Here's How To Boil Cabbage Perfectly Every Time (2024)

Table of Contents
Ingredients Directions FAQs

We’ve developed plenty of recipes that let the humble cabbage shine, from steamed to braised to fried with bacon. That being said, when we’re looking for a no-frills, easy side dish—or for the missing piece to our St. Patrick's Day meal—we turn to one of the simplest methods: boiling. If you’ve never boiled cabbage before, follow our 2-step recipe for perfectly tender cabbage in less than 20 minutes. Perfect it, then season it and serve it as you please—this recipe is nothing if not versatile. Here’s everything you need to know:

The best type of cabbage for boiled cabbage:
A large head of green cabbage works best here. It’s sweeter and more pleasant to eat on its own than some other varieties (save that head of red cabbage for our classic coleslaw).

How to cut cabbage:
When it comes to cutting your cabbage, you’ve got two options here: cutting it into wedges, or slicing it thin. Both options will be delicious, it just depends on what you’re serving it with and your desired texture. One thing to keep in mind: If you’re low on time, sliced cabbage will cook faster than wedges (in around half the time).

How long should I boil cabbage?
Shredded cabbage will be done in around 5 minutes; for wedges, it’ll be done around 10. You want to cook until tender, but err on the side of caution—overcooked cabbage will turn limp and give off a less-than-pleasant smell.Tip: Make sure to drain your cabbage to prevent overcooking!

Seasoning boiled cabbage:
We went basic and simple in this recipe, choosing to only use salt and pepper to season. This recipe creates boiled cabbage that is a blank slate to season as you please. We do recommend going more basic in this recipe: red pepper flakes, a squeeze of lemon, Parmesan, melted butter, or fresh herbs would all be great here.

How to serve boiled cabbage:
This versatile side pairs with a variety of mains depending on how you’re serving it. If you’re preparing cabbage wedges, corned beef with cabbage is a classic choice. If you’re going for shredded, seasoned with salt and pepper, this side would be perfect paired with air fryer tofu, a chicken dinner or a seafood dinner, like our Southern-fried catfish katsu or seared ahi tuna.

Made this? Let us know how it went in the comments below!

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Yields:
4 - 6 serving(s)
Prep Time:
5 mins
Total Time:
15 mins

Ingredients

  • 1

    head cabbage, tough leaves removed

  • Kosher salt

  • Freshly ground black pepper

Directions

    1. Step1Cut cabbage into wedges or slice it thin. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add cabbage. (It's OK to crowd the pot because the cabbage will shrink!)
    2. Step2Boil until tender, about 5 minutes for shredded cabbage and 10 minutes for wedges.Drain on a paper-towel lined plate to dry. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

Here's How To Boil Cabbage Perfectly Every Time (2)

Here's How To Boil Cabbage Perfectly Every Time (3)

Here's How To Boil Cabbage Perfectly Every Time (2024)

FAQs

How long should I boil cabbage for? ›

How long should I boil cabbage? Shredded cabbage will be done in around 5 minutes; for wedges, it'll be done around 10. You want to cook until tender, but err on the side of caution—overcooked cabbage will turn limp and give off a less-than-pleasant smell. Tip: Make sure to drain your cabbage to prevent overcooking!

Why do you put vinegar in cabbage when boiling it? ›

The few drops of vinegar eliminates the odor of cooked cabbage.

How do you keep cabbage crisp when cooking? ›

Once people started roasting them at a high heat, perhaps with a little extra salt and fat (like bacon), it was a game-changer. You can also try slicing cabbage thin and sautéing it to maintain some of its crunchy texture.

How do you boil cabbage without it falling apart? ›

How to boil cabbage wedges without them falling apart? Don't overboil your boiled cabbage wedges – this is the main reason the wedges tend to fall apart. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes on one side then turn it carefully and simmer again for 8 minutes.

How do you know if cabbage is fully cooked? ›

Simmer, covered, until the cabbage begins to soften, 5 to 7 minutes. Turn the cabbage carefully, and continue to simmer until the cabbage is tender, an additional 5 minutes. The cabbage is ready when a small paring knife inserted into the thickest part of the cabbage near the core slides through easily.

Does cabbage need to be washed before boiling? ›

Cooking. BOILING: Wash and cut cabbage into quarters or large wedges. Add about 1/2 inch of water into a large saucepan and bring to a boil.

Can you overcook cabbage? ›

Yes, cabbage sizzles in stir-fries; simmers in soups, stews, and braises; adds healthy crunch to salads; and does wonders for casseroles, gratins, and meat pies — cabbage does it all, and for a bargain price. The key to cooking cabbage: Don't overcook it. Cabbage is sweet and aromatic when cooked correctly.

Why do you soak cabbage before cooking? ›

Crisp it up: Shredded cabbage stays perky if it's soaked in cold water. This also helps cut the pungent edge. Drain well before combining with other ingredients.

Why do you put baking soda in cabbage? ›

Baking soda does help green vegetables retain color, but it causes undesirable color changes in red cabbage—it turned blue. The science can be distilled to this: Adding baking soda to cooking water makes it slightly alkaline, which stabilizes the green color of chlorophyll.

What happens when you soak cabbage in salt water? ›

Quite unlike the ice-water cabbage, salted cabbage shreds lost most of its liquid while sitting in the salt, leaving the cabbage pickle-crisp. In addition to having less water in it, the cabbage took on more of the dressing's flavors, and unlike stiff, icy shreds, this limp cabbage was also easier to eat.

How long is boiled cabbage good for? ›

Cover and refrigerate cooked cabbage within two hours of cooking and use within 3-5 days. If the cabbage is part of mixed dish like cabbage rolls, store covered in the fridge and use within 3-4 days. Freeze fresh or cooked cabbage in airtight containers or freezer bags for 10-12 months.

How long do you boil cabbage to remove leaves? ›

Boil a lot of water in your biggest pot. Dunk the entire cabbage into the pot for about 30 seconds and remove the outermost leaf.

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