I enjoy the vibrant simplicity of my simple sauteed cabbage. The dish brings together tender, lightly charred cabbage, aromatic onions, and garlic with a hint of spice and a splash of lemon juice. Each bite reveals a remarkable blend of flavors that awakens my palate and entices me to savor more.
I stumbled on this Sauteed Cabbage recipe that totally surprised me with how much flavor it packs. I started with a medium head of green cabbage, cored and sliced thin.
I heated up 2 tbsp of olive oil in a pan and tossed in 1 medium onion, sliced thin, letting it get all soft and a bit golden. Then I added 3 cloves of minced garlic, a 1/2 tsp of salt, and 1/4 tsp of black pepper.
I also threw in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat and a splash of lemon juice for that unexpected zing. This recipe makes me think about some of my favorite cabbage stir fry recipes that are not only quick and easy but also a great low carb option for breakfast or any meal.
It might not be your everyday dish, but it’s one of those delicious vegetables recipes that keeps you coming back for more.
Why I Like this Recipe
I like this recipe because the cabbage still keeps a bit of crunch even after cooking and it gives a great texture, instead of turning mushy like some other recipes i’ve tried. I love that the onions and garlic add a rich flavor without overpowering the dish, making it feel hearty but not too heavy. I appreciate how it’s super simple to make even if i’m not a master in the kitchen and i can throw in little twists like red pepper flakes or lemon juice based on my taste that day. Lastly, i like that it feels healthy and satisfying at the same time so i can enjoy eating it without worrying too much about what i’m putting into my body.
Ingredients
- Green cabbage is high in fiber and vitamin C, supporting a healthy digestion.
- Olive oil supplies healthy fats and antioxidants, enhancing flavor and overall wellness.
- Onion contributes natural sweetness and vitamins, adding depth to the dish.
- Garlic delivers bold flavor and allicin, supporting immune health well.
- Red pepper flakes provide a gentle heat and a flavorful kick if desired.
- Lemon juice adds bright acidity and zest, balancing the savory flavors.
- Salt and pepper season the dish, intensifying natural flavors and textures.
- The blend creates a hearty, wholesome side dish that is both light and satisfying.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 medium head green cabbage, cored and sliced thin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced thin
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper (or more, as you like)
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat
- Optional: 1 tbsp lemon juice for a little zing
How to Make this
1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onion to the skillet and cook until it starts to soften and turn a bit translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic along with the optional pinch of red pepper flakes and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
4. Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the skillet and mix it well with the onion and garlic.
5. Sprinkle in 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp ground black pepper evenly over the cabbage.
6. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pan so the cabbage can steam for about 10 minutes.
7. Remove the cover and stir the cabbage carefully to ensure even cooking.
8. Let it cook uncovered for another 5 minutes while stirring occasionally until the cabbage is tender yet still has a bit of crunch.
9. If you choose to use it, add 1 tbsp lemon juice at this point and stir the mixture to combine all the flavors.
10. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed then serve warm and enjoy.
Equipment Needed
1. Large skillet
2. Lid for the skillet
3. Measuring spoons
4. Sharp knife
5. Cutting board
6. Spatula or wooden spoon
FAQ
Sauteed Cabbage Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Instead of green cabbage, you can use red cabbage or even savoy cabbage. They have a slightly different flavor, but they cook in a similar way
- If you dont have olive oil on hand, try using butter or canola oil. Both work fine and add a bit of a twist to the dish
- No onion available? You can swap it for shallots or red onions. They tend to be a bit sweeter and still give you that good flavor
- If you’re out of fresh garlic, a pinch of garlic powder works as an easy replacement. Use about 1/8 teaspoon for each clove you’re missing
- And if you dont have lemon juice, a little apple cider vinegar or lime juice can add the right amount of zing
Pro Tips
• Make sure all your veggies are sliced pretty even, especially the cabbage and onions, so they cook at the same rate. It can be a little messy and uneven sometimes but that kinda adds to it.
• When you add garlic and red pepper flakes, keep a close eye so they dont burn. Burnt garlic gives a bitter taste that can mess up the whole dish.
• After covering the pan for steaming the cabbage, check it a couple times. Sometimes the heat can be too low or too high which might leave the cabbage either too crunchy or too mushy.
• If you’re using lemon juice, add it right at the end and stir fast so the flavor mixes in without making the cabbage soggy. This way, you get that zing without ruining the texture.
Sauteed Cabbage Recipe
My favorite Sauteed Cabbage Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large skillet
2. Lid for the skillet
3. Measuring spoons
4. Sharp knife
5. Cutting board
6. Spatula or wooden spoon
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head green cabbage, cored and sliced thin
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced thin
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper (or more, as you like)
- Optional: a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat
- Optional: 1 tbsp lemon juice for a little zing
Instructions:
1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet on medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onion to the skillet and cook until it starts to soften and turn a bit translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic along with the optional pinch of red pepper flakes and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt.
4. Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the skillet and mix it well with the onion and garlic.
5. Sprinkle in 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp ground black pepper evenly over the cabbage.
6. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pan so the cabbage can steam for about 10 minutes.
7. Remove the cover and stir the cabbage carefully to ensure even cooking.
8. Let it cook uncovered for another 5 minutes while stirring occasionally until the cabbage is tender yet still has a bit of crunch.
9. If you choose to use it, add 1 tbsp lemon juice at this point and stir the mixture to combine all the flavors.
10. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed then serve warm and enjoy.
