Boiled Cabbage
Tender, mildly sweet wedges of cabbage simmered in lightly salted water until just fork-tender. A simple, classic Southern side dish that lets the natural flavor of the cabbage shine through.
For 4 servings
- prep
Prepare the cabbage wedges.
Remove tough outer leaves from the cabbage head. Halve it through the core, then cut each half into 4 wedges so you have 8 wedges total. Leave a bit of core on each wedge to hold the leaves together.
TIPKeeping the core attached prevents the cabbage from falling apart during boiling. - boil
Bring salted water to a rolling boil.
1.Pour 6 cups water into a large pot and add a pinch of salt.2.Set over high heat and bring to a vigorous rolling boil. - boil · ~10 min
Boil the cabbage wedges until tender.
1.Gently lower cabbage wedges into the boiling water using a slotted spoon.2.Reduce heat to medium and maintain a gentle boil.3.Cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes until the thickest part of the core is fork-tender.TIPOvercooking makes cabbage musky and sulfurous. Start checking at 8 minutes. - prep · ~2 min
Drain the cabbage thoroughly.
1.Remove pot from heat and carefully lift wedges out with a slotted spoon.2.Transfer to a colander and let drain for 1 to 2 minutes to shed excess water.TIPWell-drained cabbage won't water down the butter on the plate. - assemble
Butter, season, and serve warm.
1.Arrange drained wedges on a serving platter in a single layer.2.Dot with melted butter while still hot.3.Finish with a crack of fresh black pepper and serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Keep the core intact on each wedge so the leaves stay together during boiling.
- 2Start checking for doneness at 8 minutes to avoid a sulfurous smell and mushy texture.
- 3Drain the wedges well in a colander so the butter clings to the cabbage instead of pooling on the plate.
- 4Use a slotted spoon to gently lower and remove the wedges so they don't break apart.
- 5Serve immediately after buttering; boiled cabbage loses its appeal as it cools.
Adapt it for your goals.
Garlic-Butter
Add 1 minced garlic clove to the melted butter before drizzling over the cabbage for a savory, aromatic twist.
Vinegar SplashVinegar-Splash
After draining, splash the wedges with apple cider or white vinegar and skip the butter for a tangy, lower-fat finish.
Smoky BaconSmoky Bacon
Crumble 2 strips of cooked bacon over the buttered cabbage and add a pinch of smoked paprika for a rich, smoky flavor.
HerbedHerbed
Stir 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill or parsley into the melted butter for a fresh, grassy note.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Cabbage is a excellent source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune health and skin repair.
Good Source of Fiber
Each serving provides dietary fiber from the cabbage leaves, aiding digestion and promoting fullness.
Low in Calories
This dish is naturally low in calories, making it a light and satisfying side for weight-conscious meals.
Contains Glucosinolates
Cabbage is rich in glucosinolates, sulfur-containing compounds linked to anti-inflammatory and detoxification benefits.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, red cabbage works well but will bleed a purple color into the water and cook slightly firmer than green cabbage.
