Cabbage is one of the most versatile vegetables you can find in the kitchen, especially when you’re looking for vegan and gluten-free meal options. Whether you’re aiming to create a hearty stir-fry, a refreshing salad, or a warm sauté, cabbage offers a delightful crunch and mild flavor that pairs well with a variety of ingredients.
Not only is it budget-friendly, but cabbage is also packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, making it a nutritious staple for any diet.
In this post, we’ll explore several delicious cabbage recipes that are both vegan and gluten-free. These dishes are perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy wholesome, plant-based meals without compromising on taste or dietary restrictions.
From quick weeknight dinners to tasty side dishes, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to add cabbage to your recipe rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cabbage recipes that are vegan and gluten-free are a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal without worrying about allergens or animal products. These recipes highlight cabbage’s natural sweetness and texture, while incorporating fresh herbs, spices, and complementary vegetables.
Benefits of these recipes include:
- Simple and affordable ingredients that are easy to find.
- Quick preparation times, perfect for busy lifestyles.
- Rich in nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber.
- Flexible recipes that can be customized with your favorite spices and veggies.
- Great for meal prep and make-ahead lunches or dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, shredded or chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, julienned or grated
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- 3 tablespoons tamari (gluten-free soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped for garnish
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Grater or julienne peeler (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage and vegetables: Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage and rinse it well. Chop or shred the cabbage into thin strips. Slice the onion, grate the garlic and ginger, julienne the carrot, and slice the red bell pepper.
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until fragrant and the onion begins to soften.
- Add the vegetables: Toss in the carrot and red bell pepper. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes to slightly soften but retain some crunch.
- Cook the cabbage: Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the other vegetables. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage wilts and softens but still has a slight bite.
- Season the dish: Pour the tamari and apple cider vinegar over the vegetables. Sprinkle the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Finish and garnish: Cook for another 2 minutes allowing the flavors to meld. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley and toasted sesame seeds if using.
- Serve: Serve hot as a main dish or side. This recipe pairs perfectly with rice, quinoa, or your favorite gluten-free grain.
Tips & Variations
“For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil while cooking.”
- Try adding other veggies like snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini for more variety and texture.
- Swap tamari for coconut aminos if you prefer a soy-free option.
- For a creamy twist, stir in some tahini or cashew cream just before serving.
- Make this recipe into a filling for gluten-free wraps or lettuce cups to add a fun handheld option.
- Use savoy or napa cabbage for a slightly different texture and flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 120 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 12 g |
Protein | 3 g |
Fat | 7 g |
Fiber | 4 g |
Vitamin C | 60% DV |
Vitamin K | 80% DV |
Iron | 8% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan gluten-free cabbage dish is extremely versatile. Serve it over a bed of steamed brown rice, quinoa, or millet for a complete meal.
It also pairs beautifully with roasted sweet potatoes or baked tofu.
For a light lunch, enjoy it as a warm salad alongside some gluten-free crackers or flatbread. You can also incorporate it into your meal prep containers and top with avocado slices for added creaminess.
Looking for more gluten-free vegan ideas? Check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or try the Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food for hearty seasonal inspiration.
More Delicious Cabbage Recipes Vegan Gluten Free
Cabbage Stir-Fry with Tofu and Ginger
- Ingredients: Green cabbage, firm tofu (pressed and cubed), garlic, ginger, tamari, sesame oil, scallions, and toasted sesame seeds.
- Instructions: Stir-fry the tofu until golden, then add garlic, ginger, and cabbage. Season with tamari and sesame oil. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.
Vegan Cabbage Soup
- Ingredients: Cabbage, diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, vegetable broth, garlic, onion, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Instructions: Sauté onion and garlic, add chopped vegetables and broth, simmer until tender. Season with herbs and enjoy warm.
Asian Cabbage Salad with Peanut Dressing
- Ingredients: Shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, peanuts, and a dressing made from peanut butter, lime juice, tamari, and maple syrup.
- Instructions: Toss veggies with dressing, top with crushed peanuts for crunch.
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Gluten-Free)
- Ingredients: Large cabbage leaves, quinoa, mushrooms, onions, garlic, tomato sauce, and fresh herbs.
