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Quick Sautéed Cabbage Recipe

5 from 63 reviews

This Quick Sautéed Cabbage recipe transforms simple cabbage into a flavorful, tender side dish through a fast sauté with butter, onions, garlic, and warming spices like paprika and caraway seeds. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an easy, budget-friendly, and nutritious addition that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 head cabbage (thickly sliced into 1-inch wide ribbons)
  • 1 medium onion (diced)
  • 3 garlic cloves (freshly minced)

Fats

  • 3 tbsp butter (unsalted, Kerrygold recommended)
  • 1.5 tsp olive oil

Spices & Seasonings

  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp caraway seeds
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Mise en Place: Slice the cabbage into 1-inch wide ribbons to ensure even cooking. Dice the onion finely and mince fresh garlic cloves to maximize flavor. Measure out paprika, caraway seeds, and sugar into a small bowl for convenience during cooking.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until the butter foams and oil shimmers. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent and soft, laying a flavorful base for the dish.
  3. Cook the Cabbage Until Tender: Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet with the onions, stirring to coat in the butter-oil mixture. Cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to promote even cooking and prevent sticking, until the cabbage softens and wilts, releasing moisture.
  4. Build the Flavor with Spices and Garlic: Stir in paprika, caraway seeds, sugar, and minced garlic. Cook for 2 minutes while stirring constantly to bloom the spices and infuse the garlic aroma. This step brings earthy, nutty tones and deepens the dish’s flavor profile.
  5. Season and Serve: Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper gradually, to your preference. Transfer the warm sautéed cabbage to a serving dish and enjoy as a versatile side that complements various proteins and meals.

Notes

  • Do not overcrowd the skillet to avoid steaming instead of sautéing the cabbage; cook in batches if necessary.
  • Add garlic during the last two minutes of cooking to prevent bitterness from burning.
  • Cut cabbage ribbons between 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick for ideal texture and avoid stirring constantly to develop caramelization.
  • For extra depth, a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice can be added after cooking to brighten flavors.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave with a splash of water or butter to restore moisture.

Keywords: sautéed cabbage, quick side dish, easy vegetable recipe, paprika cabbage, caraway seeds, weeknight side, healthy cabbage recipe