Sautéed Red Cabbage [4 Ways]

Sautéed red cabbage is a quick, colorful, easy, and nutrient-dense side dish loaded with flavor (4 ways!) and ready in just 15-20 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Red cabbage, also known as purple cabbage, is an affordable and readily available vegetable (though peak season is fall and winter), perfect for adding a pop of color and crisp texture to meals like ramen noodle salad and fresh rainbow rolls. This time, though, I’m sharing a warm and flavorful sautéed red cabbage recipe.

This easy cooked red cabbage recipe requires just a handful of ingredients and under 20 minutes to prepare. It’s simple, comforting, and packed with flavor. For this version, I’ve combined garlic and smoked paprika for an ultra-savory, slightly smoky taste. Keep reading for three more of my favorite variations, though.

Looking for more ways to enjoy detoxifying, nutrient-rich cabbage in your diet? You might enjoy vegan cabbage soup, braised cabbage, and cabbage bean soup.

The Ingredients

This easy paprika and garlic sautéed red cabbage recipe relies on just 5 ingredients, plus salt and pepper. Refer to the recipe card for the full list of ingredients, substitutes, and quantities.

When selecting a red cabbage, look for one with a dense, tightly packed head that’s shiny and blemish-free. It should also feel heavy for its size.

Recipe Variations

• Red pepper flakes (or cayenne pepper – for some spiciness)
• Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (add a splash at the end for brightness)
• Apple (thinly sliced for sweet flavor in the stir fried red cabbage)
• Dried fruit (e.g., a few tbsps of raisins, dried cranberries, or currants)
• Protein (a few slices of vegan tofu bacon OR vegan sausage, cooked then finely sliced)
• Nuts/seeds (add extra crunch with toasted almonds, pine nuts, sunflower seeds, pepitas)
• Fresh herbs (add some fresh or dried thyme or rosemary)

Alternatively, try one of these other delicious recipes for cooked red cabbage! For every version, use 2-3 tbsp melted vegan butter or olive oil plus:

• Sweet & sour cabbage: Check out my recipe for sweet and sour cabbage with apples.
• ‘Thanksgiving’ cabbage: 2-3 tbsp cranberry sauce + 1 tbsp ACV + ½ orange juice and zest. Optionally, add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg.
• German-inspired red cabbage: ⅓ -½ cup apple cider vinegar + 2-3 tbsp sugar + ½-1 apple, sliced + several slices of vegan tofu bacon + 1 tbsp caraway seeds.

How to Make Sautéed Red Cabbage

Exact cooking time depends on the pan size, exact heat level, and your preferred doneness. For tender pan-fried red cabbage, this can take up to 25 minutes.

Recipe Pro Tips

• Oil-free sauteed cabbage: Use ¼ cup water or vegetable broth instead when cooking purple cabbage.
• Toast the paprika and seeds: This step really helps to bring out their flavor, dispersing it throughout the dish – so don’t skip it.
• For more caramelization: Cooking red cabbage uncovered for a while, not moving it around the pan too much, is ideal for the best caramelization.
• To speed up the cooking: Add a large splash of water to the pan. It will evaporate and help steam it for a super quick red cabbage recipe. 

FAQs

What To Serve With Pan-Fried Red Cabbage

This sauteed red cabbage side dish is a nutritious and delicious addition to your table alongside:

• Hearty stews (eggplant stew, kidney bean veg stew, hearty red lentil stew)
• Casseroles (vegan cauliflower casserole, zucchini potato casserole, etc.)
• Vegan lentil shepherd’s pie, mixed vegetable pot pie, OR vegan meatloaf
• Protein (including crispy pan-fried tofu, BBQ tempeh, mock meats, etc.)
• Holiday/Thanksgiving recipes (vegan mashed potatoes, vegan green bean casserole, etc.)

Storage Instructions

Leave the sauteed red cabbage to cool, then store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

It will freeze, too, for up to 3 months in an airtight container/Ziplock/Stasher. Note that it will soften upon thawing (in the fridge overnight).

Reheat the sauteed purple cabbage back on the stovetop or in the microwave (in 30-second increments, stirring between).