Introduction
Greetings Asensio, and welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to cook cabbage. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, cabbage is an incredibly versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be prepared in countless ways. In this article, we will explore the many different methods of cooking cabbage and provide you with tips and tricks to elevate your cabbage dishes to the next level.
Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable that is low in calories and high in fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K. It is a common ingredient in many cuisines around the world, from coleslaw in the United States to kimchi in Korea. Cabbage can be eaten raw or cooked and is used in dishes such as soups, stews, stir-fries, and salads.
In this guide, we will cover the following topics:
Table of Contents
| 1. Types of Cabbage | 2. How to Choose and Store Cabbage | 3. How to Prepare Cabbage | 4. How to Cook Cabbage |
| 5. Boiled Cabbage | 6. Steamed Cabbage | 7. Roasted Cabbage | 8. Grilled Cabbage |
| 9. Fried Cabbage | 10. Sauteed Cabbage | 11. Braised Cabbage | 12. Stuffed Cabbage |
| 13. Cabbage Rolls | 14. Cabbage Soup | 15. Cabbage Salad | 16. Frequently Asked Questions |
Types of Cabbage
Cabbage comes in several different varieties, each with its own unique flavor, texture, and appearance. The most common types of cabbage are:
Green Cabbage
Green cabbage is the most widely available and commonly used type of cabbage. It has a slightly sweet flavor and a dense, crunchy texture.
Red Cabbage
Red cabbage has a more assertive flavor than green cabbage and a vibrant, purple-red color. It is often used in salads and slaws.
Savoy Cabbage
Savoy cabbage has a crinkly, ruffled texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It is often used in soups and stews.
Napa Cabbage
Napa cabbage, also known as Chinese cabbage, has a delicate flavor and tender leaves. It is often used in Asian dishes such as stir-fries and kimchi.
Bok Choy
Bok Choy is a type of Chinese cabbage that has a mild, sweet flavor and crunchy texture. It is often used in stir-fries and soups.
How to Choose and Store Cabbage
When choosing cabbage, look for heads that are firm and heavy for their size with crisp, brightly colored leaves. Avoid heads that are wilted, discolored, or have soft spots.
To store cabbage, keep it in the refrigerator crisper drawer for up to a week. If you have already cut into the cabbage, wrap the remaining head tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
How to Prepare Cabbage
Before cooking cabbage, it is important to properly prepare it. Follow these steps to prepare cabbage for any recipe:
Step 1: Remove the Outer Leaves
Remove any wilted or damaged outer leaves from the head of cabbage.
Step 2: Rinse the Cabbage
Rinse the cabbage under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
Step 3: Cut the Cabbage
Cut the cabbage in half from top to bottom through the core. Then, cut each half in half again through the core. Finally, remove the core from each quarter by cutting at an angle.
How to Cook Cabbage
Boiled Cabbage
Boiled cabbage is a simple and classic preparation that is often served with corned beef or ham. To boil cabbage, follow these steps:
Step 1:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
Step 2:
Add the prepared cabbage to the boiling water and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the cabbage is tender.
Step 3:
Drain the cabbage and serve hot with butter, salt, and pepper.
Steamed Cabbage
Steamed cabbage is a healthy and flavorful way to cook cabbage without losing any nutrients. To steam cabbage, follow these steps:
Step 1:
Fill a large pot with an inch of water and bring it to a boil over high heat.
Step 2:
Place the prepared cabbage in a steamer basket or colander and place it over the boiling water.
Step 3:
Cover the pot and steam the cabbage for 5-7 minutes or until it is tender.
Step 4:
Remove the cabbage from the steamer basket and serve hot with your favorite seasonings.
Roasted Cabbage
Roasting cabbage is a delicious way to bring out the natural sweetness of this vegetable. To roast cabbage, follow these steps:
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2:
Slice the prepared cabbage into wedges or thick slices.
Step 3:
Place the cabbage on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 4:
Drizzle the cabbage with olive oil and sprinkle it with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like.
Step 5:
Roast the cabbage in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until it is tender and lightly browned.
Grilled Cabbage
Grilled cabbage is a unique and flavorful way to prepare this vegetable. To grill cabbage, follow these steps:
Step 1:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
Step 2:
Slice the prepared cabbage into wedges or thick slices.
Step 3:
Brush the cabbage with olive oil and season it with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like.
Step 4:
Grill the cabbage for 5-7 minutes per side or until it is tender and lightly charred.
