Recipe

Simple Cabbage Recipe

Tender, buttery cabbage with crisped edges and a bright lemon finish. One pan, weeknight easy, and weirdly addictive.

By Matt Campbell

•

4.8

A skillet of tender sautéed green cabbage with golden brown edges, topped with fresh parsley and lemon wedges on a wooden counter

Cabbage has a reputation for being either sad and watery or aggressively boiled into submission. We are not doing either.

This is my go-to simple cabbage recipe when I want something cozy but still bright: we sauté it hot so the edges get a little crisp, then add a splash of broth so it turns juicy and tender without going mushy. Finish with lemon and a small shower of Parmesan if you are feeling extra, and suddenly the humble cabbage is the thing everyone keeps “taste testing” straight out of the pan.

A cutting board with a halved green cabbage, a chef's knife, and thinly sliced cabbage ribbons ready to cook

Why It Works

Quick browning plus a little steam gives you that perfect combo: crisp edges, tender centers.
Butter and garlic make it taste like you tried harder than you did.
Lemon at the end wakes up the whole pan and keeps it from tasting heavy.
Flexible seasoning means it works with pork, chicken, beans, noodles, or just a fork.
Meal prep friendly and it makes about 4 to 5 cups.

Pairs Well With

Roasted Chicken Thighs with Garlic
Crispy skin chicken that loves a cabbage side
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Cozy carbs for soaking up the buttery pan juices
Simple Pan-Seared Sausage
A fast protein that turns this into dinner
Lemon Herb Rice
Bright, easy, and perfect under tender cabbage

Storage Tips

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerator: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat: For the best texture, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a tiny splash of water or broth. Stir once or twice and let it sizzle until hot. Microwave works too, but the edges will soften.

Freezing: You can freeze it for up to 2 months for best quality. It is still safe longer if kept frozen, but the texture will be softer after thawing. I recommend freezing only if you plan to add it to soups, fried rice, or a noodle bowl.

Leftover glow-ups:

Toss into scrambled eggs with cheddar.
Fold into ramen or buttered noodles.
Top with a fried egg and chili crisp for a low-effort lunch.

Common Questions

Do I have to use green cabbage?

Nope. Green cabbage is the classic, but savoy cabbage is even more tender. Red cabbage works too, just expect a slightly firmer bite and a purple pan situation (not a problem, just a vibe).

How do I keep cabbage from getting watery?

Use high heat first and do not overcrowd the pan. Browning drives off moisture and builds flavor. Then add just a small splash of broth to steam it tender.

Can I make it without butter?

Yes. Use olive oil for the sauté, then finish with a drizzle of good olive oil and lemon. It will be lighter but still delicious.

What protein goes best with this?

Sausage, pork chops, roast chicken, or white beans. Cabbage is basically a team player that gets along with everyone.

How do I know when it’s done?

When the cabbage is tender but not limp and a few pieces have golden edges. Taste a strip. If it still feels crunchy in the thick parts, give it a few more minutes with the lid on.

My kosher salt is stronger. Should I adjust?

Maybe. If you use Morton kosher salt, start with a little less (it’s saltier by volume than Diamond Crystal). You can always add more at the end.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Large skillet or sauté pan with a lid (12-inch is ideal)
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Tongs or a spatula
Measuring spoons

I started making cabbage like this when I was in my “learn to cook with what you have” era. Cabbage was cheap, always hanging out in the produce drawer, and honestly it felt a little boring. Then I accidentally let it sit in a hot pan long enough to brown, added a splash of broth to save it, and realized I had stumbled into something great. Now it is the side dish I make when I want dinner to feel comforting but not heavy, and when I want my kitchen to smell like butter and garlic for a solid ten minutes.

Simple Cabbage Recipe

(4.8 Reviews)

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 15 to 20 mins

Total Time 25 to 30 mins

Servings 4

Ingredients

1 medium green cabbage (about 2 to 2 1/2 pounds), cored and thinly sliced into about 1/4-inch ribbons
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste (see note)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but highly recommended)
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/3 cup low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 to 1 lemon)
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan (optional)

Notes: If your skillet is not huge, cook the cabbage in two batches so it browns instead of steaming. Salt varies by brand. If using Morton kosher salt, start with a little less and adjust at the end.

Instructions

Slice the cabbage. Remove any wilted outer leaves. Cut the cabbage into quarters, cut out the core, then thinly slice into ribbons (about 1/4-inch thick).
Start hot. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the butter. When the butter melts and starts to foam, add the cabbage. (Work in two batches if needed.) Toss to coat.
Let it brown. Spread the cabbage out. Let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes without stirring so you get some golden edges. Toss, then let it sit another 2 minutes. (A little char is flavor. We are friends with it.)
Add garlic and season. Lower heat to medium. Add the garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Toss for 30 seconds, just until the garlic smells amazing.
Steam it tender and juicy. Pour in the broth and scrape up any browned bits. Cover with a lid and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the cabbage is tender but not mushy.
Finish like you mean it. Remove the lid. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon butter and toss until glossy. Turn off the heat, squeeze in the lemon juice, and taste. Add a pinch more salt if needed.
Serve. Top with parsley and Parmesan if using. Serve hot, straight from the skillet.

Nutrition information is estimated.

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