Fried Cabbage Recipe Vegetarian Style Made Easy

Fried cabbage is a simple, comforting dish that brings out the natural sweetness and tender texture of cabbage with a deliciously savory twist. Perfectly suited for vegetarians, this fried cabbage recipe uses just a handful of wholesome ingredients to create a flavorful side or even a light main course.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and quick to prepare. The beauty of fried cabbage lies in its versatility — you can enjoy it as is or customize it with your favorite spices and herbs.

In this post, I’ll walk you through a straightforward, vegetarian fried cabbage recipe that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Plus, I’ll share tips for getting the perfect sauté every time along with some tasty variations to keep things exciting.

If you love this dish, be sure to check out my other recipes like Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for more inspiration!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This fried cabbage recipe is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to add more vegetables to their diet without sacrificing flavor. It’s quick to make, requiring only about 20 minutes from start to finish, and uses basic pantry staples you likely already have on hand.

The cabbage cooks down to a tender, slightly caramelized delight that pairs well with almost any meal.

Additionally, this dish is:

• Vegetarian and vegan-friendly when using plant-based oil and no animal products.
• Low in calories but high in fiber and vitamins.
• Customizable with spices, herbs, or added vegetables to suit your taste.
• Budget-friendly using affordable ingredients.

It’s a healthy way to transform a humble vegetable into a star side dish or even a main, especially when paired with grains or legumes. If you want to explore more vegetable-forward dishes, check out my Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or the easy Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of green cabbage (about 2 pounds), cored and thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or your preferred vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for brightness
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large skillet or frying pan (preferably non-stick or cast iron)
• Sharp knife for slicing cabbage and onion
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Measuring spoons
• Bowl for mixing if needed

Instructions

1. Prepare the cabbage: Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage if damaged. Cut the cabbage in half, then into quarters. Remove the core from each quarter and slice the cabbage thinly into strips.
2. Heat the skillet: Place your skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Allow the oil to warm for about 1 minute.
3. Sauté onion and garlic: Add the sliced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
4. Add the cabbage: Carefully add the sliced cabbage to the pan. It will likely overflow at first, but it will quickly cook down. Stir well to combine with the onion and garlic.
5. Season the cabbage: Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika evenly over the cabbage. Stir to distribute the seasonings. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until the cabbage is tender and starting to caramelize on some edges.
6. Add acidity: Drizzle the apple cider vinegar or lemon juice over the cabbage and stir well. This step brightens the flavors and balances the richness.
7. Final touches: Taste the cabbage and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if desired.
8. Serve warm: Transfer the fried cabbage to a serving dish and enjoy immediately.

Tips & Variations

“For the best flavor, avoid overcrowding the pan. If needed, cook the cabbage in batches to allow it to brown rather than steam.”

• Add heat: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Mix vegetables: Add shredded carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra color and nutrients.
• Use different oils: Try coconut oil or avocado oil for different flavor profiles.
• Add protein: For a more filling meal, add cooked chickpeas or crumbled tofu during the cooking process.
• Use different cabbages: Try red cabbage for a colorful twist or savoy cabbage for a milder taste.
• Herbs and spices: Experiment with thyme, dill, or cumin to create your own signature version.

Nutrition Facts

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Serving Suggestions

This fried cabbage dish pairs beautifully with a variety of meals. Try serving it alongside your favorite grain like quinoa, brown rice, or couscous for a wholesome vegetarian plate.

It’s also a great side for baked potatoes or roasted root vegetables.

For a comforting meal, serve fried cabbage with hearty lentil stew or a creamy vegan bechamel pasta (check out my Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes for inspiration). You can even use fried cabbage as a filling for soft tacos or wraps with beans and avocado.

Conclusion

Fried cabbage is a wonderfully simple yet flavorful dish that can elevate your vegetarian cooking with minimal effort. This recipe highlights how basic ingredients like cabbage, onion, and garlic can be transformed into a delicious side that complements any meal.

Its versatility allows you to customize it to your taste, whether you prefer it smoky, spicy, or loaded with extra veggies.

Not only is it tasty, but fried cabbage also offers nutritional benefits, including fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a smart choice for healthy eating. Next time you want a quick, satisfying vegetable dish, give this recipe a try and explore the variations to keep it exciting.

For more easy and delicious vegetarian recipes, don’t miss my Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners or Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore for global flavors.

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