Sweet and Sour Cabbage
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Sweet and sour cabbage is tender, buttery cabbage cooked in a simple sweet and tangy sauce. It’s an old-fashioned recipe that stands the test of time. It comes together in just 20 minutes with a handful of pantry ingredients, making it an easy side dish for busy weeknights or holiday dinners alike.
Sweet and Sour Cabbage
Sweet and Sour Cabbage
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The cabbage softens as it cooks while soaking up the buttery apple cider vinegar sauce, creating the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Even people who think they don’t like cooked cabbage are often surprised by just how delicious this recipe is!
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Why you’ll love this recipe
If you’ve only ever had plain boiled cabbage, this recipe is going to blow your mind. The simple sauce transforms an inexpensive head of cabbage into a flavorful side dish that’s equal parts comforting and bright. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal, inexpensive to make, naturally gluten free, and pairs beautifully with everything from pork chops and corned beef to roasted chicken and meatloaf.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Green cabbage
- Butter
- Water
- Apple cider vinegar
- Granulated sugar
- Salt & pepper
Step By Step Directions
- Prepare the cabbage. Remove the core and slice the cabbage into ½-inch strips.
- Make the sauce. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan. Stir in the water, apple cider vinegar, and sugar and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Cook the cabbage. Add the cabbage, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until tender, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes.
- Season and serve. Taste and season with salt and pepper before serving warm.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover cabbage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat or microwave individual portions until warmed through.
Freezing isn’t recommended, as the cabbage becomes quite soft after thawing.
More Delicious Cabbage Recipes
- Unstuffed Cabbage Soup
- Ramen Noodle Salad
- Beef and Cabbage Soup
- Fried Cabbage Recipe
- Roasted Cabbage Steaks
- See all our best recipes with cabbage!
How to Make Sweet and Sour Cabbage
Sweet and Sour Cabbage Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 head cabbage cored and cut into ½-inch slices
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir in the water, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Add the sliced cabbage and stir to coat.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage reaches your desired tenderness.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve warm.
Notes
- Cook for 10 minutes for tender-crisp cabbage or up to 15 minutes for softer cabbage.
- Green or red cabbage can be used.
- Add sliced onion or a teaspoon of caraway seeds for extra flavor.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Not recommended for freezing, as the cabbage will become very soft after thawing.
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
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Tools We Love
- Enameled Cast Iron Pot – This pot is amazing and can be used on the stove top or in the oven. I use mine almost daily.
- White Serving Bowls – Love a simple serving dish! This one is perfect for holiday meals or midweek dinners.
Other Great Vegetable Sides
- Marinated Tomatoes Recipe
- Glazed Carrots
- Salt Potatoes
- Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
- Creamed Spinach Recipe
- See all our easy side dish recipes!
Tips for the Best Sweet and Sour Cabbage
- Taste before serving. Depending on the cabbage and your preferences, you may want a pinch more sugar or another splash of vinegar.
- Slice the cabbage into similar-sized pieces so it cooks evenly.
- Stir the cabbage a few times while it cooks to coat every piece in the sweet and sour sauce.
- If you prefer cabbage with a little texture, cook it closer to 10 minutes. For very tender cabbage, let it simmer for 15 minutes.
Variations
A pinch of red pepper flakes adds gentle heat if you enjoy a little spice.
Thinly sliced onions cook beautifully alongside the cabbage and add extra sweetness.
A sprinkle of crispy bacon over the finished dish makes an excellent finishing touch.
For a German-inspired version, stir in a teaspoon of caraway seeds while the cabbage cooks.
What to serve with sweet and sour cabbage
This cabbage is wonderful alongside comfort food favorites like meatloaf, grilled pork chops, smoked pork loin, roasted spatchcock chicken, or corned beef. It also pairs well with mashed potatoes, parmesan roasted potatoes, egg noodles, or our 30 minute dinner rolls to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use red cabbage?
Absolutely! Red cabbage works just as well and creates a beautiful deep purple side dish. The flavor is slightly earthier but equally delicious.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, many people think the flavors are even better the next day. Simply refrigerate and reheat before serving.
Is sweet and sour cabbage gluten free?
Yes, as written this recipe is naturally gluten free. As always, double check individual ingredient labels if cooking for someone with celiac disease.
Can I reduce the sugar?
You can reduce the sugar slightly if you’d like a tangier flavor, though the sweetness helps balance the vinegar.
Final thoughts
Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones that stick with you. This sweet and sour cabbage is proof that a few everyday ingredients can turn humble cabbage into a side dish that’s full of flavor. Whether you’re serving it with a weeknight dinner or adding it to a holiday table, don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds.
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