Cabbage is one of those incredibly versatile vegetables that can transform any dinner into a nutritious and satisfying feast. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your weeknight routine, cabbage offers a wonderful canvas for delicious flavors and textures.
From hearty sautés to comforting casseroles, cabbage’s mild flavor and satisfying crunch can be adapted to a variety of culinary styles. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for a wholesome dinner.
In this blog post, we’ll explore several vegetarian cabbage recipes for dinner that are easy to prepare, flavorful, and perfect for cozy evenings. Whether you want a quick stir-fry or a rich baked dish, these recipes will inspire you to get creative with cabbage and enjoy it in new, exciting ways.
Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cabbage is a nutritional powerhouse that deserves more attention in your dinner rotation. It’s low in calories but high in fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K, helping support digestion and immune health.
The recipes featured here highlight cabbage’s natural sweetness and texture, enhanced with herbs, spices, and complementary vegetables.
These dishes are perfect for vegetarians, but also appeal to anyone looking for hearty, meatless meals that don’t compromise on flavor. You’ll love how adaptable cabbage is—whether steamed, roasted, or sautéed, it takes on flavors beautifully and pairs well with grains, beans, and cheeses.
Plus, cabbage recipes are often budget-friendly and quick to prepare, making them ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. If you enjoy these ideas, you might also want to explore Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners or try some comforting Slow Cooker Vegetarian Recipes Easy and Delicious Ideas.
Ingredients
- 1 medium green cabbage, shredded or chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, julienned or grated
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas (optional for protein boost)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth or water
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (optional)
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Colander (if rinsing canned chickpeas)
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage: Remove any tough outer leaves from the cabbage. Cut it into quarters, remove the core, then thinly slice or shred the cabbage. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once warm, add the sliced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they soften and begin to caramelize.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add vegetables: Toss in the shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and sliced red bell pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Cook and steam: Pour in the vegetable broth or water, cover the skillet, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the vegetables steam for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp.
- Add chickpeas and seasoning: Mix in the cooked chickpeas for extra protein and texture. Season with salt, black pepper, and soy sauce if using. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes to warm through.
- Finish and garnish: Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving.
Tips & Variations
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes or a diced jalapeño when cooking the onions.
Try substituting the green cabbage with savoy cabbage for a softer texture or red cabbage for a vibrant color and slightly sweeter flavor.
Make it more filling by adding cooked quinoa or brown rice just before serving.
For a creamy twist, stir in a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of yogurt (dairy or plant-based) at the end.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Protein | 7 g |
Carbohydrates | 25 g |
Dietary Fiber | 8 g |
Fat | 6 g |
Vitamin C | 60% DV |
Vitamin K | 70% DV |
Iron | 10% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This cabbage dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and mains. Serve it alongside warm whole grain bread or a simple quinoa salad for a balanced meal.
It also works well as a filling for vegetarian wraps or tacos.
If you enjoy this style of vegetable-forward dinner, check out our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners or try a wholesome Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating for lighter evenings.
More Delicious Vegetarian Cabbage Recipes for Dinner
Vegetarian Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
These hearty cabbage rolls are filled with a savory mix of rice, mushrooms, and herbs, then baked in a tangy tomato sauce. They’re perfect for meal prepping and freeze beautifully for busy nights.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of green cabbage
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 cup finely chopped mushrooms
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bring a large pot of water to boil. Carefully separate cabbage leaves and blanch them for 2-3 minutes until pliable. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onions and garlic until translucent. Add mushrooms and cook until tender.
- Mix the cooked mushrooms with rice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Place a few spoonfuls of filling onto each cabbage leaf, roll tightly, and tuck in the sides.
- Arrange rolls in a baking dish, cover with crushed tomatoes, cover with foil, and bake for 45 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Cabbage and Potato Curry
This comforting Indian-inspired curry combines tender cabbage and potatoes in a fragrant tomato-based sauce. It’s perfect served with basmati rice or flatbread.
Ingredients
- 1/2 head green cabbage, chopped
- 2 medium potatoes, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and toast until fragrant.
- Add onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until golden brown.
- Add turmeric and garam masala, stirring to combine.
- Add potatoes and cabbage, stirring well to coat with spices.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and 1 cup water. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Asian-Inspired Cabbage Stir Fry
A quick and flavorful stir fry combining cabbage with crunchy bell peppers, carrots, and a savory garlic-ginger sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 1/2 head napa or green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Add garlic and ginger, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add bell pepper and carrot, stir fry for 3 minutes.
- Add cabbage and soy sauce, continue cooking for 5 minutes until cabbage is tender-crisp.
- Drizzle with sesame oil and toss to combine.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving.
For more inspiring vegetable dishes, don’t miss our collection of Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals and Vegetable Lasagna Stouffer’s Recipe Made Easy and Delicious.
Conclusion
Vegetarian cabbage recipes for dinner offer a wonderful way to enjoy a delicious, nutrient-packed meal that’s both comforting and easy to prepare. From the simple sauté to more elaborate stuffed cabbage rolls or vibrant curries, cabbage’s versatility shines through in every dish.
It’s a fantastic vegetable to keep on hand, as it stores well and adapts easily to various cuisines and flavor profiles.
We hope these recipes inspire you to bring cabbage to the center of your dinner table more often. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, these meals deliver satisfying flavors and wholesome nutrition with every bite.
Don’t forget to explore other vegetable-based recipes on our site to keep your menu exciting and full of variety!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Cabbage Stir-Fry
Description: A quick and healthy vegetarian cabbage stir-fry perfect for dinner. Packed with fresh vegetables and savory flavors, it's both nutritious and delicious.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium head green cabbage, shredded (about 6 cups)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- Add carrot, bell pepper, and snap peas; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in shredded cabbage and cook until wilted, about 7 minutes.
- Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
- Serve warm as a main or side dish.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 25 g
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