I love experimenting with simple ingredients that yield exciting flavors. I thinly slice green cabbage and combine it with olive oil, garlic, salt, and freshly ground pepper. This easy cabbage recipes dish provides a crisp texture and inviting aroma that promises a fresh and satisfying side addition to any meal.

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I recently discovered this simple sautéed cabbage dish and it completely changed the way I view cabbage. I used 1 medium green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced, and tossed it quickly in 2 tablespoons of olive oil.

I added a clove of minced garlic (feel free to use more if you’re like me and love that extra garlicky kick), along with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. It all came together so fast and allowed the natural sweetness and crunch of the cabbage to shine through.

I was reminded of recipes like a crunchy cabbage bake or even a twist on some southern style cabbage recipes. And if you’re wondering whether this is keto friendly, it really is.

I kept it simple so that each ingredient can speak for itself. I cant wait for you to try it and tell me what you think!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe cuz it’s super simple and doesn’t take forever to make. I know I don’t need fancy ingredients, which means I can whip it up any day without any stress. I also love how the garlic makes the whole dish smell and taste amazing even though it’s just a little bit in there. It really brings out the flavor of the cabbage, which stays crunchy in a really cool way even after cooking. And honestly, I appreciate that I can adjust the salt and pepper to exactly how I like it each time I make it.

Ingredients

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Ingredient Quantities

1 medium green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced (if you like it extra garlicky, feel free to add more)

1/2 teaspoon salt (or more if you want)

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to Make this

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1. First, wash the cabbage, then core it and slice it thinly.

2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.

3. Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook it until it smells really good.

4. Toss in the sliced cabbage and stir it well so it’s evenly coated in the oil.

5. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon salt all over and add freshly ground black pepper to taste.

6. Keep stirring and cook the cabbage for about 8 to 10 minutes until it becomes tender but still a little crunchy.

7. Taste the cabbage and adjust the salt or pepper if needed.

8. Serve warm and enjoy this simple, tasty side dish.

Equipment Needed

1. Colander (for rinsing the cabbage)
2. Cutting board (for coring and slicing the cabbage)
3. Chef’s knife (for slicing the cabbage and mincing the garlic)
4. Large pan (for heating the oil and cooking the garlic and cabbage)
5. Measuring spoons (for the olive oil and salt)
6. Spatula or wooden spoon (for stirring the cabbage in the pan)

FAQ

Q: How long do I sauté the cabbage?

A: It usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes over medium heat; stir it occasionally until it gets tender but still keeps a bit of crunch.

Q: Can I substitute red cabbage for green cabbage?

A: Yeah, you can use red cabbage too, but be aware that it might cook a tad faster so keep an eye on it.

Q: Should I add more garlic if I like it extra garlicky?

A: Totally, if you love that garlicky punch then go ahead and add another clove or more to taste.

Q: What other ingredients can I add for extra flavor?

A: You can toss in some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the dish.

Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

A: This dish is best served hot straight from the pan, but you can reheat it gently if you need to make it in advance.

Simple Sautéed Cabbage Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have green cabbage, you can try red cabbage which brings a slightly sweeter flavor or even use kale if you don’t mind a different texture
If olive oil is out of stock, canola oil works just fine or even avocado oil can be a good substitute
Fresh garlic can be replaced with garlic powder if you’re in a hurry but start with a small pinch and adjust to taste
If you’re low on salt, sea salt works really well let alone a pinch of seasoned salt for an extra kick
For freshly ground black pepper, you could try white pepper for a milder heat or red pepper flakes if you really want some extra spice

Pro Tips

1. Keep a close eye on the garlic when it’s cooking cause if it burns, it turns bitter real fast and ruins the flavor.

2. Once the cabbage is in, don’t be shy to stir it often so all pieces get evenly coated in that delicious oil and seasoning, makes the dish way better.

3. Try a little experiment: a tiny pinch of sugar or a squeeze of lemon juice right at the end can sorta balance out the flavors and bring a bit of extra zing to your dish.

4. Every stove and pan heats differently so if you see the cabbage is browning too quickly or cooking unevenly, feel free to adjust the heat a bit so it stays crunchy while still being tender.