Do you know how to cook cabbage on the stovetop properly? If not, please read this article carefully. Because I will instruct you how to perfectly saute, boil and steam cabbage. Let’s go!
1. How To Cook Cabbage on the Stovetop
1.1. How To Sauté Cabbage
Ingredients
- 1 head of cabbage
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp garlic (peeled and minced finely)
- 1 tsp Salt (to taste)
- 2 lemon wedges
- 1 chopped green chili or red chili flakes (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cut the head of the cabbage into 4 equal parts, chop it off, and remove the tough core. Next shred the cabbage using a mandolin or slice it thinly with a knife. Transfer to a sieve, rinse thoroughly, and shake off excess water.
Step 2: Place a wok (or wide pan) on the stove at medium-high heat. Drizzle the olive oil!
Step 3: As the oil gets hot, release the shredded cabbage in the wok. (*Do not worry if the wok/pan seems overcrowded as the leaves will reduce by 50-60% after cooking)
Step 4: Add the minced garlic, chili, and season with salt. Cook the cabbages for 12-15 minutes by stirring at regular intervals. If you like a little aromatic spice flavor in your sauteed veggies then you may add a teaspoon of cumin powder along with turmeric powder.
Step 5: Once the cabbages reduce in quantity, appear slightly brownish and become soft, they are done! Turn off the stove, squeeze both lemon wedges, and mix—taste test to adjust the seasoning and transfer to a serving dish.
For meat additions, you can pan-fry chopped bacon pieces until crisp and add them to this fried cabbage recipe right before serving. Sausages can be used as well!
1.2. How To Boil Cabbage
Ingredients
- 1 head of cabbage, cut into wedges
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 cups of water
Instructions
Place the wedges of cabbage into a large pot and add salt. Then pour in the water.
Place the pot over high heat and bring the water to a boil. When water boil, lower the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the cabbage simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Test the cabbage for doneness. If it’s still too firm, let it simmer for a few minutes longer.
Once the cabbage is tender, turn off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Top with melted butter and season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!
1.3. How To Steam Cabbage
Ingredients
- 1 head of cabbage
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper powder
- 3 cups of water
Instructions
Fill a large pot about 1/2 full with water and bring to a boil. Meanwhile cut the head of the cabbage into 4 equal parts, chop it off, and remove the tough core. Next shred the cabbage using a mandolin or slice it thinly with a knife. Transfer to a sieve, rinse thoroughly, and shake off excess water.
Place the shredded cabbage in a steamer basket. When water boil, place the steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. Make sure the bottom of the steamer basket does not touch the water.
Cover the pot and let the cabbage steam for 10 minutes, or until fork tender.
Once the cabbage is cooked, remove it from the pot and transfer to a serving dish.Top with butter and season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!
2. Is it Better to Boil, Steam, or Sauté Cabbage?
When it comes to cooking cabbage, there are a few different ways to do it and each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Boil, steam, or sauté cabbage are all great options, but which is best for you?
Boiling cabbage is the most basic way to cook it, and it works well if you just want to cook it for a quick side dish. Because boiling water heats up quickly, it cooks the cabbage quickly and evenly. However, boiling cabbage can make it soggy, so it’s not the best choice if you want a really crisp and crunchy cabbage dish.
Steaming cabbage is a great option for a softly-cooked cabbage dish. Because the cabbage is wrapped in a layer of steam it cooks evenly, is soft, and doesn’t get soggy like boiling. However, the disadvantage of this method is that it takes a lot of time to cook.
Sautéing cabbage is a method of cooking that is more difficult than steaming and boiling, but gives the most delicious flavor. Stir-fry helps the cabbage to soften and absorb all the spices. This is the best method to cook cabbage, in my opinion
Now, you know how to cook cabbage on the stovetop properly. Although it is not difficult, not almost people know this. Would you please try many times until you can get familiar with these cabbage recipes?