Sautéed Cabbage

Kelley Simmons
February 12, 2025
0 comments

All you need is 5 ingredients to make this flavorful Sautéed Cabbage! This stir fried cabbage makes the perfect side dish to almost any meal.

Overhead shot of sauteed cabbage served in a white bowl.

Email this Recipe

Enter your email to get it straight in your inbox! Plus, receive new recipes weekly!

The Best Sauteed Cabbage Recipe

If you ask me, cabbage is totally underrated. So many people don’t love cabbage, but they probably just haven’t been making it correctly! Sautéing cabbage really takes it up a notch. It gets perfectly tender with caramelized brown edges that add so much flavor to this mild vegetable!

The natural sweetness of cabbage is brought out when it’s sautéed. A bit of butter, salt, and pepper are all you need to create a tasty dish, but the flavor can be enhanced with additional ingredients like garlic and onions.

Pair this easy to make sautéed cabbage with your favorite proteins to make a whole, satisfying meal!

Ingredients Needed

Butter: This is the key to adding a lot of flavor to cabbage. It will help to caramelize it in the pan, creating loads of flavor!
Onion: Add a diced white or yellow onion for some extra texture and flavor.
Garlic: Garlic will deepen the savory flavor here!
Cabbage: Use a whole head of green cabbage. It seems like a lot, but it cooks down!

How to Make Sautéed Cabbage

Prep the Cabbage: Chop the cabbage into thin slices.

A head of cabbage being chopped on a wooden cutting board.

Sauté the Onion: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add in onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it starts to brown.

Onions and garlic cooking in a skillet on a stove.

Add Garlic & Allow to Cook: Add in garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Add in cabbage and sauté for 6-8 minutes to medium high heat, making sure to stir frequently. Halfway through cooking, sprinkle with salt (this helps to speed the wilting process).

Cabbage cooking with onions and garlic in a skillet.

Season & Serve: Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cabbage and onions in a skillet after being sautéed.

How To Serve Sautéed Cabbage

As a Side Dish: Sautéed cabbage pairs wonderfully with a variety of main dishes. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, pork, or fish for a light and healthy accompaniment. It’s also a great complement to hearty dishes like meatloaf or pot roast.
In Stir-Fries and Bowls: Incorporate sautéed cabbage into stir-fries or grain bowls for an extra boost of vegetables. I recommend adding it to my chicken fried rice, or try it with a spicy tuna bowl or teriyaki salmon bowl! It mixes well with other veggies, proteins, and sauces, making it a versatile component in these dishes.
As a Warm Salad Base: Use sautéed cabbage as a base for a warm salad. Top it with roasted vegetables, your favorite grilled proteins, and a tangy vinaigrette for a unique and tasty salad option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cabbage should I use to make sautéed cabbage?

Green cabbage is the most common type used for sautéing, but you can also use red cabbage or savoy cabbage. Each type has a slightly different flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment!

How do I keep cabbage from becoming mushy?

To keep the cabbage from becoming mushy, avoid overcooking it. Sauté it over medium-high heat for just a few minutes until it’s tender yet still has a little bit of crunch to it!

How should I store leftover cooked cabbage?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave before serving!

More Vegetable Side Dishes to Try

Recipe