Simple And Easy Boiled Cabbage Recipe - The Spruce Eats

• This boiled cabbage relies on just four ingredients and takes about 25 minutes to make.
• Green or Savoy cabbage becomes tender and sweet when boiled in this recipe.
• This side dish pairs especially well with ham, roast chicken, or corned beef.

Cabbage is a versatile vegetable that serves as a fantastic side dish for a variety of main courses, from corned beef to roast chicken. It doesn't require much to be delicious. This simple boiled cabbage recipe uses just four ingredients—cabbage, butter, salt, and pepper—and is ready in about 25 minutes.

Opt for Green or Savoy Cabbage

Opt for green or Savoy cabbage, as these varieties are ideal for boiling—they become tender and sweet after cooking. Choose heads that feel firm and heavy. Remove and discard any outer leaves that are wilted, brown, or damaged.

Boiled vs. Steamed Cabbage

Boiling is a traditional method for preparing cabbage, although steamed cabbage is another popular option. Both techniques are quite similar—boiling involves cooking the cabbage in a few inches of water, while steaming cooks it in a basket above the water. Both methods yield fork-tender cabbage.

Why Is My Boiled Cabbage Smelly?

Boiled cabbage can be notoriously smelly, whereas steaming is often considered a less aromatic cooking method. However, the strong odor typically results from overcooking. For a more pleasant experience, boil the cabbage just until it's tender, and you'll avoid an unpleasant smell.

How to Serve Boiled Cabbage

Once cooked, consider drizzling the cabbage wedges with a bit of cider vinegar, pepper vinegar sauce, or hot sauce, if you prefer. Cooked cabbage pairs wonderfully with ham or roast chicken, and corned beef and cabbage is a classic favorite on St. Patrick's Day or whenever you crave a hearty meal.

Tips on How to Cut Cabbage Into Perfect Wedges

• Trim the cabbage—Remove and discard the outer leaves and excess stem, then rinse the cabbage with water.
• Halve the cabbage—After drying, stand the cabbage on its stem end on a cutting board and cut it in half.
• Cut wedges—Lay a cabbage half down on a cut side and slice it into two, three, or four equal wedges, ensuring each cut goes through the core to keep the wedge intact.
• Learn more—About cabbage here.

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