Sauerkraut, a tangy and flavorful fermented cabbage dish, is a versatile ingredient that can elevate meals with ease. Whether you’re using store-bought sauerkraut or preparing it from a jar, cooking this dish enhances its flavor and texture. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook sauerkraut in 3 different ways and provides ideas serve with it once heated.
1. How to Cook Sauerkraut on the Stove
Cooking sauerkraut on the stove is one of the easiest and most traditional methods. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients
- 2 cups of sauerkraut
- 1 tablespoon of butter or olive oil
- Optional: 1 small onion (chopped), 1/4 cup of cooked bacon for added flavor
Instructions
Prepare the Pan: Heat a medium-sized skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add butter or olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance the flavor.
Add Aromatics (Optional): If using onions and bacon, sauté them in the butter or oil until soft and translucent.
Add Sauerkraut: Pour the sauerkraut into the pan. If you prefer a less tangy taste, rinse it under cold water and drain before cooking.
Cook Slowly: Stir occasionally and allow the sauerkraut to cook for 10-15 minutes. For softer sauerkraut, cook for an additional 5 minutes. Add a splash of water, broth, or white wine if it begins to dry out.
Enjoy: Remove from the stove and serve immediately
2. How to Cook Sauerkraut in the Microwave
If you’re short on time, the microwave is an excellent option for heating sauerkraut. This method retains its tangy flavor and is incredibly quick.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of sauerkraut
- 1 tablespoon of butter (optional)
Instructions
Prepare a Microwave-Safe Dish: Place the sauerkraut in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small gap for steam to escape.
Add Butter (Optional): For richer flavor, place butter on top of the sauerkraut before microwaving.
Heat in Intervals: Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes. Stir the sauerkraut to ensure even heating, then continue microwaving in 1-minute intervals until fully warmed.
Final Stir: Once heated, stir again and serve immediately.
This is a quick and efficient way to enjoy sauerkraut with minimal effort.
3. How to Cook Sauerkraut in the Oven
If you want to prepare sauerkraut for a large crowd, cooking them in the oven is the best method.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of sauerkraut
- 2 tablespoon of olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare a Baking Dish: Spread the sauerkraut evenly in a baking dish. Then drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the sauerkraut to keep it moist during baking.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. For a richer flavor, uncover the dish during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Serve Hot: Remove from the oven and serve as a side dish or part of the main course.
4. What to Do With Heated Sauerkraut
Once your sauerkraut is heated, it can be used in a variety of ways to enhance your meals. Here are some ideas:
As a Side Dish: Serve it alongside sausages, pork chops, or roasted chicken.
Toppings: Use it as a topping for hot dogs, burgers, or sandwiches.
In Soups and Stews: Add it to hearty soups or stews for an extra layer of tangy flavor.
With Potatoes: Mix it with mashed or roasted potatoes for a comforting side dish.
In a Reuben: Layer it in a classic Reuben sandwich with corned beef, Swiss cheese, and rye bread.
Now, you knew how to cook sauerkraut perfectly in 3 different ways. With just a few basic steps, you can enjoy a flavorful and nutritious dish in the kitchen. You should combine sauerkraut with other ingredients and spices to create a sauerkraut that suits your palate.
