Cabbage, often overlooked, is surprisingly versatile. From simple sides to complex international dishes, it adapts to various flavors and techniques. This collection of recipes demonstrates how to elevate cabbage beyond basic coleslaw, turning it into the star of your weeknight dinners.
Roasting & Fermentation: Simple Cabbage Transformations
Easy Roasted Cabbage delivers charred, sweet wedges that rival any root vegetable. Roasting brings out the natural sugars, making it a quick, nutritious side. For a more involved process, Homemade Sauerkraut unlocks the art of lacto-fermentation. Properly made sauerkraut offers both probiotic benefits and a tangy flavor that complements many dishes.
Global Cabbage Cuisine: From Asia to Europe
Cabbage’s adaptability shines in international cuisine. Seupa Vapellenentse, a Romanian soup, exemplifies this. It isn’t just broth but a layered casserole, with Savoy cabbage braised in pork fat until meltingly tender. In Korea, Baechu Kimchi is foundational, combining Napa cabbage, gochugaru, and other vegetables for a fermented staple.
Meanwhile, Thai cuisine utilizes cabbage in dishes like Grilled Cabbage With Spicy Thai Dressing. The charred wedges absorb a fiery dressing of fish sauce, chiles, and lime, creating a sweet, spicy bite. Similarly, Gỏi Gà Bắp Cải, a Vietnamese salad, balances tender chicken with crunchy cabbage, herbs, and a gingery sauce.
Beyond the Basics: Innovative Cabbage Dishes
The vegetable isn’t limited to salads or soups. Savory Cabbage Tarte Tatin flips the classic dessert on its head, pairing roasted cabbage with Gruyère in a buttery crust. Melting Cabbage uses slow braising to achieve an incredibly tender texture. For a hearty meal, Kapusniak, a Polish soup, layers onions, cabbage, bacon, and kielbasa in a smoky broth.
Stir-Fries, Dumplings & More
Asian-inspired dishes highlight cabbage’s versatility. Galam Plee Pad Nam Pla is a quick Thai stir-fry with garlic and fish sauce. Stir-Fried Lo Mein With Charred Cabbage incorporates the vegetable alongside shiitake mushrooms and chives for a flavorful noodle dish. For those seeking a hands-on experience, Osaka-Style Okonomiyaki allows customization with cabbage as a base, topped with pork belly or bonito flakes.
Finally, The Best Gyoza showcases cabbage within Japanese pork dumplings, cooked using a three-stage process for crispy wrappers and moist fillings. Even humble dishes like Classic Cole Slaw benefit from a simple trick: salting the vegetables beforehand to retain crunch.
Cabbage’s ability to absorb flavors makes it a culinary chameleon. These recipes prove that this affordable, versatile vegetable deserves a permanent place in your kitchen.
