Pickled Cabbage
Pickled cabbage is a simple and delicious recipe that adds fresh flavor and a bright crunch to many meals. It is made with fresh cabbage, vinegar, water, salt, sugar, and a few seasonings. The result is a colorful side dish that is crisp, tangy, and full of flavor. This recipe is easy enough for beginners and requires only a few basic ingredients that you may already have in your kitchen.
Many people enjoy pickled cabbage because it is quick to prepare and can be served in many different ways. It tastes wonderful with sandwiches, burgers, tacos, grilled meat, roasted vegetables, rice bowls, and salads. The longer the cabbage sits in the pickling liquid, the more flavorful it becomes. This makes it a great recipe to prepare ahead of time.
This pickled cabbage recipe is perfect for anyone looking for an easy homemade condiment. It stores well in the refrigerator, making it a convenient choice for busy families. The crisp texture and refreshing taste make every meal more exciting. Once you try homemade pickled cabbage, you may prefer it over store bought versions.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick and easy.
It uses simple pantry ingredients.
The cabbage stays fresh and crunchy.
It adds bright flavor to many meals.
It is great for meal planning.
It stores well in the refrigerator.
You can adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your taste.
It is suitable for beginners.
Cooking Time and Serving
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Pickling Time: At least 2 hours
Total Time: About 3 hours
Servings: 8 people
Ingredients
1 medium green cabbage finely sliced
1 cup water
1 cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon salt
2 cloves garlic sliced
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon celery seeds
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes if you like a little heat
Kitchen Tools
Large bowl
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Medium saucepan
Large spoon
Glass jar with lid
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
How to Make Pickled Cabbage
Step 1
Wash the cabbage well under clean running water.
Step 2
Remove the outer leaves if they look damaged.
Step 3
Cut the cabbage into thin slices.
Step 4
Place the sliced cabbage into a large clean bowl.
Step 5
Add the sliced garlic to the cabbage.
Step 6
In a medium saucepan combine the water, white vinegar, sugar, salt, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, celery seeds, bay leaves, and red pepper flakes.
Step 7
Heat the mixture over medium heat.
Step 8
Stir until the sugar and salt completely dissolve.
Step 9
Bring the liquid to a gentle boil.
Step 10
Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Step 11
Allow the pickling liquid to cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 12
Place the cabbage into a clean glass jar.
Step 13
Pour the warm pickling liquid over the cabbage until it is completely covered.
Step 14
Press the cabbage down gently with a spoon if needed.
Step 15
Allow the jar to cool to room temperature.
Step 16
Close the lid tightly.
Step 17
Place the jar in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Step 18
For even better flavor allow the cabbage to pickle overnight.
Recipe Notes
Green cabbage gives a crisp texture.
Red cabbage can also be used for a beautiful color.
Slice the cabbage as thinly as possible.
Always use a clean glass jar.
Allow the cabbage enough time to absorb the flavors.
Taste the cabbage after one day and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Keep the cabbage covered with the pickling liquid.
Helpful Tips
Use fresh cabbage for the best crunch.
Cool the pickling liquid slightly before pouring it over the cabbage.
Do not use damaged vegetables.
Keep the jar refrigerated at all times.
Use clean utensils every time you remove cabbage from the jar.
Serving Ideas
Serve with burgers.
Enjoy with sandwiches.
Add to tacos.
Serve with grilled chicken.
Pair with roasted pork.
Mix into salads.
Top rice bowls.
Serve with barbecue meals.
Add to wraps.
Enjoy with roasted vegetables.
How to Store
Store the pickled cabbage in a clean glass jar with a tight lid.
Keep it in the refrigerator.
It stays fresh for about 2 weeks.
Always use a clean spoon when serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should pickled cabbage sit before eating?
It tastes good after about 2 hours, but the flavor becomes much better after one day.
Can I use red cabbage?
Yes. Red cabbage works very well and gives the recipe a beautiful color.
Can I make it less sweet?
Yes. Simply reduce the amount of sugar.
Can I add more spices?
Yes. Dill seeds, coriander seeds, and fresh herbs all work well.
Does pickled cabbage need to stay in the refrigerator?
Yes. This quick pickled recipe should always be refrigerated.
How long does it last?
It usually stays fresh for about 2 weeks when stored properly in the refrigerator.
Can I use apple cider vinegar?
Yes. Apple cider vinegar gives the cabbage a slightly different but delicious flavor.
Is pickled cabbage healthy?
Yes. Cabbage provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The exact nutrition depends on the ingredients you use.
Nutrition Information
The values below are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
| Nutrition | Per Recipe | Per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 240 | 30 |
| Protein | 8 grams | 1 gram |
| Fat | 1 gram | Less than 1 gram |
| Carbohydrates | 56 grams | 7 grams |
| Fiber | 16 grams | 2 grams |
| Sugar | 28 grams | 3.5 grams |
| Sodium | 2400 milligrams | 300 milligrams |
| Potassium | 1360 milligrams | 170 milligrams |
| Vitamin C | 320 milligrams | 40 milligrams |
| Calcium | 320 milligrams | 40 milligrams |
| Iron | 4 milligrams | 0.5 milligrams |
Health Benefits
Cabbage is naturally rich in vitamin C.
It contains fiber that supports healthy digestion.
Homemade pickled cabbage is made with simple ingredients.
It adds flavor without needing heavy sauces.
It is low in calories and easy to include in balanced meals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not use old cabbage.
Do not skip cleaning the jar.
Do not forget to dissolve the salt and sugar.
Do not pour boiling liquid directly into a cold glass jar.
Do not leave the cabbage uncovered by the pickling liquid.
Do not store the jar outside the refrigerator.
Variations
Add sliced carrots for extra color and sweetness.
Use red cabbage instead of green cabbage.
Add fresh dill for a fresh herbal flavor.
Include sliced onions for extra taste.
Add thin slices of jalapeno for a spicy version.
Mix green and red cabbage together for a colorful salad.
Conclusion
Pickled cabbage is a fresh, crunchy, and flavorful recipe that is easy to prepare at home. It uses simple ingredients and requires very little cooking, making it a wonderful choice for beginners. The tangy flavor pairs well with many dishes, from sandwiches and tacos to grilled meats and fresh salads.
Whether you make it for meal planning, family dinners, or special gatherings, this homemade pickled cabbage is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy it as a refreshing side dish or use it to add extra flavor and crunch to your favorite meals.
Disclaimer
This recipe is provided for general cooking and nutrition information only. Enjoy pickled cabbage as part of a balanced diet and eat in moderation. Always check ingredient labels if you have food allergies or food sensitivities. Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients used.