Sauteed Cabbage

This sauteed cabbage recipe is incredibly easy, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s boring—because it’s anything but. Braised in butter and seasoned with sugar and crushed red pepper flakes, this sauteed cabbage bursts with bold flavor and boasts a delightfully crisp yet tender texture. You can opt to add some cooked bacon or other veggies to make it heartier, top it with fresh herbs and Greek yogurt for a creamy, herby finish, or keep things simple and follow the recipe as is.

If you’re not familiar with sauteed cabbage, it makes a fantastic side dish for everything from German favorites like schnitzel and bratwurst to grilled chicken or steak. (And if you like this sauteed cabbage recipe, be sure to try our cabbage casserole.)

Ingredients for Sauteed Cabbage

• Butter: Use top-quality cultured butter (which is made from fresh cream and left to ferment before churning) for a creamier, richer flavor.
• Seasonings: Sugar brings a bit of sweetness, the crushed red pepper flakes and pepper add spice and the salt balances all the flavors.
• Chopped cabbage: You can also buy pre-shredded cabbage to save time.
• Water: Be careful not to add too much water (this recipe calls for a tablespoon); you want the cabbage to be glossy and slightly tender, but not soggy.

Directions

Step 1: Melt the butter

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In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

Editor’s Tip: Use a cast-iron skillet to achieve a nice, even browning on the cabbage.

Step 2: Add the flavorings

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Stir in the sugar, salt, pepper flakes and pepper.

Step 3: Add the cabbage and water

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Add the cabbage and water to the skillet. Cook for five to six minutes or until the cabbage is tender, stirring occasionally.

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Sauteed Cabbage Variations

• Add other veggies: We love adding a julienned or finely chopped carrot to this recipe.
• Saute it with meat: For a heartier dish, add chopped cooked bacon or sliced smoked sausage to the sauteed cabbage.
• Make it German-style: For a German sauerkraut-style dish, stir in some caraway seeds and a tablespoon of cider vinegar.
• Serve it with fresh herbs: Scatter fresh parsley or cilantro on top for a deliciously herby taste.

How to Store Sauteed Cabbage

Store it in a tightly covered container to keep the cabbage fresh (and to prevent odors from seeping into other foods in the fridge).

How long will sauteed cabbage last?

Leftover sauteed cabbage will last for three to five days in the refrigerator.

Sauteed Cabbage Tips

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Should sauteed cabbage be crunchy?

Sauteed cabbage should be a mix of crunchy and soft. If you prefer your cabbage softer, you can let it cook longer after adding it to the pan. For more crispness, add a little more oil once the water has evaporated.

How can you make vegan sauteed cabbage?

This sauteed cabbage recipe is vegetarian, but to make it vegan, substitute the butter with an equal amount of a neutral flavored oil (like olive or canola oil) or a vegan butter substitute.

What do you eat with sauteed cabbage?

You can eat many things with sauteed cabbage, like sauerbraten, bratwurst and schnitzel.