8 Cabbage Recipes Packed with Flavor (2024)

How well do you know your cabbage? These leafy heads are full of key nutrients such as vitamins C and K, and dietary fiber. Beyond smooth pale green and deep purple varieties there are crinkly savoy and Napa (aka Chinese), as well as teardrop-shaped versions. This affordable winter vegetable is versatile, feeling right at home in spicy kimchi, soups and stir-fry dishes. Try this cruciferous vegetable raw, cooked, pickled or roasted with these eight flavor-filled recipes.

1.RED CABBAGE STEAKS | JESSI’S KITCHEN

Cabbage takes the spotlight in this recipe. These roasted cabbage “steaks” with balsamic glaze make a simple yet memorable side. Their gorgeous purple-red hue will add a pop of color to any meal. Recipe makes 6 servings

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 92; Total Fat: 2g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 331mg; Carbohydrate: 16g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 11g; Protein: 2g

2.BEEF AND CABBAGE STIR-FRY | BUDGET BYTES

Low-carb, made from affordable staple ingredients and bursting with flavor, this stir-fry will become a go-to weeknight dinner. It’s filled with juicy beef and crunchy cabbage and carrots, all tossed in a sweet, salty, spicy sauce. Recipe makes 4 servings at 1 1/2 cups each.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 243; Total Fat: 13g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 38mg; Sodium: 349mg; Carbohydrate: 22g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 10g; Protein: 13g

3. | MYFITNESSPAL’S RECIPES

Eating Bird Food’s fish tacos with slaw can be made any time of year but deliver the taste of summer. They will surely satisfy with more than 16 grams of protein per taco. Cabbage is known for its anti-inflammatory and protective properties, so we say bring on the slaw! Recipe makes 2 servings at 3 tacos each.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 425; Total Fat: 10g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Cholesterol: 84mg; Sodium: 551mg; Carbohydrate: 47g; Dietary Fiber: 7g; Sugar: 9g; Protein: 39g

4.THAI COCONUT QUINOA BOWLS | FIT FOODIE FINDS

These bowls are loaded with colors, textures and flavors. Roasted veggies and crunchy cabbage slaw are tossed in a zesty dressing for a filling meatless meal. Paired with coconut quinoa, this bowl will be a party in your mouth. Recipe makes 4 servings.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 259; Total Fat: 16g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 10g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 255mg; Carbohydrate: 25g; Dietary Fiber: 6g; Sugar: 10g; Protein: 6g

5.APPLE, WALNUT AND SAVOY CABBAGE SALAD | A COUPLE COOKS

Venture beyond the usual lettuce or kale and use shaved cabbage for salads. This one uses savoy cabbage topped with with crisp apples, crunchy walnuts and salty Pecorino. Impress your guests with this elegant yet simple salad at your next dinner party. Recipe makes 8 servings.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 202; Total Fat: 14g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 7g; Cholesterol: 1mg; Sodium: 68mg; Carbohydrate: 18g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 13g; Protein: 3g

6.SWEET AND SOUR ROASTED NAPA CABBAGE WEDGES | COOKING LIGHT

Roasting vegetables naturally caramelizes them, which might entice the veggie-averse to give a new food a try. You can make a batch of these sweet, golden brown cabbage wedges in under 25 minutes for a simple side that doesn’t require much chopping! Recipe makes 4 servings at 1 wedge each.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 101; Total Fat: 7g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 5g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 114mg; Carbohydrate: 8g; Dietary Fiber: 2g; Sugar: 5g; Protein: 2g

7.GREEN LENTIL AND CABBAGE SOUP | THE HEALTHY FOODIE

Have extra roasted cabbage wedges? Chop them up for this fantastic vegetarian soup — always a great way to use up leftovers. This healthy and filling soup is ideal for busy nights. Lentils bulk up the soup and add plenty of fiber. (For more protein, you can also add chicken or beef.) Recipe makes 2 servings.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 231; Total Fat: 1g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 420mg; Carbohydrate: 45g; Dietary Fiber: 18g; Sugar: 13g; Protein: 14g

8.BEEF CABBAGE ROLL CASSEROLE | YUMMY HEALTHY EASY

Cabbage rolls are undeniably delicious, but they’re a labor-intensive meal. This deconstructed version in casserole form is convenient and versatile. This hearty dish is loaded with cabbage (of course!), beef and rice, all drenched in a simple tomato sauce. One batch could last you through the whole week (or freeze the extra). Recipe makes 12 servings.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 267; Total Fat: 8g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 50mg; Sodium: 609mg; Carbohydrate: 25g; Dietary Fiber: 6g; Sugar: 11g; Protein: 21g

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8 Cabbage Recipes Packed with Flavor (2)

MyFitnessPal’s Recipes

Healthy, delicious and simple: That’s what we’re about at MyFitnessPal! We make ourrecipes in our own test kitchen or our registered dietitian hand-selects them personally. Look for nutrition information at the bottom of the recipe or log it directly to MyFitnessPal through the “Log-It” button. Check out our entire collection or explore: low-carb,high-protein • high-fiber • gluten-free • dairy-free • vegetarian • vegan • low sodium

8 Cabbage Recipes Packed with Flavor (2024)

FAQs

Why do you put baking soda in cabbage? ›

Adding baking soda to your boiling cabbage can help reduce the objectionable smell and maintain the green color long after when it typically turns grayish from cooking for too long. However, this may rid the cabbage of its nutritional value.