- Instructions: Cook quinoa and sauté mushrooms with onion and garlic. Fill cabbage leaves, roll tightly, and bake covered with tomato sauce.
Cabbage and Chickpea Curry
- Ingredients: Cabbage, chickpeas, coconut milk, curry powder, garlic, ginger, diced tomatoes, and cilantro.
- Instructions: Sauté aromatics, add spices, chickpeas, cabbage, tomatoes, and coconut milk. Simmer until flavors meld.
- Ingredients: Cabbage, diced tomatoes, carrots, celery, vegetable broth, garlic, onion, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Instructions: Sauté onion and garlic, add chopped vegetables and broth, simmer until tender. Season with herbs and enjoy warm.
Asian Cabbage Salad with Peanut Dressing
- Ingredients: Shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, peanuts, and a dressing made from peanut butter, lime juice, tamari, and maple syrup.
- Instructions: Toss veggies with dressing, top with crushed peanuts for crunch.
Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Gluten-Free)
- Ingredients: Large cabbage leaves, quinoa, mushrooms, onions, garlic, tomato sauce, and fresh herbs.
- Instructions: Cook quinoa and sauté mushrooms with onion and garlic. Fill cabbage leaves, roll tightly, and bake covered with tomato sauce.
Cabbage and Chickpea Curry
- Ingredients: Cabbage, chickpeas, coconut milk, curry powder, garlic, ginger, diced tomatoes, and cilantro.
- Instructions: Sauté aromatics, add spices, chickpeas, cabbage, tomatoes, and coconut milk. Simmer until flavors meld.
- Ingredients: Large cabbage leaves, quinoa, mushrooms, onions, garlic, tomato sauce, and fresh herbs.
- Instructions: Cook quinoa and sauté mushrooms with onion and garlic. Fill cabbage leaves, roll tightly, and bake covered with tomato sauce.
Cabbage and Chickpea Curry
- Ingredients: Cabbage, chickpeas, coconut milk, curry powder, garlic, ginger, diced tomatoes, and cilantro.
- Instructions: Sauté aromatics, add spices, chickpeas, cabbage, tomatoes, and coconut milk. Simmer until flavors meld.
For another excellent gluten-free vegan sauce, consider the Cajun Ranch Wing Sauce Recipe to spice up your cabbage dishes.
Conclusion
Embracing cabbage in your vegan and gluten-free cooking opens up a world of flavorful and nutritious possibilities. Its affordability and adaptability make it a kitchen staple that can be enjoyed year-round.
Whether you’re sautéeing it with aromatic spices, rolling it into hearty stuffed leaves, or tossing it with a tangy dressing, cabbage provides a satisfying texture and vibrant taste that complements any meal.
With these recipes and tips, you now have a solid foundation to experiment and create delicious dishes that fit your dietary needs and culinary preferences. Don’t hesitate to personalize these ideas with your favorite herbs, spices, and proteins.
And if you’re looking to expand your recipe collection, check out our Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes for more health-friendly inspiration.
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Gluten-Free Cabbage Stir-Fry
Description: A quick and flavorful vegan stir-fry featuring crunchy cabbage and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a healthy gluten-free meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium head green cabbage, shredded
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons tamari (gluten-free soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and ginger; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, and snap peas; stir-fry for 8-10 minutes.
- Pour in tamari and sesame oil; toss to combine.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 18 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Gluten-Free Cabbage Stir-Fry”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A quick and flavorful vegan stir-fry featuring crunchy cabbage and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a healthy gluten-free meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT30M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 medium head green cabbage, shredded”, “1 large carrot, julienned”, “1 red bell pepper, sliced”, “1 cup snap peas, trimmed”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated”, “2 tablespoons tamari (gluten-free soy sauce)”, “1 tablespoon sesame oil”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes”, “2 green onions, sliced”, “1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add garlic and ginger; saut\u00e9 for 1 minute until fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, and snap peas; stir-fry for 8-10 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in tamari and sesame oil; toss to combine.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sprinkle red pepper flakes and cook for 2 more minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “150 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “4 g”, “fatContent”: “7 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “18 g”}}