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12 Irresistible Cabbage Recipes to Add to Your Weekly Menu

12 Irresistible Cabbage Recipes to Add to Your Weekly Menu

When it comes to affordable, versatile, and nutrient-rich vegetables, cabbage is a true kitchen hero. Whether you’re cooking on a budget, planning for a weeknight dinner, or trying to sneak more veggies into your meals, these cabbage recipes are here to inspire. From crispy slaws to hearty stews, we’re diving into 12 delicious ways to cook cabbage that’ll make you see this humble vegetable in a whole new light.

12 Irresistible Cabbage Recipes

Why Cook with Cabbage?

Before we get to the good stuff, let’s talk about why cabbage deserves a spot in your kitchen. Cabbage is:

  • Packed with nutrients like vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants
  • Low in calories but high in flavor
  • Super budget-friendly
  • Long-lasting in the fridge, making it great for meal planning
  • Incredibly versatile, from raw slaws to stir-fries and roasts

Ready to get cooking? Let’s dig into the best cabbage recipes you’ll want to make again and again.

1. Classic Coleslaw

Classic Coleslaw

No cabbage roundup is complete without the ultimate coleslaw recipe. This creamy, crunchy side dish is a staple at barbecues, picnics, and potlucks.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 head of green cabbage, shredded
  • 1/4 head of red cabbage, shredded
  • 1 large carrot, grated
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrot.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayo, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
  3. Pour dressing over the veggies, mix well, and chill before serving.

Pro tip: Add a splash of lemon juice or Dijon mustard for a tangy twist!

2. Cabbage Stir-Fry with Garlic and Ginger

Cabbage Stir-Fry with Garlic and Ginger

If you’re craving something fast, healthy, and flavorful, this Asian-style cabbage stir-fry is a weeknight winner.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 head green cabbage, sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • Optional: red chili flakes, sesame seeds

Directions:

  1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Sauté garlic and ginger for 1 minute.
  3. Add cabbage and stir-fry until tender-crisp, about 5–7 minutes.
  4. Add soy sauce and chili flakes, toss well, and serve with rice or noodles.

3. Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Skillet

Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Skillet

Love cabbage rolls but hate the prep? This deconstructed version is a cozy, one-pan meal that’s big on flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 3 cups chopped cabbage
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
  • 1/2 cup rice (cooked)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Brown ground meat and onion in a skillet.
  2. Add chopped cabbage, tomatoes, and seasoning.
  3. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until cabbage is soft.
  4. Stir in cooked rice and serve hot.

4. Sautéed Cabbage with Bacon

Sautéed Cabbage with Bacon

Simple, smoky, and savory—this is one of the most comforting cabbage recipes you’ll ever taste.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 head green cabbage, chopped
  • 4 slices of bacon, chopped
  • 1/2 onion, sliced
  • Salt and pepper

Directions:

  1. Cook bacon in a skillet until crisp. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same pan, sauté the onion and cabbage in the bacon fat.
  3. Season and cook until cabbage is tender and golden.
  4. Add bacon back in and serve warm.

5. Cabbage and Potato Soup

Cabbage and Potato Soup

Hearty, rustic, and made with pantry staples, this cabbage soup is perfect for chilly nights.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 head cabbage, chopped
  • 3 potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups vegetable broth
  • Herbs: thyme, bay leaf, parsley

Directions:

  1. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
  2. Add potatoes, cabbage, and broth.
  3. Bring to a boil, add herbs, then simmer until veggies are tender.
  4. Serve with crusty bread.

6. Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Roasted Cabbage Steaks

If you’ve never roasted cabbage before, prepare to be amazed. These cabbage steaks are crispy, caramelized, and full of flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 head cabbage, cut into 1-inch slices
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
  2. Brush cabbage slices with oil and season generously.
  3. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping once, until golden and crispy.

Optional: Add grated parmesan for an extra layer of flavor.

7. Cabbage and Egg Breakfast Skillet

Cabbage and Egg Breakfast Skillet

Start your day with this high-protein, low-carb breakfast idea.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 onion, sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, pepper, and chili flakes

Directions:

  1. Heat oil and sauté cabbage and onion until soft.
  2. Make two wells in the cabbage and crack in the eggs.
  3. Cover and cook until eggs are set. Season and serve.

8. Cabbage Fried Rice

Cabbage Fried Rice

Toss your takeout menu and whip up this satisfying cabbage fried rice in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oil

Directions:

  1. Heat oil in a pan, scramble eggs, and set aside.
  2. Stir-fry cabbage and green onions, add rice and soy sauce.
  3. Toss in eggs and serve hot.

9. German Braised Red Cabbage

German Braised Red Cabbage

This sweet and sour side is a traditional German favorite, perfect with sausages or roast pork.

Ingredients:

  • 1 small red cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1 apple, peeled and chopped
  • 1/2 onion, sliced
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • Salt, pepper, cloves (optional)

Directions:

  1. Cook the onion and apple until soft.
  2. Add cabbage, vinegar, sugar, and spices.
  3. Cover and simmer for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

10. Cabbage Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Cabbage Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Fresh, crisp, and super easy, this salad is ideal for summer meals or light lunches.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded cabbage (mix green and purple)
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper

Directions:

  1. Toss cabbage and parsley in a large bowl.
  2. Whisk together lemon juice, oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Drizzle over cabbage and mix well.

11. Cabbage Tacos

Cabbage Tacos

For a vegetarian taco night, cabbage makes a crunchy, satisfying filling.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cabbage, shredded
  • 1 can of black beans, drained
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Taco spices, lime juice, and corn tortillas

Directions:

  1. Toss cabbage with lime juice and spices.
  2. Warm tortillas and fill with cabbage, beans, avocado, and a dollop of sour cream.

12. Creamed Cabbage

Creamed Cabbage

Velvety, buttery, and rich, creamed cabbage is a retro side dish making a comeback.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 head cabbage, chopped
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp flour
  • 1 cup milk or cream
  • Salt, pepper, nutmeg (optional)

Directions:

  1. Boil cabbage until just tender; drain.
  2. In a pan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk.
  3. Stir until thickened, then mix in cabbage and season.

Final Thoughts: Cabbage Recipes That Wow

Cabbage recipes are more exciting than ever, from crunchy salads to hearty soups and sizzling stir-fries. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for healthy comfort food, cabbage can do it all.

Don’t let this underrated veggie sit at the back of your fridge. Get creative, try something new, and let these cabbage recipes add flavor, nutrition, and ease to your kitchen routine.