Here's How To Boil Cabbage Perfectly Every Time (2024)

Table of Contents
Ingredients Directions FAQs

We’ve developed plenty of recipes that let the humble cabbage shine, from steamed to braised to fried with bacon. That being said, when we’re looking for a no-frills, easy side dish—or for the missing piece to our St. Patrick's Day meal—we turn to one of the simplest methods: boiling. If you’ve never boiled cabbage before, follow our 2-step recipe for perfectly tender cabbage in less than 20 minutes. Perfect it, then season it and serve it as you please—this recipe is nothing if not versatile. Here’s everything you need to know:

The best type of cabbage for boiled cabbage:
A large head of green cabbage works best here. It’s sweeter and more pleasant to eat on its own than some other varieties (save that head of red cabbage for our classic coleslaw).

How to cut cabbage:
When it comes to cutting your cabbage, you’ve got two options here: cutting it into wedges, or slicing it thin. Both options will be delicious, it just depends on what you’re serving it with and your desired texture. One thing to keep in mind: If you’re low on time, sliced cabbage will cook faster than wedges (in around half the time).

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!

Seasoning boiled cabbage:
We went basic and simple in this recipe, choosing to only use salt and pepper to season. This recipe creates boiled cabbage that is a blank slate to season as you please. We do recommend going more basic in this recipe: red pepper flakes, a squeeze of lemon, Parmesan, melted butter, or fresh herbs would all be great here.

How to serve boiled cabbage:
This versatile side pairs with a variety of mains depending on how you’re serving it. If you’re preparing cabbage wedges, corned beef with cabbage is a classic choice. If you’re going for shredded, seasoned with salt and pepper, this side would be perfect paired with air fryer tofu, a chicken dinner or a seafood dinner, like our Southern-fried catfish katsu or seared ahi tuna.

Made this? Let us know how it went in the comments below!

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Yields:
4 - 6 serving(s)
Prep Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
15 mins

Ingredients

  • 1

    head cabbage, tough leaves removed

  • Kosher salt

  • Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

    1. Step1Cut cabbage into wedges or slice it thin. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add cabbage. (It's OK to crowd the pot because the cabbage will shrink!)
    2. Step2Boil until tender, about 5 minutes for shredded cabbage and 10 minutes for wedges.Drain on a paper-towel lined plate to dry. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Here's How To Boil Cabbage Perfectly Every Time (2)

Here's How To Boil Cabbage Perfectly Every Time (3)

Here's How To Boil Cabbage Perfectly Every Time (2024)

FAQs

How long do you boil a cabbage for? ›

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add cabbage. (It's OK to crowd the pot because the cabbage will shrink!) Step 2Boil until tender, about 5 minutes for shredded cabbage and 10 minutes for wedges. Drain on a paper-towel lined plate to dry.

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.

How to cut cabbage for boiling on the stove? ›

Halve the cabbage—After drying, stand the cabbage on its stem end on a cutting board and cut it in half. Cut wedges—Lay a cabbage half down on a cut side and slice it into two, three, or four equal wedges, making sure each cut goes through the core to keep the wedge intact.

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.

Does cabbage need to be washed 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 you soak cabbage before cooking? ›

Crisp it up: Shredded cabbage stays perky if it's soaked in cold water. This also helps cut the pungent edge. Drain well before combining with other ingredients.

How do you take the bitterness out of cooked cabbage? ›

As it approaches the boiling point, the enzymes will be inactivated, so no more pungent, bitter compounds will form. Cook only until the cabbage is tender, but no longer. The hot water will leach a lot of the unwanted compounds from the cabbage, making it taste milder than either stir-frying or steaming.

Why should cabbage not be eaten raw? ›

Digestive Distress

Raw cabbage contains fiber, which is generally good for digestive health. However, for some individuals, the high fiber content can lead to digestive discomfort, including bloating and gas. Cooking cabbage can make it easier to digest, reducing the likelihood of these side effects.

What is the healthiest way to eat cabbage? ›

If you want to preserve these nutritional benefits, it's best to steam your cabbage. First, because steaming improves its cholesterol-lowering properties. Steaming also preserves more glucosinolates than microwaving, despite longer cooking time. Purple or red cabbage is a special nutritional powerhouse.

Why does cabbage cleanse you out? ›

Cabbage does double detox duty. Its diuretic properties help rid your body of excess liquid, carrying toxins along with it. Like other cruciferous veggies, cabbage is also sulfur-rich, helping your liver break down toxins so they can be more easily expelled.

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.

How long do you boil cabbage to remove leaves? ›

Boil a lot of water in your biggest pot. Dunk the entire cabbage into the pot for about 30 seconds and remove the outermost leaf.

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