Shredded cabbage is one of those versatile ingredients that can elevate any vegetarian meal with its crisp texture and mild, slightly peppery flavor. Whether you’re looking for a light salad, a warm sauté, or a filling side dish, shredded cabbage offers endless possibilities for delicious and nutritious vegetarian recipes.
Packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, cabbage is not only budget-friendly but also incredibly healthy. It pairs beautifully with a variety of herbs, spices, and other vegetables, making it a staple in kitchens worldwide.
In this blog post, we’ll explore several delightful shredded cabbage vegetarian recipes that are easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. From tangy slaws to comforting stir-fries, these recipes will inspire you to get creative in the kitchen and enjoy the wholesome goodness cabbage has to offer.
Plus, we’ll share tips on how to best shred and store cabbage, along with variations to suit your taste buds and dietary needs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Shredded cabbage vegetarian recipes are a game-changer for anyone who loves fresh, healthy, and flavorful meals. Here’s why:
- Quick and Easy: Most recipes require just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
- Nutritious: Cabbage is rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants, supporting digestion, immune health, and more.
- Versatile: You can enjoy cabbage raw, sautéed, fermented, or baked, adapting recipes to your preferences.
- Budget-Friendly: Cabbage is affordable and widely available year-round, making it an economical choice.
- Delicious Flavor Combinations: From Asian-inspired dressings to Mediterranean spices, shredded cabbage pairs well with countless seasonings.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of green cabbage (about 1.5 pounds), shredded
- 1 large carrot, peeled and shredded
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Equipment
- Sharp chef’s knife or mandoline slicer for shredding cabbage
- Cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl for whisking dressing
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring spoons
- Skillet or wok (if cooking sautéed cabbage)
- Spatula
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage: Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage. Cut it into quarters and remove the core. Use a sharp knife or mandoline slicer to shred the cabbage finely. Place the shredded cabbage into a large mixing bowl.
- Shred the carrot: Peel the carrot and shred it using a box grater or mandoline. Add the shredded carrot to the bowl with the cabbage.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the shredded cabbage and carrot. Toss well to combine, ensuring the vegetables are evenly coated.
- Optional garnishes: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped fresh cilantro on top for extra flavor and texture.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to let the flavors meld. This shredded cabbage salad is perfect as a light side dish or a crunchy topping for tacos and sandwiches.
- For sautéed cabbage: Heat oil in a skillet or wok over medium heat. Add shredded cabbage and carrot, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until tender but still crisp. Season with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger during cooking. Serve hot.
Tips & Variations
“For the best texture, shred your cabbage finely and avoid over-salting early on, as cabbage releases water which can dilute flavors.”
- Add crunch: Toss in chopped nuts like almonds or peanuts for a delightful crunch.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a splash of sriracha to the dressing for heat.
- Try different cabbages: Use red cabbage for a colorful twist or napa cabbage for a milder flavor.
- Make it creamy: Mix in a dollop of vegan mayo or Greek yogurt for a creamy slaw variation.
- Fermented option: Use shredded cabbage to make homemade sauerkraut, a probiotic-rich condiment.
- Mix with other veggies: Combine shredded cabbage with thinly sliced bell peppers, cucumbers, or snap peas for more variety.
- Use different dressings: Try tahini-based dressings, peanut sauce, or a lemon-herb vinaigrette.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 cup) |
---|---|
Calories | 45 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 9 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Protein | 2 g |
Fat | 3 g |
Vitamin C | 54 mg (90% DV) |
Vitamin K | 81 mcg (100% DV) |
Folate | 57 mcg (14% DV) |
Serving Suggestions
Shredded cabbage dishes are incredibly versatile and complement many meals. Here are some ideas to serve them:
- As a crisp, refreshing side salad alongside grilled tofu or tempeh.
- Mixed into vegetarian tacos or burritos for extra crunch and flavor.
- Served warm as a sautéed side with rice or quinoa bowls.
- Added on top of veggie burgers or sandwiches for a fresh bite.
- Alongside stir-fries or noodle dishes to balance textures.
For more inspiring vegetarian and vegan recipes, check out these favorites:
- Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals
- Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals
- Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners
Delicious Shredded Cabbage Vegetarian Recipes to Try
Asian-Inspired Shredded Cabbage Salad
- Ingredients: shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, green onions, fresh cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and grated ginger.