What can I do with too many cabbages? ›

Cabbage can be cooked in countless ways: sliced and sautéed or stir-fried; cut into wedges and roasted, braised, blanched and used as a wrap for ground meats and rice; or wrapped around fish before steaming.

Which cabbage has the best flavor? ›

Conehead cabbage

They're sweeter and smaller than a standard green cabbage and have a distinct cone-like shape, she says. Shred these up into a raw cabbage slaw to make the most out of their delicious flavor.

How to cook cabbage to reduce flatulence? ›

A few whole cloves added to the boiling water for cabbage impart a delicately complementary flavor and aroma and may help to prevent gas during digestion. Other sweet spices that may be carminative include allspice, cinnamon and ginger.

Why do you soak cabbage in vinegar? ›

An old trick to use is to leave the cabbage lightly doused in vinegar water for a couple of minutes before proceeding to wash the cabbage with water. Usually between two or four minutes. Vinegar kills some types of bacteria and helps killing mold and mildew that could have grown on the cabbage.

What is the disadvantage of using baking soda to vegetables? ›

This is a bad practice, however, and you should avoid adding baking soda when boiling any type of vegetable. It has various unwelcome effects, such as softening the vegetable, altering the vegetable's flavor, destroying thiamine content, and hastening the loss of vitamin C.

What happens if I only eat cabbage everyday? ›

May Improve Immune Health

Cabbage is a natural source of vitamin C, a nutrient that plays a role in white blood cell production, according to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Including vitamin C in your diet by eating foods that contain this nutrient, like cabbage, may help support a robust immune system.

Can you freeze a whole cabbage? ›

In short, the answer is yes. Cabbage can be frozen, and we can absolutely store for later, defrost, and cook that frozen cabbage. But there's some considerations we'll have to keep in mind. The first thing we'll want to consider is how and when you plan on using the cabbage in the future.

What is the healthiest way to eat cabbage? ›

Although you get different nutrients if you cook or ferment it, raw red cabbage in particular might give you the best nutritional boost per serving. Slice it very thinly and leave it for about 10 minutes to help bring out the fullest, most complex flavors. Then add it to salads or sandwiches or turn it into coleslaw.

What color cabbage is healthiest? ›

While both green and red cabbage are excellent sources of this potent antioxidant, red cabbage contains significantly more ( 2 , 22 ). One cup (89 g) of chopped red cabbage packs in 56% of the recommended intake for vitamin C, which is the same amount found in a small orange ( 22 , 23 ).

Is Napa cabbage better than regular cabbage? ›

Both are excellent sources of important vitamins and minerals. Regular cabbage contains more calcium, zinc and potassium than napa, but napa cabbage contains higher levels of vitamins A, B3, iron and copper. Napa is also lower in sodium than regular cabbage.

Is cooked cabbage a laxative? ›

Cabbage: This is a digestive cleansing food that helps remove toxins from the digestive tract. Cabbage is also one of the foods that soften stools, adding them in your daily diet will help treat constipation effectively.

Is boiled cabbage a laxative? ›

Cabbage is rich in fiber and glucosinolates and helps the body retain water. It helps maintain the bulkiness of the food as it moves through the bowels and thus treats constipation.

Why does cabbage make my stomach hurt? ›

The team found that the dietary irritant that activated this response most strongly was allyl isothiocyanate – a sulphur-containing compound found in… wasabi, horseradish, cabbage and broccoli. These foods are known to affect gut movements and cause abdominal grumblings when eaten in excess.

What happens if you add baking soda to cabbage water? ›

The cabbage juice is called an indicator because it can tell you the pH of a solution based on the color that it changes. The vinegar will turn the cabbage juice red because it is an acid (acetic acid). The baking soda will turn the cabbage juice greenish-yellow because it is a base (sodium bicarbonate).

How long to soak cabbage in baking soda? ›

Submerge the fruit or vegetables in the baking soda water. Let soak for 12 to 15 minutes. The time will help the baking soda do its job. Swish the produce around in the water or push it down several times to ensure all sides of the produce is being cleaned.

What can you put on cabbage to stop bugs from eating it? ›

I've had good luck using diatomaceous earth if I end up with the cabbage moth larvae, plus you can use products with Bt such as Thuricide. With the organic means, you'll have to reapply the products after a rain or using the sprinler.

Why do people put baking soda in greens? ›

Baking soda is an alkali salt possessing the tenderizing and flavor-enhancing properties of regular salt. As an alkaline ingredient, it will make boiling water alkaline, effectively protecting the chlorophyll in green vegetables from breaking down.

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