Cabaage Recipes Vegan: Delicious Plant-Based Meal Ideas

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Cabbage is one of the most versatile and affordable vegetables available year-round, making it a staple in vegan kitchens everywhere. Whether you’re looking for a crunchy salad, a warm sauté, or a hearty stew, cabbage can be transformed into a delicious and nutritious meal that satisfies both your taste buds and dietary preferences.

Its mild flavor pairs beautifully with a variety of spices, herbs, and other plant-based ingredients, lending itself effortlessly to creative culinary experiments.

In this blog post, we’ll explore a variety of cabbage recipes that are entirely vegan, easy to prepare, and packed with wholesome goodness. From comforting cabbage stir-fries to tangy fermented delights, these recipes will inspire you to incorporate more leafy greens into your meals.

Plus, you’ll find tips, nutritional info, and serving suggestions to make every dish a winner. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of vegan cabbage recipes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cabbage is not only budget-friendly and widely available, but it also offers a fantastic nutritional profile packed with fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. These vegan cabbage recipes are designed to highlight its unique texture and flavor, transforming simple ingredients into mouthwatering dishes.

You’ll appreciate how quickly these recipes come together, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Plus, cabbage is incredibly versatile, lending itself to raw salads, sautés, soups, and even wraps.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just experimenting with plant-based meals, these recipes offer something for everyone.

Ingredients

  • Green cabbage – 1 medium head, shredded or chopped
  • Red cabbage – 1 small head, optional for color and flavor
  • Carrots – 2 medium, julienned or grated
  • Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Garlic cloves – 3, minced
  • Fresh ginger – 1-inch piece, grated
  • Olive oil or avocado oil – 2 tablespoons
  • Soy sauce or tamari – 3 tablespoons
  • Apple cider vinegar – 1 tablespoon
  • Maple syrup or agave nectar – 1 teaspoon
  • Red pepper flakes – ½ teaspoon, optional for heat
  • Salt and black pepper – to taste
  • Green onions – 2, sliced thinly for garnish
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley – a handful, chopped for garnish
  • Sesame seeds – 1 tablespoon, toasted (optional)

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Sharp chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Grater or mandoline (optional for shredding)
  • Serving plates or bowls

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables. Rinse the cabbage heads under cold water and pat dry. Remove the outer leaves if necessary. Shred the green cabbage finely, and if using red cabbage, shred it separately. Julienne or grate the carrots and finely chop the onion. Mince the garlic and grate the fresh ginger.
  2. Heat the oil. Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil or avocado oil and allow it to warm for about 30 seconds.
  3. Sauté aromatics. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and grated ginger to the skillet. Stir frequently and cook until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add the cabbage and carrots. Toss in the shredded green and red cabbage along with the julienned carrots. Stir well to combine and coat the vegetables with the oil and aromatics.
  5. Season the mixture. Pour in the soy sauce or tamari, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup. Sprinkle in the red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste. Stir continuously to mix all the flavors evenly.
  6. Cook until tender-crisp. Continue to sauté the cabbage mixture for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage should soften slightly but still maintain a bit of crunch.
  7. Final touches. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro or parsley, and toasted sesame seeds if using.
  8. Serve immediately. Enjoy this warm, flavorful cabbage stir-fry as a main dish or a side alongside your favorite vegan meals.

Tips & Variations

“Cabbage is incredibly flexible—try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.”

For an extra punch, add crushed peanuts or cashews as a crunchy topping. If you prefer a sweeter profile, increase the maple syrup slightly, or add a splash of orange juice.

For a fermented twist, try making vegan sauerkraut or kimchi—both fantastic ways to boost gut health.

Feeling adventurous? Incorporate this cabbage stir-fry into vegan wraps using large cabbage leaves or serve it over quinoa or brown rice for a hearty bowl.

You can also explore cabbage pizza crusts for a gluten-free alternative—check out our Cabbage Pizza Crust Recipe for inspiration.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving (1 cup)
Calories 85
Protein 3 grams
Carbohydrates 12 grams
Fiber 4 grams
Fat 4 grams
Vitamin C 60% of Daily Value
Vitamin K 70% of Daily Value
Iron 8% of Daily Value

Serving Suggestions

This vegan cabbage stir-fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine or brown rice, adding a wholesome base to your meal. It also complements tofu dishes, such as crispy baked tofu or grilled tempeh, adding a fresh and crunchy contrast.

For a lighter option, serve it alongside a fresh green salad with a tangy lemon vinaigrette.

For a cozy meal, try pairing cabbage stir-fry with a bowl of warm vegan soup or stew. Interested in plant-based comfort food?

Explore our Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food for more filling ideas.

Conclusion

Embracing cabbage in your vegan cooking opens up a world of delicious, nutritious possibilities. Its affordability, versatility, and health benefits make it a superstar vegetable for any plant-based kitchen.

These recipes not only highlight cabbage’s natural flavors but also inspire you to get creative with easy, wholesome meals that the whole family can enjoy.

Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, cabbage recipes are a fantastic way to add more greens to your diet without breaking the bank. Don’t forget to experiment with different herbs, spices, and accompaniments to make each dish uniquely yours.

For more vegan inspiration, check out our Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes and Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe. Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Sautéed Cabbage

Description: A simple and delicious vegan cabbage recipe that’s perfect as a side dish or light meal. This sautéed cabbage is flavorful and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 medium green cabbage (about 1.5 pounds), chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add chopped cabbage, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and chili flakes.
  5. Pour in vegetable broth and apple cider vinegar, then cover and cook for 8-10 minutes until cabbage is tender.
  6. Remove lid and cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes to evaporate excess liquid.
  7. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 12 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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