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Home » Side Dishes » Sauteed Cabbage

Published: February 17, 2022 Last Modified: February 17, 2022 By Sara 10 Comments

Sauteed Cabbage

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This sauteed cabbage is coarsely chopped green cabbage cooked with butter, onions, garlic and fresh herbs.
This sauteed cabbage is coarsely chopped green cabbage cooked with butter, onions, garlic and fresh herbs.
This sauteed cabbage is coarsely chopped green cabbage cooked with butter, onions, garlic and fresh herbs.

This sauteed cabbage is coarsely chopped green cabbage cooked with butter, onions, garlic and fresh herbs. An easy and inexpensive side dish that pairs well with chicken, steak and pork.

I always have a head of cabbage in my refrigerator for dishes such as tender roasted cabbage, hearty cabbage roll soup, and this super simple sauteed cabbage.

A bowl of sauteed cabbage served with chicken and green beans.

I happen to love cabbage because it’s readily available year round, doesn’t cost much money and lasts in the fridge for a long time. When I need a fast veggie dish to go along with dinner, I often turn to this ultra fast sauteed cabbage.

Sauteed cabbage ingredients

Bowls of cabbage, onion, butter and seasonings.
  • Butter: I like the flavor of butter with the cabbage, but you can also use olive oil if you prefer or if you want to make it a vegan recipe.
  • Onion: Any type of onion will do, but I typically use a sweeter yellow onion.
  • Cabbage: Look for a head of cabbage that is firm and heavy for its size. Make sure to choose one where the leaves are shiny and green, an older cabbage may have browning on the leaves.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is best in this recipe. In a pinch, you can substitute 1/3 of the amount of garlic powder.
  • Seasonings: Salt, pepper and chopped parsley finish this dish off and make it perfect.

How do you make sauteed cabbage?

Start by cutting your cabbage into quarters, then remove the core. Next, shred or chop the cabbage into large pieces. Melt some butter in a pan, then add onion and cook until the onion is tender. Place the cabbage in the pan along with seasonings. Cook the cabbage until it is tender and starting to brown. Add a little garlic and cook for another minute. Finally, top your sauteed cabbage with fresh herbs, then serve and enjoy.

A collage of step by step how to cook cabbage.

Tips for the perfect dish

  • The cabbage in this dish should be browned on the edges, but be careful not to burn it. If you feel like your cabbage is brown on the outside but not tender enough yet, feel free to add a little water to the pan to help the cabbage cook through.
  • This dish will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing sauteed cabbage as it will be watery when thawed and the texture may change.
  • To make this recipe even faster, buy a bag of pre-shredded cabbage at the grocery store. You can even use a bag of closeslaw mix if that’s what you have on hand!
  • Serve your cabbage alongside grilled chicken or smoked sausage, or add it to a stir fry, pasta, soup or rice dish for extra flavor.

Recipe FAQs

Is cabbage healthy?

Cabbage is low in calories and carbs, and high in fiber and nutrients, which makes it great for a healthy diet. Cabbage contains antioxidants, along with vitamins such as Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin K. It also is full of potassium, folate, magnesium and calcium.

How long is cabbage good for in the fridge?

A raw whole head of cabbage will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Wrap it in plastic for maximum freshness. If you’ve cut the head of cabbage, use the rest of it within 3 days. Cooked cabbage is best when consumed within 3 days.

How long do you cook cabbage for?

Cabbage coarsely chopped or cut into strips will take about 8 minutes to cook on the stove top in a hot pan.

A pan of cooked cabbage with a spoon in it.

Sauteed cabbage flavor variations

While this recipe is fabulous as-is, you can add other ingredients to customize the flavors to your tastes.

  • Cabbage: I typically use a standard head of green cabbage for this recipe, but you can also use Savoy cabbage, red cabbage or Napa cabbage.
  • Protein: Add some cooked crumbled bacon for extra flavor, or make it a meal by stirring in some kielbasa sausage or diced ham steak.
  • Vegetables: Feel free to add other veggies to the mix such as mushrooms, bell peppers, diced green beans, shredded carrots or broccoli.
  • Toppings: Finish your cabbage with a sprinkle of cheese or toasted nuts for added flavor and texture.
  • Seasonings: Stir in some seasoning such as Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning or taco spice. Or add a splash of soy sauce and a teaspoon of sesame oil for Asian style cabbage.
A plate of steamed green beans, chicken thighs and sauteed cabbage.

This recipe may be simple, but it’s a must-have in any home kitchen for its versatility and flavor.

More cabbage recipes you’ll enjoy

  • Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage
  • Cabbage Soup
  • Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
  • Braised Cabbage
  • Yakisoba Noodles with Chicken and Cabbage

Sauteed Cabbage Video

A bowl of sauteed cabbage topped with parsley.
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5 from 11 votes

Sauteed Cabbage

This sauteed cabbage is coarsely chopped green cabbage cooked with butter, onions, garlic and fresh herbs. An easy and inexpensive side dish that pairs well with chicken, steak and pork.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 111kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 cup onion finely diced
  • 6 cups green cabbage coarsely shredded or chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Instructions

  • Melt the butter in a large pan over medium high heat.
  • Add the onions to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they are translucent and softened.
  • Add the cabbage to the pan.
  • Cook, stirring occasionally for about 8 minutes, or until cabbage is wilted and starting to brown. You may need to add a bit of water to help the cabbage along.
  • Add the garlic, salt and pepper to the pan. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  • Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Notes

  1. The cabbage in this dish should be browned on the edges, but be careful not to burn it. If you feel like your cabbage is brown on the outside but not tender enough yet, feel free to add a little water to the pan to help the cabbage cook through.
  2. Leftover cooked cabbage will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  3. If you’re looking to make this recipe even speedier, you can use a bag of pre-shredded cabbage.

Nutrition

Calories: 111kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 386mg | Potassium: 215mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 366IU | Vitamin C: 40mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 1mg
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    Comments

    1. Vicky says

      March 30, 2022 at 12:01 pm

      5 stars
      I get bored with same old veggies each day so I love learning about easy side dishes like this cabbage. A good for you and tasty side!

      Reply
    2. Rika says

      March 30, 2022 at 11:50 am

      5 stars
      Simple, delicious, and super healthy too! It’s a must-have addition to any meal!

      Reply
    3. Holley says

      March 30, 2022 at 11:28 am

      5 stars
      This is so flavorful and easy to make! I love how well this pairs with any meat!

      Reply
    4. Andrea says

      March 30, 2022 at 11:20 am

      5 stars
      This simple and delicious side dish is perfect for my family.

      Reply
    5. Renee | The Good Hearted Woman says

      March 30, 2022 at 11:10 am

      5 stars
      This sautéed cabbage makes such a great side, and it comes together so easily! That bit of garlic lifts it nicely, too.

      Reply
    6. Andrea says

      February 25, 2022 at 6:34 pm

      5 stars
      This cabbage is fabulous! A perfect side dish to go with any meal.

      Reply
    7. Tayler Ross says

      February 25, 2022 at 4:16 pm

      5 stars
      This is the best cabbage I’ve ever tried! We will definitely be making it again!

      Reply
    8. Wanda says

      February 25, 2022 at 2:01 pm

      5 stars
      Made this a couple nights ago and it was so delicious! Next time I might add a wee bit of bacon!

      Reply
    9. Caroline says

      February 25, 2022 at 1:38 pm

      5 stars
      Such simple flavors, but this makes a great, tasty side!

      Reply
    10. Sue says

      February 25, 2022 at 12:25 pm

      5 stars
      I adore cabbage but never think to cook it so simply ~ delicious recipe!

      Reply

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