How to Shred Cabbage 3 Easy Ways (2024)

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Dismantling an entire head of cabbage into a million tiny shreds can seem intimidating, but you'll want to keep reading before you splurge on the bag of pre-shredded cabbage. With the right method, shredding cabbage is very simple and doesn't require any fancy knife skills or know-how. Check out three of the best methods for shredding cabbage, including with a knife, a mandoline, and a food processor.

How to Shred Cabbage With a Knife

No fancy equipment needed. Shredding cabbage with a chef's knife gives you maximum control over the length and thickness of your shred.

1. Cut Cabbage Into Wedges

• Rinse the cabbage and remove the outermost leaves.
• Cut the bottom of the stem off.
• Place the stem end on the cutting board and slice the cabbage in half from top to bottom.
• Slice each half in half again to create four quarters.
• Slice each quarter in half until you have eight wedges.

2. Remove Core

• Lay each wedge flat on the cutting board.
• Angle your knife diagonally to cut out the tough core from each wedge.

3. Slice Into Thin Shreds

• Keeping the wedge flat against the cutting board, slice lengthwise for shorter shreds (as pictured) or crosswise for longer shreds. (Make a finer shred for coleslaw and sauerkraut and a thicker shred for soups and stir fries.)
• Repeat with each wedge.
  

How to Shred Cabbage With a Mandoline Slicer

A mandoline will create much more uniform shreds than can be achieved with a knife. Be sure to use the right blade for your desired thickness.

1. Cut Cabbage Into Quarters

• Rinse the head and remove the outermost leaves.
• Cut the bottom of the stem off.
• Place the stem end on the cutting board and slice the cabbage in half from top to bottom.
• Slice each half in half again to create four quarters.

2. Remove Core

Cut each wedge at an angle to remove the tough core.

3. Shred Using Mandoline Slicer

• Place the wedge cut-side-down on the mandoline and place the guard over top.
• Carefully run the wedge along the mandoline, using the blade of your desired thickness.

How to Shred Cabbage With a Food Processor

This method is by far the most hands-off approach to shredding cabbage, and it doesn't require any precision on your part.

1. Slice Into Wedges

• Rinse the cabbage and remove the outermost leaves.
• Cut the bottom of the stem off.
• Place the stem end on the cutting board and slice the cabbage in half from top to bottom.
• Slice each half in half again to create four quarters.

2. Remove Core and Cut Into Smaller Pieces

• Cut each wedge at an angle to remove the tough core.
• Roughly cut wedges into smaller pieces that you can feed into your food processor.

3. Shred Using Slicing Attachment

• Assemble your food processor with the slicing attachment
• Feed cabbage pieces into the processor and press down with the pusher.
• Pulse while holding down the pusher. Repeat until you have finished all the wedges.
  

How to Store and Use Shredded Cabbage

Keep shredded cabbage stored in an airtight container in the fridge for two to three days. Stir fry cabbage with a little soy sauce for a super simple, budget-friendly side dish, or fry cabbage with egg noodles for an easy weeknight dinner. Red cabbage's stunning purple hue can stand on its own with a little dressing, like in this red cabbage salad. You can also use shredded cabbage in soups, sauerkraut, coleslaw, and more.

Related:

• How to Cook Cabbage
• 5 Cheap and Easy Cabbage Recipes That Are a Step up From the Usual
• Browse our entire collection of Cabbage Recipes.