Cabbage is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that can be prepared in various ways. Whether you prefer it steamed, boiled, stir-fried, or roasted, cabbage is an excellent addition to any meal.
In this article, we will be providing you with some simple cooking methods and tips for preparing delicious and healthy cabbage dishes.
How to Cook Cabbage – Boiling
Boiling is perhaps the most traditional and straightforward method of cooking cabbage. Here is a step-by-step guide to boiling cabbage:
Step 1: Remove the outer leaves from the cabbage head and wash thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris.
Step 2: Cut the cabbage head in half, and then cut each half again to create quarters.
Step 3: Remove the core from each quarter using a sharp knife.
Step 4: Cut the cabbage quarters into thin wedges, around 1/4 inch thick.
Step 5: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over high heat.
Step 6: Add the cabbage to the pot and reduce the heat to medium. Cover the pot and let the cabbage simmer for around 5-8 minutes, depending on how soft you prefer your cabbage.
Step 7: Once the cabbage is cooked to your desired texture, drain it in a colander, and pat dry with paper towels.
How to Cook Cabbage – Steaming
Steaming is another healthy and easy cooking method for cabbage, as it helps retain more of the vegetable’s nutrients and natural flavor. Here are the steps to steam cabbage:
Step 1: Follow the same process as boiling to prepare the cabbage.
Step 2: Place a steamer basket in a large pot and add water to the bottom of the pot.
Step 3: Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
Step 4: Add the cabbage wedges to the steamer basket, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to medium-low.
Step 5: Let the cabbage steam for around 5-8 minutes, or until tender.
Step 6: Once the cabbage is cooked, remove it from the steamer basket and transfer it to a serving dish.
How to Cook Cabbage – Stir-Frying
Stir-frying cabbage is a quick and easy method that can be incorporated into many Asian-inspired dishes. Here is how to stir-fry cabbage:
Step 1: Once again, remove the outer leaves of the cabbage, wash it under running water, and cut it into thin wedges.
Step 2: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a wok or a large pan over high heat.
Step 3: Add the cabbage wedges to the wok or pan, along with any other ingredients you want to add, such as garlic or ginger.
Step 4: Keep stirring the cabbage for around 5-7 minutes, or until it is cooked and crispy.
Step 5: Remove the cabbage from the wok or pan, and serve it immediately with your desired sauce or seasoning.
How to Cook Cabbage – Roasting
Roasting cabbage is a unique way to prepare this vegetable and provides a nutty flavor and crispy texture. Here is how to roast cabbage:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Step 2: Remove the outer leaves, wash the cabbage head, and cut into thin wedges.
Step 3: Place the cabbage wedges on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Roast the cabbage in the oven for around 20-30 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown. Make sure to turn the cabbage halfway through the cooking process.
Step 5: Once the cabbage is roasted, remove it from the oven, and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
FAQs on How to Cook Cabbage
Q. How long should I boil cabbage?
A. The boiling time for cabbage depends on how soft you want it. Generally, it takes around 5-8 minutes for the cabbage to get cooked to the desired texture.
Q. Can I eat cabbage raw?
A. Yes, cabbage can be eaten raw, and it is often used in salads and coleslaw. However, some people may find it challenging to digest raw cabbage, so it is recommended to cook it.
Q. How do I store leftover cooked cabbage?
A. Let the leftover cooked cabbage cool down to room temperature, and then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. Cooked cabbage can last for up to four days in the refrigerator.
Q. Why does cabbage smell when cooking?
A. Cabbage contains sulfur compounds that can produce a distinct odor when cooked. To minimize the smell, cook cabbage in a well-ventilated area, add some vinegar or lemon juice while cooking, or add some spices and herbs to mask the smell.
Q. Is cabbage healthy?
A. Yes, cabbage is an excellent source of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. It is low in calories and carbohydrates and can help lower the risk of certain diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Conclusion
Cabbage is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that adds flavor, texture, and color to any meal. There are various ways to cook cabbage, including boiling, steaming, stir-frying, and roasting, and each method provides different textures and tastes.
By following the simple steps and tips outlined in this article, you can prepare delicious and healthy cabbage dishes that your family and friends will love.