Description
A simple and flavorful recipe for buttery steamed cabbage that is quick to prepare and perfect as a healthy side dish. Tender cabbage is gently steamed in a skillet with butter and garlic, seasoned with salt, pepper, and optional garnishes for a delicious and comforting vegetable dish.
Ingredients
Cabbage
- 1 medium cabbage (2 pounds trimmed weight)
Seasonings & Flavorings
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage: Trim the cabbage and shred it by cutting it in half, then slicing each half into thin slices. Separate the slices into strips using your hands.
- Rinse the Cabbage: Place the cabbage strips in a colander and rinse them well with water.
- Transfer to Skillet: Without drying the cabbage, transfer it to a large, deep skillet. The residual water on the cabbage will help with steaming. Optionally, add a tablespoon of water to the skillet if desired.
- Start Steaming: Turn the heat to medium-high and cover the skillet. Once the cabbage starts steaming (about one minute), reduce heat to medium.
- Steam the Cabbage: Steam the cabbage covered for about 5 minutes. Then uncover, stir, and cook an additional 2 minutes to let excess water evaporate. If there is still too much water, drain cabbage in a colander and return it to the skillet.
- Add Butter and Seasonings: Add butter, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to the cabbage and stir to combine.
- Finish Cooking: Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the butter has melted and flavors meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle dried parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve the cabbage warm as a side dish.
Notes
- Using the water clinging to the cabbage helps create steam without adding extra water.
- Add a splash of water if your skillet is dry to avoid burning.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Red pepper flakes add a nice mild heat but can be omitted if preferred.
- This recipe works well as a quick low-calorie vegetable side.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American