Sauteed Cabbage with Garlic and Balsamic Recipe
This Sauteed Cabbage recipe features tender, caramelized green cabbage cooked with garlic, olive oil, and optional butter and balsamic vinegar for extra depth of flavor. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s a healthy and delicious side dish perfect for any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 head Green cabbage (~3 lb)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp Unsalted butter (optional, but recommended)
- 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 2 tsp Sea salt (to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage: Cut the cabbage into quarters, removing and discarding the core. Slice the cabbage thinly and separate the slices into shreds to ensure even cooking.
- Heat the oil and garlic: Warm the olive oil in a large 12 or 13-inch sauté pan with tall sides over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant to release its aroma and flavor.
- Add and cook the cabbage: Place the sliced cabbage into the pan. If your pan is not large enough to hold all the cabbage at once, add it in batches allowing the added cabbage to wilt slightly before adding more. Sauté the cabbage for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring with tongs every 1-2 minutes to promote caramelization while avoiding constant stirring so the cabbage can brown properly.
- Finish with butter and balsamic: When the cabbage is nearly done, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add unsalted butter and/or balsamic vinegar, stirring until the butter is melted and the vinegar is well incorporated, which adds richness and a slight tang to the dish.
- Season and serve: Remove the pan from heat and season the cabbage with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Serve hot as a flavorful and healthy side dish.
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit the butter or substitute with a plant-based alternative.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Use a large pan to prevent overcrowding and ensure even sautéing.
- Adding balsamic vinegar is optional but helps enhance the savory-sweet flavor profile.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as a light standalone meal.
Keywords: Sauteed cabbage, caramelized cabbage, healthy cabbage side dish, easy vegetable recipe, garlic cabbage
