5 Delicious Red Cabbage Recipes You Must Try

If you're looking to diversify your vegetable repertoire, red cabbage is an incredible ingredient to add to your culinary collection. Known for its vibrant color, red cabbage isn't just pleasing to the eye but also packed with nutrients. Here are five delectable recipes that showcase the versatility of red cabbage and will make you wonder why you didn't incorporate this vegetable into your meals sooner.

Red Cabbage Slaw

This red cabbage slaw is not your typical coleslaw. Instead, it’s a vibrant, flavor-packed side dish perfect for BBQs, picnics, or just a healthy side to your meal.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 small red cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 1 apple, julienned
  • 2 tbsp of apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp of honey or maple syrup
  • ¹⁄₂ cup of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp of Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A handful of chopped fresh dill or parsley
• Instructions:
  1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded red cabbage, carrot, and apple.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the vinegar, honey, yogurt, mustard, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
  3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat evenly.
  4. Let the slaw sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Before serving, stir in the fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.

🌿 Note: The red cabbage can stain your cutting board and hands. Use a wooden cutting board and wash your hands immediately after handling.

Braised Red Cabbage with Apples and Spices

This braised red cabbage with apples and spices recipe brings out the natural sweetness of the cabbage, enhanced with fall flavors. It’s an excellent side for roasts or Thanksgiving dinner.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 medium red cabbage, cored and sliced thinly
  • 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • ¹⁄₄ cup of apple cider or white wine vinegar
  • ¹⁄₄ cup of red wine
  • 2 tbsp of butter or oil
  • 2 tbsp of brown sugar
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 4 cloves
  • Salt to taste
• Instructions:
  1. In a large pot, melt the butter or heat the oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion and cook until translucent.
  3. Stir in the red cabbage, apples, vinegar, wine, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and salt.
  4. Cover and braise over low heat for about 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender.
  5. Adjust seasoning with more vinegar, sugar, or salt as needed.

🎃 Note: This dish can be made ahead of time and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for holiday preparations.

Red Cabbage Sauerkraut

Homemade red cabbage sauerkraut is not only delicious but also great for gut health. This recipe requires patience but delivers profound flavors.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 medium head of red cabbage, shredded finely
  • 1 tbsp of sea salt
  • 1-2 tbsp of caraway seeds (optional)
  • Filtered water
• Instructions:
  1. Mix the shredded cabbage and salt in a large bowl. Use your hands or a masher to massage the cabbage until it releases its liquid and softens.
  2. Stir in caraway seeds if using.
  3. Pack the cabbage into a clean glass jar, pressing down to submerge it in its own brine.
  4. Cover the jar with a loose-fitting lid or a cloth to allow for fermentation gases to escape.
  5. Let it ferment at room temperature for 1 to 4 weeks, checking daily to ensure the cabbage remains submerged.

🍫 Note: Fermentation times vary with temperature, so keep an eye on the fermentation process and taste as it progresses.

Red Cabbage Wraps

Utilize the sturdy leaves of red cabbage as natural wrappers for this red cabbage wrap recipe, making for a delightful low-carb alternative to traditional wraps.

• Ingredients:
  • 8 large outer leaves of red cabbage, blanched
  • 1 cup of cooked quinoa or brown rice
  • 1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • ¹⁄₂ red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • Your favorite sauce or dressing
• Instructions:
  1. Blanch the red cabbage leaves until pliable, then cool in ice water and pat dry.
  2. Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface. Add a scoop of quinoa or rice, followed by black beans, avocado, onion, and carrot in the center.
  3. Wrap the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll up tightly to secure the contents.
  4. Serve with your favorite sauce or dressing on the side or drizzled over the wraps.

Roasted Red Cabbage with Maple Glaze

For something different, try roasted red cabbage with maple glaze. The roasting process intensifies the flavor, and the maple glaze adds a sweet, sticky dimension.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 medium head of red cabbage, cut into wedges
  • 2 tbsp of olive oil
  • 2 tbsp of maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp of soy sauce
  • 1 tsp of sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Sesame seeds for garnish
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Brush the cabbage wedges with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Roast for 20 minutes, then flip and brush with the mixture of maple syrup, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
  4. Continue roasting for another 10-15 minutes until the edges are caramelized and slightly crispy.
  5. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve warm.

🎺 Note: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of red cabbage, making it a fantastic side for meaty or rich mains.

In wrapping up, red cabbage is a versatile and nutrient-rich vegetable that can add color, flavor, and health benefits to your meals. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just want to explore new culinary horizons, these five red cabbage recipes provide a range of dishes from tangy slaw to hearty braised sides, all the way to vibrant and healthy wraps. They’re not only delicious but also a testament to the health benefits of incorporating more colorful vegetables into your diet.

What health benefits does red cabbage offer?

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Red cabbage is packed with antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which give it its vibrant color and are linked to fighting chronic diseases. It’s also a good source of vitamins C and K, and contains anti-inflammatory and detoxifying compounds.

Can I make these recipes with green cabbage instead?

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Absolutely! Green cabbage can substitute for red cabbage in most recipes. However, be aware that the flavor might be slightly milder, and you’ll miss out on the vibrant color and specific health benefits unique to red cabbage.

How long can I store red cabbage in the fridge?

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Whole red cabbage heads can last up to 2 weeks when stored in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Once cut, it’s best to use it within a week to maintain freshness.