EASY Pickled Cabbage Recipe (2024)

by Erin

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You’ll want to keep a jar of this Pickled Cabbage in your fridge at all times. Not only is it fast and easy, but you can use it on anything! Pile it onto tacos, burgers, pork sandwiches, and so much more.

EASY Pickled Cabbage Recipe (1)

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🥬 Red vs. purple cabbage

🛒 Ingredients needed

📋 How to make pickled cabbage

👩‍🍳 Customize the brine

ℹ️ FAQs

🥄 Ways to use pickled cabbage

→ More red cabbage recipes

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Equipment

Nutrition

Is raw cabbage not your thing? Try pickling it! Pickled Cabbage is extra flavorful, never bitter, and so versatile. Use it on anything, from fish tacos to grain bowls!

Pickling vegetables is almost always an effortless process. You’ll always find a batch of Quick Pickled Cucumbers and Pickled Red Onions in my fridge because they take no time to put together and are good on everything. Beyond the main vegetable, you only need a few ingredients to make them!

This quick pickled cabbage recipe is no different.

The foolproof step-by-step instructions will show you how to make a batch of this pickled purple beauty in just over 1 hour. Simply pour the warm brine over shredded cabbage in a jar and you have a condiment that tastes sweet, zesty, and tangy.

Best of all, you can use pickled cabbage as a zingy pop of flavor and color on all kinds of meals. Try it on hamburgers, hot dogs, Korean tacos, buddha bowls, and so much more. You’ll have more luck figuring out what NOT to put it on, truthfully.

Plus, you can use any cabbage you’d like.

This recipe works for all cabbage varieties, so feel free to use a different type, like green, savoy, or napa cabbage.

EASY Pickled Cabbage Recipe (2)

🥬 Red vs. purple cabbage

Did you know that there are over 400 types of cabbage? They range from round to elongated in shape with flat or curly leaves. This pickled cabbage recipe showcases one of the more popular varieties: red cabbage, AKA purple cabbage.

Both red and purple cabbage are the same. The only slight difference is that the pigment changes based on the pH value of the soil they’re grown in. That’s about it.

🛒 Ingredients needed

  • Red cabbage – AKA purple cabbage. It needs to be shredded before being placed in the pickling jars. This is easy to do with a knife or a mandolin.
  • Apple cider vinegar – The acidity in vinegar helps preserve the cabbage. Feel free to use white, rice, red wine, or white wine vinegar to play with the flavors in the brine.
  • Water
  • Sugar – A superfine granulated white sugar is best, but you can use regular white sugar, brown sugar, or cane sugar.
  • Garlic – Grate or mince fresh garlic to evenly infuse the cabbage with a savory bite.
  • Kosher salt
  • Red pepper flakes – They give the picking brine a kick, but feel free to omit them if you’re not into spice.
EASY Pickled Cabbage Recipe (3)

📋 How to make pickled cabbage

Start by making the pickling brine by whisking half of the water, salt, and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat it over medium heat until the sugar and salt dissolve. Take it off the heat.

Mix the vinegar and the rest of the water in with the warm brine. Finish with the garlic and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

Now you can stuff the shredded cabbage into a clean mason jar (or several jars). Pour the brine over top, completely submerging the cabbage. Let the brine cool completely before sealing with a lid and storing it in the fridge.

Leave the cabbage to pickle in the fridge for at least 1 hour before using. Enjoy!

EASY Pickled Cabbage Recipe (4)

👩‍🍳 Customize the brine

Anything in the brine can be changed or played with (except the water) in order to customize the flavor. The base, vinegar, is a necessary component. Apple cider vinegar will give the cabbage tart and fruity undertones. For a softer flavor, feel free to use white, rice, or red wine vinegar.

From there, add as many other flavor-boosters as you like:

  • Bay leaf
  • Caraway seeds
  • Chile peppers
  • Chives
  • Coriander seeds
  • Curry leaves
  • Dill
  • Lime or lemon juice
  • Mustard seeds
  • Oregano
  • Peppercorns
  • Rosemary
  • Thyme
  • Turmeric
EASY Pickled Cabbage Recipe (5)

ℹ️ FAQs

How long does quick pickled cabbage last in the fridge?

Pickled red cabbage will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Keep it in a sealed jar to retain its freshness and flavor.

What else can I pickle using this recipe?

Almost anything! Asparagus, banana peppers, cucumbers, carrots, cauliflower, red onion, and radishes are some of the many vegetables you can quickly pickle and store in the fridge.

Can I make pickling brine without sugar?

Technically, yes, but the purpose of sugar in the pickling solution is to balance the pungency of the vinegar. Therefore, if you omit the sugar, be prepared for a much more sour and tart taste.

