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.
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.
This cabbage is the perfect side dish recipe to go with dinners like marinated salmon, air fryer chicken breast or grilled flank steak. This dish rounds out a holiday menu as well. Make this cabbage with some of my Thanksgiving recipes or Christmas recipes for a festive meal!
Table of Contents
Sauteed Cabbage Ingredients
To make this sauteed cabbage you will need butter, onion, green cabbage, garlic, parsley, salt and black pepper.
- 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 or thick slices, then remove the core. Next, shred or chop the cabbage into large pieces. Melt some butter in a large skillet, then add onion and sauté until the onion is tender. Place the cabbage in the pan. Cook the cabbage until it is tender and starting to brown. Add a little garlic and the seasonings and cook for another minute. Finally, top your sauteed cabbage with fresh parsley, then serve and enjoy.
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 in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing sauteed cabbage as it will be watery when thawed and the texture may change.
- Serve your cabbage alongside grilled chicken tenders, instant pot corned beef, or smothered pork chops, or add it to a stir fry, pasta, soup or rice dish for extra flavor.
Quick Tip
To make this recipe even faster, buy a bag of pre-shredded cabbage at the grocery store. You can even use a bag of coleslaw mix if that’s what you have on hand!
Recipe FAQs
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.
Cabbage coarsely chopped or cut into strips will take about 8 minutes to cook on the stove top in a hot pan.
There are many great ways to eat cabbage. Some of my favorites include braised cabbage, fried cabbage and sauteed cabbage.
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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, fresh lemon juice, Cajun seasoning, apple cider vinegar, or taco seasoning. Or add a splash of soy sauce and a teaspoon of sesame oil for Asian style 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
8 hrs 10 mins
Cabbage Soup
40 mins
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
1 hr 30 mins
Braised Cabbage
2 hrs 25 mins
Sauteed Cabbage Video
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Sauteed Cabbage
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
- 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.
- Leftover cooked cabbage will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- If you’re looking to make this recipe even speedier, you can use a bag of pre-shredded cabbage.
This is perfect for St. Patrick’s Day! Thank you for a great recipe! It’s another winner! Thank you!
Oooh, definitely the perfect side for pairing with meat. This cabbage looks fantastic and so easy too!
Super easy and really good. We always have cabbage on hand and this was so good!
We are huge green cabbage fans alawys looking for new ideas, total hit!
Simple and delicious cabbage recipe to try. Thanks for sharing.
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!
Simple, delicious, and super healthy too! It’s a must-have addition to any meal!
This is so flavorful and easy to make! I love how well this pairs with any meat!
This simple and delicious side dish is perfect for my family.
This sautéed cabbage makes such a great side, and it comes together so easily! That bit of garlic lifts it nicely, too.
This cabbage is fabulous! A perfect side dish to go with any meal.
This is the best cabbage I’ve ever tried! We will definitely be making it again!
Made this a couple nights ago and it was so delicious! Next time I might add a wee bit of bacon!
Such simple flavors, but this makes a great, tasty side!
I adore cabbage but never think to cook it so simply ~ delicious recipe!