix flour, water, and eggs to make a batter.
• Add shredded cabbage and green onions; mix well.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Pour batter to form small pancakes; cook 3-4 minutes on each side.
• Serve with soy sauce for dipping.

Tip: Top with Japanese mayo, okonomiyaki sauce, and bonito flakes for a traditional finish.

19. Cabbage Stir-Fry with Ground Beef

Ingredients:

• 1 medium cabbage, shredded
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cook ground beef in a skillet until browned; drain excess fat.
• Add onion and garlic; cook for 2-3 minutes.
• Stir in shredded cabbage and soy sauce.
• Cook until cabbage is tender, about 10 minutes.

Tip: Add a tablespoon of hoisin sauce for a sweet and savory twist.

20. Roasted Cabbage Wedges

Ingredients:

• 1 head green cabbage, cut into wedges
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Arrange cabbage wedges on a baking sheet.
• Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Tip: Sprinkle with grated Parmesan during the last 5 minutes of roasting for a cheesy crust.

21. Cabbage Spring Rolls

Ingredients:

• 1/2 head cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup cooked rice noodles
• 8 spring roll wrappers
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions:

• Combine cabbage, carrots, and rice noodles in a bowl.
• Toss with soy sauce and sesame oil.
• Place a portion of the mixture on each spring roll wrapper and roll tightly.
• Serve fresh or pan-fry until crispy.

Tip: Add a few fresh mint or cilantro leaves to the filling for a refreshing herbal note.

22. Cabbage Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 medium cabbage, chopped
• 1 lb ground turkey or beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F.
• Cook ground meat in a skillet until browned; set aside.
• In a baking dish, layer cabbage, cooked meat, rice, and diced tomatoes.
• Sprinkle with mozzarella.
• Cover and bake for 30-35 minutes.

Tip: Mix a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce into the ground meat for added depth.

23. Cabbage Curry

Ingredients:

• 1 medium cabbage, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 2 tbsp oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Heat oil in a large skillet and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
• Add cabbage and curry powder; cook for 5 minutes.
• Pour in coconut milk and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
• Season with salt before serving.

Tip: Toast the curry powder in the oil before adding the cabbage to enhance its flavor.

24. Cabbage Fritters

Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1/2 cup grated carrot
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions:

• Mix cabbage, carrot, flour, eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the skillet and flatten slightly.
• Fry until golden brown on both sides.

Tip: Serve with a dipping sauce made of Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of garlic powder.

25. Cabbage and Chickpea Salad

Ingredients:

• 1/2 head cabbage, shredded
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Combine shredded cabbage and chickpeas in a bowl.
• Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
• Pour the dressing over the cabbage and chickpeas; toss well.

Tip: Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.

Conclusion

With these 25 cabbage recipes, you can make every meal unique and flavorful. From savory dishes like stir-fries and rolls to crunchy salads and hearty casseroles, cabbage truly shines as a versatile ingredient. Dive into these recipes and explore the endless possibilities of this humble vegetable.