- Instructions: Whisk dressing ingredients together, toss with cabbage and carrots, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve chilled.
- Tip: Add crunchy peanuts or cashews for added texture.
Warm Sautéed Cabbage with Garlic and Lemon
- Ingredients: shredded cabbage, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley.
- Instructions: Heat oil in skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant, add cabbage and cook until just tender. Finish with lemon juice and parsley.
- Variation: Add chili flakes for a subtle kick or toss in some cooked chickpeas for protein.
Shredded Cabbage and Chickpea Slaw
- Ingredients: shredded cabbage, cooked chickpeas, diced red onion, chopped fresh mint, lemon-tahini dressing.
- Instructions: Combine all ingredients and toss with dressing. Chill before serving.
- Serving suggestion: Serve as a side or sandwich filling.
Spicy Cabbage and Peanut Stir-Fry
- Ingredients: shredded cabbage, crushed peanuts, soy sauce, sriracha, garlic, ginger, green onions.
- Instructions: Stir-fry garlic and ginger, add cabbage and cook until wilted. Toss with sauce and peanuts before serving.
- Tip: Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Vegan Cabbage and Apple Slaw
- Ingredients: shredded cabbage, thinly sliced apple, lemon juice, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Instructions: Whisk dressing, toss with cabbage and apple. Chill for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
- Variation: Add toasted walnuts or raisins for extra texture and sweetness.
Conclusion
- Ingredients: shredded cabbage, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley.
- Instructions: Heat oil in skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant, add cabbage and cook until just tender. Finish with lemon juice and parsley.
- Variation: Add chili flakes for a subtle kick or toss in some cooked chickpeas for protein.
Shredded Cabbage and Chickpea Slaw
- Ingredients: shredded cabbage, cooked chickpeas, diced red onion, chopped fresh mint, lemon-tahini dressing.
- Instructions: Combine all ingredients and toss with dressing. Chill before serving.
- Serving suggestion: Serve as a side or sandwich filling.
Spicy Cabbage and Peanut Stir-Fry
- Ingredients: shredded cabbage, crushed peanuts, soy sauce, sriracha, garlic, ginger, green onions.
- Instructions: Stir-fry garlic and ginger, add cabbage and cook until wilted. Toss with sauce and peanuts before serving.
- Tip: Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Vegan Cabbage and Apple Slaw
- Ingredients: shredded cabbage, thinly sliced apple, lemon juice, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Instructions: Whisk dressing, toss with cabbage and apple. Chill for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
- Variation: Add toasted walnuts or raisins for extra texture and sweetness.
Conclusion
- Ingredients: shredded cabbage, crushed peanuts, soy sauce, sriracha, garlic, ginger, green onions.
- Instructions: Stir-fry garlic and ginger, add cabbage and cook until wilted. Toss with sauce and peanuts before serving.
- Tip: Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Vegan Cabbage and Apple Slaw
- Ingredients: shredded cabbage, thinly sliced apple, lemon juice, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Instructions: Whisk dressing, toss with cabbage and apple. Chill for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
- Variation: Add toasted walnuts or raisins for extra texture and sweetness.
Conclusion
Shredded cabbage is truly a versatile and nutritious ingredient that deserves a regular spot in your vegetarian cooking repertoire. Whether enjoyed raw in vibrant salads or cooked in comforting warm dishes, cabbage brings a delightful crunch and subtle flavor that pairs well with a wide range of seasonings and accompaniments.
With these recipes and tips, you can easily transform simple shredded cabbage into flavorful, healthy meals that satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body. Don’t hesitate to experiment with dressings, spices, and additional vegetables to make these dishes your own.
For more inspiration on plant-based cooking, explore our collection of vegetarian and vegan recipes to discover new favorites and elevate your meals every day.
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Shredded Cabbage Stir-Fry
Description: A quick and healthy vegetarian dish featuring shredded cabbage sautéed with spices and vegetables. Perfect as a side or light main course.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds; cook until they start to pop.
- Add sliced onions and garlic; sauté until translucent.
- Add shredded cabbage and carrots; stir well.
- Sprinkle turmeric, salt, and black pepper; mix thoroughly.
- Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove lid; cook for another 3-5 minutes to evaporate excess moisture.
- Turn off heat and add lemon juice and chopped cilantro.
- Mix well and serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 120 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 12 g
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