Braised Cabbage Wedges

Content… Why Braised Cabbage Is So Good Recipe Ingredients How to Make It Recipe Variations Tips and Tricks Make-Ahead and Storage What to Serve More Crazy Good Cabbage Recipes to Try Watch How to Make It

What Makes Braised Cabbage So Good?

Braising is a cooking technique that involves first searing in fat on the stovetop. Then, you finish it by slowly cooking it in liquids on the stove or the oven.

While it takes patience, it doesn’t take much of your time. And with ingredients like butter, white wine, and chicken broth, you can imagine how flavorful and tender the cabbage turns out. 🤤

Recipe Ingredients

1. Cabbage – This recipe had green cabbage in mind, but you could always use red or savoy cabbage if that’s what you’ve got on hand.
2. Seasonings – White pepper, garlic and onion powder, paprika, thyme, bouillon powder, S&P, not to mention some diced onion, and minced garlic add insane amounts of flavor.
3. Braising Liquids – Become a master braiser by slow cooking with extra virgin olive oil, butter, white wine, and chicken broth. 
4. Tomato – A diced tomato adds some bright, acidic notes to the final product.  

How to Make Braised Cabbage

• Cut the cabbage into wedges, making sure each cut goes through the core to hold the leaves together. Set aside.
• Seasonings – Mix the salt, white pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a bowl. Season the cabbage, especially the cut sides in between the leaves. (Photos 1-2)
• Heat the oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high. Working in batches, add the cabbage cut side down to the pan. (Photo 3)
• Cook, turning occasionally, until lightly charred, for about 3-4 minutes per side. Then, transfer the cabbage to a plate. (Photo 4)

• Saute – Melt the butter in the pan, and add the onions, garlic, and thyme. Saute for 2-3 minutes or until fragrant. Then, add the diced tomatoes and bouillon powder and cook for 5-6 minutes. (Photos 5-6)
• Braising Liquid – Gradually pour in the white wine and chicken broth. Give it a stir, bring it to a boil, and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. (Photo 7)
• Braise – Next, return the browned cabbage to the pan, cover it with a lid, and place it in the oven. Braise it in the oven for 40 minutes or until the cabbage is tender. You can remove the lid during the last five minutes and broil the cabbage for a browner color if you desire. (Photo 8)
• Serve – Take it out of the oven and let it cool. Then garnish with parsley and serve.

Recipe Variations

1. Add a small amount of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or apple cider vinegar for extra flavor.
2. Braised cabbage and apples create a sweeter side dish. 🍎
3. Asian flair. Make braised napa cabbage with a dash of soy sauce, miso, and toasted sesame oil for a delicious flavor twist.
4. For additional texture, stir in some cooked bacon or sausage during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
5. Use fresh herbs and spices like rosemary and sage, adding them towards the end of cooking for a fresh burst of flavor. 🌿
6. German twist. Add a sprinkle of caraway or dill seeds with the other seasonings.

Tips and Tricks

1. Uncovering the cabbage during the last few minutes allows it to brown further and reduces the liquids some. If you love all those juices, just leave the lid on.
2. Don’t be afraid to sear the cabbage until it has a decent char. That dark brown char adds loads of flavor in the end. 
3. If you are using salted butter, regular broth, and bouillon powder, don’t add more salt until you’ve had a chance to give the dish a taste test, just in case. 😅

Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions

You can make braised cabbage a day ahead and refrigerate it in an airtight container. You can also freeze it by completely cooling the braised cabbage, placing it in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, and freezing it for up to 3 months.

Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and heat it with a splash of broth if needed. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop.

What Goes With Braised Cabbage

Serve braised cabbage with blackened spatchcock chicken, roast garlic mashed potatoes, and roasted baby carrots. For dessert, try some bright, zesty lemon bars. 😋

More Crazy Good Cabbage Recipes to Try

1. Southern Fried Cabbage
2. Cabbage Roll Casserole
3. Jamaican Cabbage and Shrimp
4. Ethiopian Cabbage
5. Caribbean Corn Beef and Cabbage

Watch How to Make It