7 Simple Purple Cabbage Recipes to Cook in 2024

Purple cabbage is more than just a colorful addition to your plate. Packed with vitamins C and K, this vibrant vegetable supports your immune system and bone health. Plus, it contains antioxidants like anthocyanins and flavonoids, which help protect your body from harmful free radicals.

High in fiber, purple cabbage supports a healthy gut and keeps digestion on track. With its slightly peppery flavor and satisfying crunch, purple cabbage can be a delicious way to sneak more fiber into your diet without much effort.

Look no further for simple and tasty ways to incorporate more purple cabbage into your cooking. These 7 easy recipes are perfect for trying something new without spending hours in the kitchen.

1. Roasted Purple Cabbage

Ingredients 📃

• 1 medium purple cabbage, cut into wedges

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp paprika

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• Seasoning, to taste

• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Prepare the cabbage: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Cut the purple cabbage into 6-8 wedges, keeping the core intact to help the wedges hold together.

2. Make the marinade: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, paprika, crushed garlic, salt, and pepper.

3. Marinate the cabbage: Place the cabbage wedges on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the marinade generously over each wedge, making sure they are well-coated.

4. Roast the cabbage: Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the edges are slightly charred and the cabbage is tender.

5. Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the roasted cabbage wedges before serving.

Overview

This Roasted Purple Cabbage dish is a versatile addition to any meal. It can be served as a vibrant side dish alongside your favorite proteins or as the star of a Buddha bowl. Pair it with quinoa, rice, or roasted chickpeas for a nourishing main course. The slightly caramelized edges and tender texture add both flavor and visual appeal to any plate.

You can easily switch things up by experimenting with different types of cabbage. Try using green cabbage, Napa cabbage, or even Savoy cabbage for a change in flavor and texture. Each variety brings its own unique taste to the dish, making it a great way to add variety to your meals without much extra effort.

Feel free to play around with the seasoning to suit your personal preferences. While the recipe calls for paprika and garlic, you can add a touch of heat with some chili flakes or bring in a Mediterranean flair with herbs like rosemary or thyme.

2. German Purple Cabbage

Ingredients 📃

• 1 medium purple cabbage, cut into bite-sized pieces

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp butter

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• 1 tbsp sugar (or to taste)

• 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and diced

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Sauté the cabbage: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the purple cabbage and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage starts to soften.

2. Add the apple and flavorings: Add the diced apple to the pan, followed by the balsamic vinegar and sugar. Stir well to coat the cabbage and apple with the vinegar and sugar.

3. Simmer until tender: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet or pot with a lid, and let the cabbage simmer for about 30-35 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. Add water to the pan to prevent sticking.

4. Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or sugar to suit your taste. Serve warm as a side dish alongside roasted meats, sausages, or other hearty main courses.

Overview

German Braised Purple Cabbage is a perfect side dish for hearty meals. Traditionally served warm with roasted meats, sausages, or potatoes, its sweet and tangy flavor balances rich, savory dishes. The tender cabbage and slight caramelization add a comforting touch to any meal.

This recipe is also great for meal prep since it freezes well. Simply store any leftovers in the freezer, and you’ll have a delicious side ready to go whenever needed. Reheating brings out even more flavor, making it a convenient option for busy days.

You can easily customize this dish with what you have on hand. Add raisins, cranberries, or caraway seeds for extra flavor, or try a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick. This recipe is flexible and allows you to make it your own.

3. Purple Cabbage Slaw

Ingredients 📃

• 1 small purple cabbage

• 1 medium carrot

• 1/2 small white cabbage

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Prepare the vegetables: Thinly slice the purple cabbage and white cabbage, and grate the carrot. Place all the vegetables in a large mixing bowl.

2. Make the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Combine the slaw and dressing: Pour the dressing over the sliced vegetables. Toss well to combine, ensuring all the cabbage and carrot are well-coated with the dressing.

4. Chill and serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the slaw for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. 

Overview

This Purple Cabbage Slaw is a versatile and colorful addition to many dishes. Use it as a fresh and crunchy topping for tacos, like the Blue Apron recipe pictured above, to add a zesty kick to your meal. Its vibrant color and crisp texture make it a perfect complement to soft tortillas and savory fillings.

Beyond tacos, this slaw is great on burgers, sandwiches, or wraps. It brings a refreshing crunch to grilled meats, veggie patties, and pulled pork. You can also serve it as a side dish for barbecues, alongside grilled chicken, fish, or even as part of a salad bowl.

For an even more flavorful slaw, let it marinate in the fridge for a while before serving. The longer it sits, the more the flavors meld together, creating a tangier and richer taste. This makes it an excellent make-ahead option for parties, picnics, or weeknight dinners.

4. Sweet Chili Pork & Cabbage Stir-Fry

Ingredients 📃

• ½ cup jasmine rice

• 1 oz Thai sweet chili sauce

• 5 tsp rice wine vinegar

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tbsp crispy fried onions

• 4 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tsp ponzu sauce

• 10 oz ground pork

• 2 oz red cabbage, grated

• 2 oz carrot, grated

• ¼ oz cilantro

• 2 tsp sesame oil

• 1 tbsp butter

• Seasoning

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Cook the rice: Rinse the rice and add it to a small pot with ¾ cup water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15-18 minutes until tender. Keep covered off heat until ready to serve.

2. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the sweet soy glaze, chili sauce, ponzu, and half of the vinegar.

3. Cook the pork: Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add ground pork and garlic powder, season with salt and pepper, and press into an even layer. Cook without stirring for 3-4 minutes until browned. Break up the pork and cook until fully cooked, 1-2 minutes. Pour in the sauce and cook, stirring, until slightly thickened, about 1 minute.

4. Finish and serve: Add the red cabbage and carrot mix to the pan and cook until just tender, 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in 1 tablespoon butter until melted. Divide the rice into bowls, top with the pork stir-fry, crispy fried onions, and cilantro leaves. 

Overview

This HelloFresh recipe is a great alternative to takeout, with all the flavors of a restaurant dish made right at home. Not only is it more affordable, it’s also healthier than your average takeout. This is a good example of why HelloFresh made our list of the best healthy meal delivery services.

Tender pork, a savory-sweet sauce, and crunchy veggies over rice make for a delicious and healthier option that’s quick to prepare. Adjust the sweetness of the sauce to your liking by adding a pinch of sugar. This will help balance the salt and acid in the sauce.

You can easily switch up this recipe with different ingredients. Use ground chicken, beef, or tofu instead of pork, or add veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli. Top with sesame seeds or a drizzle of sriracha for extra flavor.

5. Roasted Purple Cabbage Steaks

Ingredients 📃

• ½ red cabbage

• 3 tbsp softened butter

• 6 garlic cloves, minced

• ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated

• ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs

• 2 tsp fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, or parsley)

• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)

• Seasoning, to taste

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the cabbage steaks: Cut the half of the purple cabbage into 1-inch thick slices, keeping the core intact to help the steaks hold together. Arrange the cabbage steaks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

3. Make the garlic herb butter: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, and optional chili flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Season the cabbage: Spread the garlic herb butter mixture evenly over each cabbage steak, pressing the panko mixture gently onto the cabbage to help it adhere.

5. Roast the cabbage steaks: Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the edges are crispy and slightly caramelized. 

Overview

Roasted Purple Cabbage Steaks are perfect for a festive family dinner. Their vibrant color and crispy, garlicky topping make them both tasty and eye-catching. Serve them as a flavorful side or a light main to impress your guests.

These cabbage steaks pair well with roasted meats, sausages, or vegetarian mains. The savory, buttery flavors complement dishes like grilled chicken, pork, or beef, as well as sides like mashed potatoes or roasted veggies.

You can easily customize the herbs and spices to suit your taste. Try different herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley, or add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes for extra flavor and heat.

