Boiled Cabbage (2024)

Boiled Cabbage is just the thing when you’re looking for a simple yummy side dish! Simply boil the cabbage until tender and drizzle with butter, salt & pepper.

Cabbage is packed with vitamins, nutrients, and tons of fiber and this recipe makes for a great side for any chicken, beef, or pork dish!

Boiled Cabbage (1)

Boiled cabbage is great for a simple side or an easy meatless dinner combined with potatoes. For a meatier version, just add some bacon or kielbasa and other seasonings to the mix!

How to Cut Cabbage

Remove any discolored or torn leaves on the outside. Keep the root intact to keep the leaves together.

Cut cabbage into wedges of four or eight (depending on the size of the head of cabbage).

Boiled Cabbage (2)

How to Boil Cabbage

  1. Bring water (or broth) to a boil in a large pot. If using plain water, add a pinch of salt.
  2. Submerge the cabbage and cook until it is tender.
  3. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Cabbage wedges can be simply made with water, or boiled with chicken broth for extra flavor.

Boiled Cabbage (3)

How Long to Boil Cabbage

Whether the cabbage is in wedges or in strips, boil until it is fork-tender, about 8 to 12 minutes.

Cabbage can be steamed too, but it takes longer. Drain well before seasoning.

More Cabbage Favorites

Boiled cabbage goes great with so many different flavors! Here is some inspiration to get started!

Boiled Cabbage (4)

Boiled Cabbage (5)

4.98 from 44 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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Boiled Cabbage

Boiled Cabbage is healthy, tasty and ready in under 15 minutes!

Boiled Cabbage (6)

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 8 minutes minutes

Total Time 13 minutes minutes

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Ingredients

  • 1 head cabbage small
  • 2 tablespoons butter melted
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • bacon fat optional (or 2 slices bacon)

Instructions

  • Remove any discolored leaves from the cabbage. Cut the head of cabbage in half and cut each half into 1 1/2" wedges leaving the root intact to hold the wedges together.

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. If using bacon fat, or bacon, add to the boiling water for flavor.

  • Add cabbage wedges and boil 8-12 minutes or just until tender.

  • Drain well, drizzle with butter and season with salt & pepper to taste.

Notes

Water can be replaced with broth for more flavor.
Top with crispy bacon bits if desired.
Cabbage can be chopped into 1" strips instead of wedges if desired.

4.98 from 44 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 53 | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 45mg | Potassium: 193mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 199IU | Vitamin C: 42mg | Calcium: 45mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Boiled Cabbage (10) Course Side Dish

Boiled Cabbage (11) Cuisine American

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Boiled Cabbage (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take cabbage to boil? ›

How long should I boil cabbage? Shredded cabbage will be done in around 5 minutes; for wedges, it'll be done around 10. You want to cook until tender, but err on the side of caution—overcooked cabbage will turn limp and give off a less-than-pleasant smell. Tip: Make sure to drain your cabbage to prevent overcooking!

Why do you put vinegar in cabbage when boiling it? ›

Green is the heartiest variety; it takes well to all cooking methods. Red can turn a funny blue color when cooked, so it's best used raw. If you do want to cook it, add a touch of acid like lemon juice or vinegar to lessen the effect. Savoy can be used in any recipe that calls for green cabbage.

Does boiling cabbage make it less gassy? ›

To reduce the likelihood of experiencing gas after eating cabbage, consider cooking it thoroughly. This can help break down the fibers and make it easier to digest.

Can you overcook cabbage? ›

Yes, cabbage sizzles in stir-fries; simmers in soups, stews, and braises; adds healthy crunch to salads; and does wonders for casseroles, gratins, and meat pies — cabbage does it all, and for a bargain price. The key to cooking cabbage: Don't overcook it. Cabbage is sweet and aromatic when cooked correctly.

Why is boiled cabbage so good? ›

It's Packed With Nutrients

Half a cup of cooked cabbage has about a third the vitamin C you need for the day. It also gives you doses of fiber, folate, potassium, magnesium, vitamins A and K, and more.

What does soaking cabbage in water do? ›

We wanted to find a method that would keep the cabbage from watering down the dressing and also a way to make the salad piquant without tasting too sharp. The solution: Some recipes call for soaking cabbage in ice water to make it crisp and plump.

Do you have to wash cabbage before boiling? ›

Cooking. BOILING: Wash and cut cabbage into quarters or large wedges. Add about 1/2 inch of water into a large saucepan and bring to a boil.

Why do I smell boiled cabbage? ›

And when methionine isn't metabolized properly in your body, it can result in large amounts of dimethylsulfide, which produces a smell similar to boiled cabbage. Sometimes the condition comes about just because you've eaten too much methionine, which is in protein-rich foods, like meat and cheese.

What are the side effects of eating boiled cabbage? ›

Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage can cause gas, bloating and diarrhea. It's best to slowly introduce these vegetables into your diet and gradually increase your intake. Individuals with sensitive digestive tracts might want to limit cabbage or talk to your doctor.

Is boiled cabbage a laxative? ›

Cabbage is rich in fiber and glucosinolates and helps the body retain water. It helps maintain the bulkiness of the food as it moves through the bowels and thus treats constipation.

Why does my stomach hurt after eating cabbage? ›

“Additionally, cruciferous vegetables—like cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts—contain raffinose, an indigestible sugar. As it's fermented by bacteria in the gut, gas is produced, which is why you may experience flatulence and discomfort after eating these foods.

How long to boil cabbage for? ›

How to boil cabbage. Put the cabbage leaves or shredded cabbage in a large pan and cover halfway with water. Bring to the boil and cook for 3-5 mins or until tender.

Why do you put baking soda in cabbage? ›

Baking soda does help green vegetables retain color, but it causes undesirable color changes in red cabbage—it turned blue. The science can be distilled to this: Adding baking soda to cooking water makes it slightly alkaline, which stabilizes the green color of chlorophyll.

Why do you salt cabbage before cooking? ›

The salt will draw out excess water from cabbage while helping preserve the crispiness. After letting it sit for an hour or two, rinse it with water to remove the salt. Drain and dry the cabbage with paper towels, gently pressing to release excess water. Repeat with more paper towels as the water is absorbed.

How long does it take for cabbage to be ready? ›

Cabbage takes between 60 and 100 days to mature. A July planting will begin to form a head as summer turns to fall, and be ready to harvest before a hard freeze.

How long is boiled cabbage good for? ›

Cover and refrigerate cooked cabbage within two hours of cooking and use within 3-5 days. If the cabbage is part of mixed dish like cabbage rolls, store covered in the fridge and use within 3-4 days. Freeze fresh or cooked cabbage in airtight containers or freezer bags for 10-12 months.

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