Cabbage is a popular ingredient in many cuisines due to its versatility in the kitchen and ease of cultivation. Planting cabbage is straightforward; gardeners only need to be vigilant against pests, especially caterpillars. In dishes, cabbage serves multiple purposes: it adds volume to recipes like minced meat, functions as a wrap when cooked, provides a crunchy texture in salads, and complements fatty meats. Its texture varies from crunchy when fresh to tender when cooked and stretchy when steamed, allowing it to create many dishes with just one ingredient. Additionally, cabbage is packed with nutrients, including vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a valuable addition to any meal.

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most loved cabbage recipes from around the world. For each dish, we’ll cover where the recipe originates, its flavor profile, how long it typically takes to prepare, and the key ingredients required. This will give you an idea of the dish before we share the full recipe, along with the most common ways to pair it. Links to the recipes will be attached for you to click on and bookmark!

1. Coleslaw (USA)  

Coleslaw is a classic American side dish known for its crunchy texture and refreshing, tangy-sweet flavor, and it's really simple to make—no need to cook anything! The recipe takes around 15 minutes to prepare and calls for finely shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise or sour cream, mustard, vinegar, and honey. This dish elevates sandwiches or wraps from basic to deli-style, and it also pairs well with barbecue and fried chicken.

Recipe: https://theprudentgarden.com/spring-garden-coleslaw/

 

2. Kimchi (Korea) 

Kimchi is a staple of Korean cuisine, offering a complex flavor profile that is spicy, sour, and savory with a crunchy texture. Cabbage is mixed with garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, and fish sauce to create a dish with a punch of umami during fermentation. While it takes several days to become ready, the preparation itself is relatively quick, taking about 30-45 minutes. Kimchi can be enjoyed on its own, served with rice, or as a side to grilled meats.

Recipe: https://zerowastehomestead.com/kimchi-garden-to-table-how-to-make-organic-kimchi-with-homegrown-cabbage/

 

3. Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Eastern Europe):  

Originating from countries like Poland and Hungary, stuffed cabbage rolls are hearty, comfort food. The dish consists of fermented cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory filling of ground meat, rice, and spices, then simmered in a tomato sauce with broth. This meal has a rich tangy and savory flavor and usually takes about 1-2 hours to prepare and cook. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner on cold days and pairs well with mashed potatoes or a slice of crusty bread.

Recipe: https://www.thekitchenwhisperer.net/2017/07/06/moms-classic-stuffed-cabbage-rolls/

 

4. Cabbage Stir-Fry (China)

This simple dish is popular in Chinese cuisine because it's quick to make, takes about 10 to 15 minutes, and the ingredients are inexpensive. The recipe calls for tender cabbage quickly stir-fried with garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil, resulting in a light, umami flavor often served over steamed rice or noodles. This is one of the most basic meals in Chinese culture, but it's a staple in many households for being affordable, fast, and tasty!

Recipe: https://thewoksoflife.com/chinese-cabbage-stir-fry/

 

5. Sauerbraten with Braised Cabbage (Germany)  

A German classic, braised red cabbage is often served alongside Sauerbraten, a slow-cooked pot roast. The cabbage is stewed with apples, vinegar, and sugar, giving it a sweet and tangy flavor that compliments the richness of the meat. While the pot roast can take several hours to prepare, the cabbage itself takes about 45 minutes to cook. This dish is ideal for a hearty weekend meal or special occasion, especially in fall and winter.

Recipe: https://thepeasantsdaughter.net/german-sauerkraut/

 

6. Cabbage Soup (Russian) 

Russian Cabbage Soup, or Shchi, is a comforting dish beloved for its simple flavor and nutrient-packed ingredients. It takes less than an hour to make. Make the soup by simmering white cabbage with vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery in a chicken or vegetable broth. It is typically served with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dill for added freshness. Enjoy it as a starter or add chicken for a more complete meal.

Recipe: https://www.thespruceeats.com/traditional-russian-cabbage-soup-shchi-recipe-1135534

 

 

7. Fried Cabbage with Bacon (Southern USA)  

Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it! This Southern-inspired dish is a favorite for its smoky, savory flavor and varied textures. Green cabbage is sautéed in bacon grease and bacon bits along with minced garlic, onions, and a pinch of salt, giving the cabbage a rich, bacon-infused taste. It’s a quick dish, ready in about 20 minutes, and pairs perfectly with grilled meats, pork chops, or fried chicken.

Recipe: https://www.southernplate.com/fried-cabbage-with-bacon/

 

8. Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Mediterranean)

Vegetarian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are a Mediterranean dish that brings comfort and flavor to the table. The filling is made from rice, tomatoes, onions, fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro, and warm spices like cumin and paprika, all stuffed into cabbage leaves. This dish takes about 1 hour to prepare, and you can double or triple the recipe for big events. It pairs well with warm pita bread or a light cucumber salad.

Recipe: https://www.themediterraneandish.com/vegetarian-stuffed-cabbage-rolls/#tasty-recipes-10453-jump-target

 

9. Savory Cabbage and Beef Skillet

This Savory Cabbage and Beef Skillet is a simple yet flavorful main dish for meat eaters. The recipe features napa cabbage, bell peppers, ground beef, garlic, and white onion, all sautéed in olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven until browned. Next, add chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar, then simmer until the vegetables are tender. This dish cooks in less than 30 minutes, making it a simple and quick way to enjoy cabbage! 

Recipe: https://www.runningtothekitchen.com/ground-beef-and-cabbage-skillet/

 

Final thoughts

Cabbage is not only easy to grow in a garden, but it’s also an inexpensive and versatile ingredient to keep in the kitchen. When added to meals, it increases the volume while packing in essential nutrients and health benefits. It's no wonder that cabbage has been a staple in Old World countries for centuries, leading to the creation of countless traditional recipes that are still popular today. Whether fresh from the garden or stored in the pantry or fridge, cabbage is a long-lasting vegetable that proves to be a valuable and nutritious addition to any meal.