Fried Cabbage
Fried cabbage is a popular dish in many southern American cuisines. To fry cabbage, follow these steps:
Step 1:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 2:
Add bacon, diced onions, and garlic to the skillet and cook until the bacon is crispy and the onions are translucent.
Step 3:
Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet and toss it with the bacon and onions.
Step 4:
Cook the cabbage for 5-7 minutes or until it is tender and lightly browned.
Sauteed Cabbage
Sauteed cabbage is a quick and easy preparation that can be enjoyed as a side dish or added to stir-fries and other dishes. To saute cabbage, follow these steps:
Step 1:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 2:
Add olive oil or butter to the skillet and heat until melted.
Step 3:
Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet and toss it with the oil or butter.
Step 4:
Cook the cabbage for 5-7 minutes or until it is tender and lightly browned.
Braised Cabbage
Braised cabbage is a slow-cooked comfort food that is perfect for chilly nights. To braise cabbage, follow these steps:
Step 1:
Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Step 2:
Add diced onions and garlic to the pot and cook until the onions are translucent.
Step 3:
Add the sliced cabbage to the pot and toss it with the onions and garlic.
Step 4:
Pour in chicken or vegetable broth until the cabbage is almost completely covered.
Step 5:
Cover the pot and simmer the cabbage for 30-45 minutes or until it is very tender.
Stuffed Cabbage
Stuffed cabbage is a classic dish that is often served at holiday meals or special occasions. To make stuffed cabbage, follow these steps:
Step 1:
Boil the prepared cabbage for 5-10 minutes to soften the leaves.
Step 2:
Remove the cabbage from the pot and let it cool.
Step 3:
In a separate bowl, mix together ground meat, cooked rice, diced onions, and seasonings.
Step 4:
Take a cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center.
Step 5:
Roll the cabbage leaf tightly around the meat mixture, tucking in the sides as you go.
Step 6:
Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and meat mixture.
Step 7:
Place the stuffed cabbage in a baking dish and pour tomato sauce or broth over them.
Step 8:
Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 45-60 minutes or until the cabbage is tender and the meat is cooked through.
Cabbage Rolls
Cabbage rolls are a popular dish in many cuisines around the world. To make cabbage rolls, follow these steps:
Step 1:
Boil the prepared cabbage for 5-10 minutes to soften the leaves.
Step 2:
Remove the cabbage from the pot and let it cool.
Step 3:
In a separate bowl, mix together ground meat, cooked rice, diced onions, and seasonings.
Step 4:
Take a cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center.
Step 5:
Roll the cabbage leaf tightly around the meat mixture, tucking in the sides as you go.
Step 6:
Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and meat mixture.
Step 7:
Place the cabbage rolls in a baking dish and pour tomato sauce or broth over them.
Step 8:
Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 45-60 minutes or until the cabbage is tender and the meat is cooked through.
Cabbage Soup
Cabbage soup is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for chilly days. To make cabbage soup, follow these steps:
Step 1:
Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat.
Step 2:
Add diced onions, garlic, celery, and carrots to the pot and cook until the vegetables are softened.
Step 3:
Add chopped cabbage, chicken or vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, and seasonings to the pot.
Step 4:
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes or until the cabbage is tender.
Cabbage Salad
Cabbage salad is a refreshing and healthy way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. To make cabbage salad, follow these steps:
Step 1:
Shred the prepared cabbage into thin strips.
Step 2:
Add shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, and diced tomatoes to the cabbage.
Step 3:
Drizzle the salad with olive oil and vinegar or your favorite salad dressing.
Step 4:
Toss the salad to coat evenly and serve cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it take to cook cabbage?
A: The cooking time for cabbage will depend on the method of preparation. Boiled cabbage takes 10-12 minutes, while roasted cabbage takes 20-25 minutes. Braised cabbage takes 30-45 minutes, and stuffed cabbage takes 45-60 minutes.
Q: Can you eat raw cabbage?
A: Yes, cabbage can be eaten raw and is often used in salads and slaws.
Q: Can you freeze cabbage?
A: Yes, you can freeze cabbage for up to 8 months. To freeze cabbage, blanch it for 1-2 minutes in boiling water, then transfer it to a bowl of ice water to cool. Drain the cabbage and pat it dry, then place it in freezer-safe containers or bags.
Q: How do you store leftover cabbage?
A: Leftover cabbage should be stored in an airtight container in the