Cabbage is one of those wonderfully versatile vegetables that can be transformed into a variety of delicious vegan dishes. Whether you’re aiming for a light salad, a hearty stew, or something crispy and fried, cabbage brings a satisfying crunch and subtle sweetness to every plate.
In this post, we’re diving into multiple easy-to-make vegan cabbage recipes that are perfect for any season. These recipes highlight the natural flavors of cabbage while incorporating wholesome, plant-based ingredients to create meals that are nutritious, budget-friendly, and bursting with flavor.
If you’re looking for ways to enjoy cabbage beyond the usual coleslaw or boiled side, you’ve come to the right place. From stir-fries to stuffed cabbage rolls, these recipes are designed to please both vegans and those just looking to add more veggies to their diet.
Plus, cabbage is packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a powerhouse ingredient for your kitchen. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These vegan cabbage recipes are a celebration of simplicity and nutrition. Cabbage is not only affordable and widely available, but it’s also incredibly nutritious, providing essential vitamins like C and K along with antioxidants that support a healthy immune system.
The recipes showcased here are easy to prepare, require minimal ingredients, and can be customized to your taste preferences.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based meals, these dishes offer comforting textures and bold flavors without any animal products. Plus, cabbage’s natural crunch and ability to absorb spices and sauces make it a perfect base for creative cooking.
You’ll enjoy how these recipes bring out the best in this humble vegetable, turning it into a star ingredient that’s both delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 medium green cabbage (about 2 pounds), shredded or chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, grated or julienned
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas (or any cooked beans)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for heat, toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Optional: Grater for carrots
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage: Remove any tough outer leaves from the cabbage. Rinse it under cold water and pat dry. Cut the cabbage into quarters, remove the core, then shred or chop finely.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the spices and carrots: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic. Add the grated carrot and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook the cabbage: Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet. Toss everything together and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cabbage softens but still retains some crunch.
- Add chickpeas and seasonings: Stir in the cooked chickpeas and soy sauce or tamari. Mix well and cook for another 3-4 minutes to heat through and combine the flavors.
- Finish with vinegar and garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle the apple cider vinegar or lemon juice over the cabbage mixture. Toss to combine. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and sprinkle with optional red pepper flakes or toasted sesame seeds. Enjoy warm as a main dish or side.
Tips & Variations
For added protein, try mixing in some cooked quinoa or tofu cubes.
Feel free to swap out green cabbage for red cabbage for a more vibrant color and a slightly sweeter flavor. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas for more texture and nutrients.
For a spicy twist, add freshly chopped jalapeños or a dash of chili powder. If you want to create a more filling dish, serve the cabbage over brown rice or your favorite grain.
Looking for a raw option? Try a vegan cabbage slaw by tossing shredded cabbage with a tangy dressing made from apple cider vinegar, mustard, and maple syrup.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 150 |
Protein | 6 grams |
Fat | 7 grams |
Carbohydrates | 18 grams |
Fiber | 6 grams |
Vitamin C | 70% DV |
Vitamin K | 90% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan cabbage dish pairs beautifully with warm crusty bread or a side of roasted potatoes. It also works well as a hearty filling for vegan tacos or wraps, providing a flavorful and crunchy bite.
For a complete meal, serve alongside a refreshing cucumber salad or a simple lentil soup. If you’re interested in more vegan ideas, check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or try the Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes for delightful plant-based options.
More Delicious Vegan Cabbage Recipes to Try
Vegan Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
These cabbage rolls are filled with a savory mixture of rice, lentils, and herbs, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. They’re comforting and perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 large cabbage head
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Carefully remove cabbage leaves and blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until pliable. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Mix cooked rice, lentils, sautéed onion and garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Place a few tablespoons of filling on each cabbage leaf and roll tightly, folding in edges to seal.
- Arrange rolls in a baking dish, pour crushed tomatoes over them.
- Cover and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Vegan Cabbage Stir-Fry with Tofu
A quick and flavorful stir-fry that combines crunchy cabbage with crispy tofu and a savory sauce. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 head green cabbage, sliced
- 200g firm tofu, cubed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Press tofu to remove excess water, then pan-fry in sesame oil until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add garlic and ginger; sauté for 1 minute.
- Add cabbage, carrot, and green onions; stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Return tofu to pan, add soy sauce and maple syrup, stir well to coat.
- Cook for another 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Vegan Cabbage and Potato Soup
This hearty soup combines tender cabbage and potatoes with aromatic herbs for a warming and filling vegan meal. It’s simple to make and perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
- 1/2 head cabbage, chopped
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add potatoes, cabbage, vegetable broth, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 25-30 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Remove bay leaf, season with salt and pepper.
- For a creamier texture, blend half the soup and mix back in.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
For even more hearty and comforting vegan recipes, don’t miss our Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food.
Conclusion
Cabbage is truly a vegan kitchen staple that offers endless culinary possibilities. Its affordability, nutritional profile, and unique texture make it a fantastic ingredient for creating wholesome, satisfying meals.
The recipes shared here—from simple sautéed cabbage to stuffed rolls and soups—showcase how versatile this leafy vegetable can be.
By experimenting with different spices, cooking methods, and complementary ingredients, you can enjoy cabbage in many forms, ensuring it never gets boring on your plate. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just looking to eat more plant-based meals, these cabbage recipes will inspire you to get creative.
Remember to check out other delicious vegan recipes on the site, like the Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes and the Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe for even more plant-based inspiration.
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Sautéed Cabbage
Description: A simple and flavorful vegan sautéed cabbage recipe that's perfect as a side dish or light meal. Quick to prepare with fresh ingredients.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium green cabbage (about 1.5 lbs), shredded
- 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 pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add sliced onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add shredded cabbage, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is tender, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in apple cider vinegar and soy sauce, cook for 2 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve warm as a side or main dish.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 18 g
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