Cabbage and Egg Fritters
Crispy around the edges, tender in the middle, and packed with sweet shredded cabbage, these cabbage and egg fritters are the kind of simple comfort food that turns a handful of everyday ingredients into something genuinely delicious.
They’re golden and savory, with lightly caramelized cabbage around the edges and a soft, satisfying center. Serve them for breakfast, lunch, a quick dinner, or even as a snack with your favorite dipping sauce.
Why You’ll Love Them
- 🥬 A delicious way to use extra cabbage
- 🥚 Protein-rich and satisfying
- ⏱️ Ready in about 25 minutes
- 💰 Budget-friendly
- 🍳 Made in one bowl and one skillet
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly
- 🌿 Easy to customize with herbs, spices, or cheese
- ❄️ Great for meal prep
Ingredients
Makes about 8–10 fritters
- 4 cups (280 g / 10 oz) finely shredded green cabbage
- 3 large eggs (about 150 g / 5.3 oz without shells)
- 1/2 cup (60 g / 2.1 oz) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (25 g / 0.9 oz) grated Parmesan cheese, optional
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 2 tablespoons (8 g / 0.3 oz) chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml / 1 fl oz) cooking oil, plus more as needed
Optional additions:
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 small grated carrot
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/3 cup (40 g / 1.4 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
How to Make Cabbage and Egg Fritters
1. Shred the cabbage
Finely shred the cabbage so the pieces are small enough to cook quickly and bind easily with the egg mixture.
Place the cabbage in a bowl and sprinkle with the salt. Toss well and let it sit for 5–10 minutes.
Squeeze the cabbage gently with your hands or press it in a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
This step matters: watery cabbage can make your fritters difficult to crisp.
2. Make the batter
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
Add the flour, Parmesan, green onions, parsley, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix until combined.
Add the squeezed cabbage and stir until every strand is coated in the egg mixture.
The mixture should look moist but should hold together when you scoop it. If it seems excessively wet, add another tablespoon of flour.
3. Heat the skillet
Heat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
Add the oil and allow it to become hot but not smoking.
A small drop of batter should sizzle immediately when it touches the pan.
4. Shape the fritters
Scoop approximately 1/4 cup of mixture per fritter into the skillet.
Flatten each one gently with the back of a spoon until it’s about 1/2 inch thick.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Leave enough space between fritters to flip them comfortably.
5. Cook until golden
Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes per side.
The first side should develop a deep golden-brown crust before you flip it. Once turned, cook the second side until crisp and cooked through.
Adjust the heat if necessary. If the fritters are browning too quickly while the center remains soft, reduce the heat to medium-low.
6. Drain and serve
Transfer the finished fritters to a plate lined with paper towels or a wire rack.
Serve immediately while they’re hot and crisp.
Expert Tips
Squeeze the cabbage well. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispy fritters.
Don’t make them too thick. Thin-to-medium fritters cook more evenly and develop better crispy edges.
Don’t flip too early. Wait until the underside is firmly golden and releases easily from the skillet.
Keep the heat moderate. High heat can burn the cabbage before the egg mixture cooks through.
Cook in batches. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature and produces softer fritters.
Easy Variations
Spicy Cabbage Fritters
Add 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes, a pinch of cayenne, or finely chopped fresh chili.
Serve with spicy mayo or chili sauce.
Cheesy Fritters
Add 1/3 cup (40 g) shredded cheddar or mozzarella to the batter. The cheese melts into the fritters and creates delicious crispy, browned spots.
Healthy Version
Replace half of the flour with oat flour, add grated carrot, and use a minimal amount of oil in a good nonstick skillet.
For extra protein, serve with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese.
Asian-Inspired Version
Add:
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Sliced green onions
Serve with soy sauce, chili crisp, or a sesame dipping sauce.
What to Serve With Them
These fritters are delicious on their own, but a dipping sauce takes them to another level.
Try:
- Garlic yogurt sauce
- Sour cream
- Sriracha mayo
- Sweet chili sauce
- Tzatziki
- Tomato chutney
- Fresh salsa
- Avocado dip
For breakfast, serve them alongside fried or poached eggs.
For lunch or dinner, pair them with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or a bowl of soup.
Storage
Store cooled fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For the best texture, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side, or in an air fryer at 180°C / 350°F for 4–6 minutes.
Avoid microwaving if possible—the fritters will become soft rather than crispy.
You can also freeze cooked fritters for approximately 2 months. Freeze them in a single layer first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these without flour?
Yes, although the fritters will be more delicate. You can substitute breadcrumbs, oat flour, or a small amount of cornstarch.
Why are my cabbage fritters falling apart?
Usually there isn’t enough binding or the cabbage contains too much water. Squeeze the cabbage thoroughly and add another tablespoon of flour if necessary.
Can I use red cabbage?
Absolutely. Red cabbage gives the fritters a beautiful color and slightly earthier flavor.
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
It’s best cooked soon after mixing, but you can prepare the cabbage and dry ingredients ahead of time. Add the eggs shortly before cooking.
Can I bake them instead?
Yes. Place flattened portions on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake at 200°C / 400°F for about 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crisp as pan-fried fritters.
Final Bite
These cabbage and egg fritters prove that inexpensive ingredients don’t have to mean boring food. With crisp golden edges, tender cabbage, savory seasoning, and a wonderfully satisfying texture, they’re an easy recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Make a batch, grab your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy them while they’re hot and crispy!