10+ Red Cabbage Recipes for Delicious and Colorful Meals
Red cabbage is a vibrant and healthy vegetable that can enhance many meals. It adds both color and crunch to your dishes, making it a versatile ingredient for salads, side dishes, and even main courses.
Exploring red cabbage recipes can introduce you to new flavors and cooking methods. Whether you roast, braise, or shred it, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy red cabbage that are not only delicious but also simple to prepare.
From classic dishes to modern twists, these recipes will inspire you to incorporate more red cabbage into your diet.
1) Sweet and Sour German Red Cabbage
Sweet and sour German red cabbage is a delicious side dish. It brings a mix of flavors that can brighten up any meal. This dish pairs well with meats and is easy to make.
To prepare this dish, you will need just a few simple ingredients. You can whip it up in about 30 minutes. This recipe gives you a beautiful color and a delightful taste.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds red cabbage, shredded
- 2 or 3 medium apples, peeled and shredded
- 1/3 to 2/3 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup hot water
Cooking Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the shredded red cabbage, apples, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir in the vinegar, brown sugar, and hot water.
- Cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
2) Braised Red Cabbage with Apples
Braised red cabbage with apples is a delicious and simple dish. It’s a great mix of sweet and tangy flavors that pairs well with many meals. This recipe brings out the natural sweetness in cabbage and apples.
To make this dish, you will need ingredients like red cabbage, apples, and onions. The slow cooking helps the flavors blend beautifully, giving you a tasty side to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 to 2½ pounds red cabbage, quartered and sliced
- 2 apples (such as Braeburn or Honeycrisp), cored and chopped
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup water
- Salt to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat the canola oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions and cook until soft.
- Stir in the cabbage and cook for a few minutes.
- Add the chopped apples, vinegar, water, and salt.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
3) Red Cabbage & Sausage Soup
This tasty soup combines red cabbage and sausage into a hearty dish. It’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner. Packed with flavor, it will warm you up on chilly nights.
To start, you will need red cabbage, sausage, potatoes, and seasonings. The combination makes for a filling meal that everyone will enjoy.
You can have this soup ready in about 45 minutes. It’s great for leftovers, as it keeps well in the fridge.
Ingredients:
- 1 small head of red cabbage, chopped
- 1 pound Polish sausage, sliced
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat.
- Add the sausage and cook until browned.
- Stir in the onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
- Add cabbage, potatoes, and broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving. Enjoy!
4) Roasted Red Cabbage with Caramelized Edges
Roasted red cabbage is a delicious side dish that’s easy to prepare. The outer leaves become crispy while the inside stays tender and flavorful. This combination of textures makes it a great addition to any meal.
Start by cutting the cabbage into wedges. Drizzle with olive oil, and add salt and pepper to taste. You can also try adding balsamic vinegar for extra flavor.
Roast the cabbage in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes. It will be crisp and browned at the edges when done. You don’t need to flip the cabbage while it cooks.
Ingredients
- 1 head of red cabbage
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Balsamic vinegar
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Cut the red cabbage into wedges.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes.
- Enjoy the crispy and tender cabbage!
5) Simple Red Cabbage Salad with Lime Dressing
This simple red cabbage salad is fresh and zesty, perfect for any meal. The lime dressing adds a bright flavor that complements the crunch of the cabbage. You can whip it up in just a few minutes!
Start by shredding some red cabbage. You want about four cups for this recipe.
Next, mix lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt to create the dressing. Drizzle it over the cabbage and toss well.
Feel free to add some chopped cilantro or green onions for extra flavor!
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded red cabbage
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: chopped cilantro or green onions
Cooking Instructions
- Shred the red cabbage and place it in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, mix lime juice, olive oil, and salt.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage and toss until well mixed.
- Add cilantro or green onions, if desired.
- Serve immediately or chill in the fridge before serving.
6) Fergus Henderson’s Red Salad
Fergus Henderson’s Red Salad is a vibrant dish that celebrates the flavors of raw vegetables. This salad is fresh, crunchy, and packed with color, making it perfect for any meal.
You will need raw beets, red cabbage, and red onion, combined with a tangy dressing. The dressing typically includes balsamic vinegar and olive oil, which adds a delicious taste. Don’t forget to sprinkle in some salty capers for extra flavor.
This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a great way to enjoy healthy vegetables.
Ingredients
- 2 raw beetroot, peeled and finely grated
- ¼ raw red cabbage, very finely sliced
- 1 small red onion, finely sliced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons capers
Cooking Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the grated beets, sliced cabbage, and onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
- Add capers, salt, and pepper. Mix well before serving.
7) Chef John’s Braised Red Cabbage
Chef John’s Braised Red Cabbage is a tasty and colorful side dish. This recipe combines the sweetness of cabbage with the richness of red wine. It’s perfect for holiday meals or any family dinner.
To make this dish, you will need a small head of red cabbage, butter, and a few simple seasonings. The cooking process brings out the deep flavors of the ingredients.
Ingredients
- 1 small head red cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup red wine
- 1/3 cup water
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- A pinch of caraway seeds
Cooking Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced red cabbage and stir to coat.
- Pour in the red wine and water, then add the vinegar and caraway seeds.
- Season with salt and mix well.
- Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve warm.
8) German Red Cabbage with Brown Sugar and Vinegar
German red cabbage is a delicious side dish that balances sweet and sour flavors. The combination of brown sugar and vinegar gives it a unique taste that pairs well with many meats.
To make this dish, you’ll need a head of red cabbage, some butter, and a few simple spices. You can enjoy this dish warm or cold, making it versatile for any meal.
Start by slicing the cabbage into thin strips. Then, melt butter in a large pot. Add the cabbage along with brown sugar and vinegar, stirring to combine. Cook until the cabbage is tender, about 30 minutes at a low simmer.
Ingredients
- 1/2 large red cabbage, sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- Salt to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Slice the red cabbage into thin strips.
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the sliced cabbage.
- Stir in the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar.
- Season with salt.
- Simmer on low for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender.
9) Red Cabbage Slaw with Apple and Caraway
This red cabbage slaw is a delicious and healthy side dish. It combines the crunch of cabbage with the sweetness of apples and the unique flavor of caraway seeds.
Start by slicing your red cabbage thin. Then, chop up a tart apple, like Granny Smith. The apples add a nice sweetness that balances well with the cabbage.
Next, you’ll want to toast some caraway seeds to bring out their flavor. Mixing these ingredients together creates a colorful and tasty salad.
Ingredients
- 4 cups finely sliced red cabbage
- 1 medium Granny Smith apple, diced
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Toast the caraway seeds in a pan over medium heat until fragrant.
- In a bowl, combine the cabbage, apple, toasted seeds, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve fresh or let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Enjoy!
10) Winter Braised Red Cabbage
Winter Braised Red Cabbage is a warm and vibrant dish. It pairs nicely with hearty meals, making it perfect for cold weather. You’ll enjoy the balance of flavors created by the red wine and spices.
Start by finely shredding your red cabbage. Then, sauté it with onions in a bit of oil for added sweetness. Next, add red wine, apple slices, and a pinch of spices.
Let the cabbage simmer until it’s tender. This slow cooking helps the flavors blend beautifully, resulting in a delicious side dish. Serve it warm to brighten your winter meals.
Ingredients
- 1 small red cabbage (about 600g), finely shredded
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 Bramley apple, peeled and sliced
- 100ml red wine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onions and cook until softened.
- Stir in the shredded cabbage and apple slices.
- Pour in the red wine and season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally.