Red Cabbage Recipe

This sweet and sour German Red Cabbage Recipe is simply delicious. In it, purple cabbage is sautéed with fennel, sweet onion and Granny Smith apples. It’s perfect for a side dish or as a main course, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds!

Easy Sweet and Sour Red Cabbage Recipe

Braised red cabbage may not be the first side dish that comes to mind, but once you’ve tried it cooked low and slow with the right seasonings, you’ll see what all the fuss is about! While red cabbage is often served raw in salads and slaws, gently braising it brings out its natural sweetness and creates a tender, sweet-and-tangy side dish that’s full of flavor.

This is the way I prepare red cabbage for my family, balancing those flavors just right. It’s a tasty accompaniment to everything from roasted meats to hearty weeknight suppers, and the combination of flavors gets a nod of approval from those who know their German cooking roots. It’s a simple, old-fashioned vegetable side that deserves a place at your table!

Key ingredients to make easy German Red Cabbage: (Scroll down for full recipe and quantities.)

• Cabbage – One 3 pound red cabbage.
• Butter – Butter adds richness to the taste.
• Onion and Fennel – Onion and fennel enhance the flavor.
• Apple – Granny Smith apple adds a hint of sweetness.
• Sugar – A small amount of granulated sugar (white sugar) to balance the tartness.
• Vinegar – Apple cider vinegar adds acidic notes.
• Liquid – Water adds moisture.
• Spices – Salt, granulated garlic or garlic powder, black pepper, ground cloves OR allspice.
• Garnishes – Fennel fronds or dill for garnishing

How to Make Red Cabbage Recipe

• Sauté Onion and Fennel – In a large heavy bottomed pot or dutch oven sauté onion and fennel in butter over medium-high heat until softened.
• Prep Purple Cabbage – To the pot add the cabbage, grated apple, sugar, vinegar, water salt, granulated garlic, black pepper and ground cloves. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil.
• Simmer – Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer per the recipe or just until the cabbage is tender.
• Reduce the Cooking Liquid – Uncover and increase the heat to medium-high to allow the liquid to reduce
• Serve garnished with fennel fronds or fresh dill.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Red Cabbage Recipes

• One large pot or 6 quart Dutch oven. You can use any similar size large saucepan with a lid.
• Chef’s knife and cutting board.
• Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
• Box grater or food processor.
• Large spoon.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• How to Cut Red Cabbage – The best way to cut red cabbage is to cut it first through the middle. Lay the flat side down on a chopping board and use a sharp knife to make thin cuts. Cut longer pieces in half (or into thirds) and remove the core.
• Bacon – You can use bacon drippings in place of butter.
• Fennel – Fennel fronds are the green portion of a bulb of fennel. They’re delicious and make for a no-brainer garnish for this cabbage. If you aren’t using fennel, dill will work as a garnish.
• Cloves Substitution – The small amount of ground cloves in this recipe adds to the depth of flavor. If you don’t have cloves on hand use allspice in its place.
• What to Serve with Red Cabbage – This classic red cabbage is delicious alongside pork, roast chicken or roast beef. A side of mashed potatoes always works!

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store simple Red Cabbage in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• How to Reheat Leftovers – Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave in single servings.
• Freezer – I don’t recommend storing red cabbage in the freezer. This recipe doesn’t freeze well.

More Cabbage Recipe to Make

• This Cheesy Cabbage Casserole will have your kids eating their veggies and loving it!
• These Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls can be served over cooked rice or riced cauliflower for a lower carb option.
• Southern Fried Cabbage with bacon.
• Sheet Pan Kielbasa and Cabbage comes together in minutes for a busy day entree.
• This Southern Chow Chow can be enjoyed with pinto beans, on hot dogs or served as a side dish.
• Carolina Style Red Slaw for barbecue.
• Braised Pork Chops with Cabbage and Apples is a one-pot meal.
• Ham and Cabbage Gratin from Southern Living.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Dutch Oven
• Measuring Set
• Cutting Board
• Box Grater