6. Purple Cabbage Salad

Ingredients 📃

• ½ purple cabbage, shredded

• 1 cup shredded carrots

• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced

• 1 medium apple, thinly sliced

• ½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped

• ¼ cup raisins

• 2 tbsp vinegar 

• 1 tbsp sugar (or to taste)

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Prepare the vegetables and fruits: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded purple cabbage, shredded carrots, thinly sliced onion, and apple slices.

2. Add nuts and raisins: Toss in the chopped walnuts and raisins, mixing well with the vegetables and fruits.

3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, sugar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until the sugar is dissolved and the dressing is well combined.

4. Combine and toss: Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture. Toss everything together until the salad is well coated with the dressing.

5. Serve or chill: Serve immediately for a fresh, crunchy salad, or refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Overview

This Purple Cabbage Salad combines a vibrant mix of colors, flavors, and textures. The crunchy cabbage, sweet apples, raisins, and walnuts come together with a tangy dressing for a refreshing, satisfying dish.

It’s a budget-friendly recipe that uses simple, everyday ingredients. With cabbage, carrots, and a few pantry staples, you can quickly make a healthy and delicious salad without spending much.

You can easily turn this salad into a full meal by adding protein. Grilled chicken, tofu, chickpeas, or quinoa make great additions to make it more filling and balanced.

7. Braised Red Cabbage

Ingredients 📃

• 1 medium purple cabbage, cored and thinly sliced

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

• 2 apples, cored and sliced

• 4 slices bacon, chopped

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp vinegar

• 1 tsp fennel seeds

• ½ cup dried cranberries

• 2 tbsp fresh herbs (thyme or parsley), chopped

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Cook the bacon: Heat a large pan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until it becomes crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.

2. Sauté the onion and apple: Add the olive oil to the pan with the bacon fat. Add the sliced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the apple slices and cook for another 2 minutes until slightly softened.

3. Add cabbage and seasoning: Add the sliced purple cabbage to the pan, along with the fennel seeds, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine everything.

4. Braise the cabbage: Pour in the vinegar and stir to coat the cabbage. Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the cabbage braise for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is tender and the flavors are well combined.

5. Add cranberries and herbs: Stir in the dried cranberries and fresh herbs, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cranberries are slightly plumped and the herbs are well mixed.

6. Finish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle the crispy bacon on top. Serve warm as a side dish with roasted meats, sausages, or as part of a holiday spread.

Overview

This recipe is easy to make but does require some time for cooking. The steps are straightforward, from sautéing the onions and apples to letting the cabbage slowly braise until tender. While it takes about 30 minutes to cook, the slow braising allows all the flavors to meld together.

You can easily adapt this recipe for vegetarians by omitting the bacon. Instead, use extra olive oil or a bit of butter to sauté the onions and apples, and add a smoky flavor with a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke. This gives the dish a similar depth of flavor without the meat.

Serve this braised cabbage warm as a versatile side dish with roasted meats, sausages, or as part of a holiday spread. Its sweet and tangy notes pair well with savory mains, adding a burst of color and flavor to the table. It’s also perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.

FAQ

Is purple cabbage better cooked or raw?

You can enjoy purple cabbage both cooked and raw, but raw preserves more nutrients. Cooking softens the cabbage and enhances its sweetness, making it more digestible. However, heat can destroy some vitamins, like vitamin C. If you want the full nutritional benefits, use it raw in salads or slaws.

How can I stop purple cabbage losing its color?

You can prevent purple cabbage from losing its color by adding a bit of vinegar or lemon juice when cooking. Acidic ingredients help maintain its vibrant hue, while alkaline ingredients, like baking soda, can cause it to turn blue.

Is purple cabbage healthier than green cabbage?

Purple cabbage is slightly healthier than green cabbage due to its higher levels of antioxidants. The deep color indicates more anthocyanins, which help fight inflammation and may reduce the risk of certain diseases. Both types are rich in vitamins and fiber, making them healthy choices.

What are the health benefits of red cabbage?

Red cabbage, also known as purple cabbage, provides numerous health benefits, including high levels of vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. Its antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, can help protect cells from damage, reduce inflammation, and support heart health.