🥄 Ways to use pickled cabbage

Pickled cabbage is delightful with any food that could use a salty-briny bite. It goes great on:

  • All types of tacos! Pile it on cauliflower, sweet potato, Korean, or mojo pork tacos
  • Pulled pork sandwiches, Cubanos, and most other pork sandwiches
  • Burgers and hot dogs
  • Charcuterie boards
  • A baked potato bar
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Grain bowls, like chicken gyro bowls, lamb orzo bowls, Buddha bowls, etc.
EASY Pickled Cabbage Recipe (6)

→ More red cabbage recipes

  • Red Cabbage Soup
  • Vinegar Slaw
  • Peanut Noodles with Red Cabbage
  • More → 20+ Red Cabbage Recipes

✔️ More homemade condiments

  • Gremolata
  • Fried Capers
  • Aji Amarillo Sauce
  • Copycat Chic Fil A Sauce
  • Lebanese Garlic Sauce
  • Buffalo Wing Sauce

​​Did you make this pickled cabbage?

If you loved this quick pickled cabbage recipe, I would appreciate it so much if you would give it a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

For more great Platings and Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and Facebook.

PS – Have leftover red cabbage? Try making this Red Cabbage Soup!

EASY Pickled Cabbage Recipe (7)

Pickled Cabbage (Quick & Easy)

You’ll want to keep a jar of this Pickled Red Cabbage in your fridge at all times. Not only is it fast and easy, but you can use it on anything! Pile it onto tacos, burgers, pork sandwiches, and so much more.

5 from 3 votes

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Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes

Resting time: 1 hour hour

Total Time: 1 hour hour 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 people

Created by Platings and Pairings

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Make the pickling solution, in a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water with the salt and sugar. Stir and heat until the sugar and salt are dissolved in the water.

  • Remove from heat and add the vinegar, remaining 1/2 cup water, garlic and red pepper flakes, if desired.

  • Add the shredded cabbage to a mason jar, then pour over the pickling solution. Seal and store in the fridge for at least 1 hour.

Notes

Pickled cabbage will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Keep it in a sealed jar to retain its freshness and flavor.

Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Equipment

EASY Pickled Cabbage Recipe (8)EASY Pickled Cabbage Recipe (9)

Mason Jar

Nutrition

Calories: 31kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 791mg | Potassium: 141mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 497IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 0.5mg

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EASY Pickled Cabbage Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How long to keep pickled cabbage? ›

Pickled red cabbage will last in a tightly sealed jar for about two weeks in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that this is a quick pickling recipe, NOT a canning recipe. You would need to follow the appropriate instructions regarding food safety and cleanliness if you were looking to make a shelf-stable canned cabbage.

Is homemade pickled cabbage good for you? ›

2,3 Additionally, red cabbage also contains high amounts of vitamin C and vitamin K. 3 Together, these two nutrients assist with skin health, wound healing, blood clotting and bone health! 4,5 This pickled red cabbage packs a punch in both flavor and nutrition.

What is the difference between sauerkraut and pickled cabbage? ›

Pickled cabbage is produced using a brine solution (brine-pickling) in some countries, including Türkiye. Sauerkraut, which is eaten frequently in Germany, is prepared by lactic acid fermentation from finely shredded and dry-salted white cabbage (Tamang and Samuel, 2010, Wacher et al., 2010).

Why is my pickled red cabbage soft and soft? ›

Choose a fresh firm red cabbage. Pickles and chutneys are only as good as the ingredients you use. Use crisp, fresh cabbage because if you start with limp cabbage you will end up with soft pickled cabbage and no crunch.

How do you know when cabbage is gone bad? ›

Cabbage with an off smell should be discarded immediately. You'll also be able to tell when cabbage has spoiled if the leaves have become soft and discolored. It's best to refer to the old adage: when in doubt, throw it out.

Can you eat too much pickled cabbage? ›

Sudden intake or excess consumption of sauerkraut may lead to diarrhea. However, with daily consumption, your body gets accustomed to it and gradually diarrhea is prevented. Sauerkraut is believed to reduce the flare-ups of inflammatory bowel syndrome.

What is the healthiest pickled vegetable? ›

Pickled beets are a staple across many Eastern European countries, where they're served in salads or as a side dish, but they're also particularly popular in the US. They can be fermented or quick-pickled with vinegar, and they're a great source of fiber, antioxidants, vitamin C, folate, and B vitamins.

Does pickled cabbage make you gassy? ›

“Additionally, cruciferous vegetables—like cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts—contain raffinose, an indigestible sugar. As it's fermented by bacteria in the gut, gas is produced, which is why you may experience flatulence and discomfort after eating these foods.

Is sauerkraut better in a can or jar? ›

It's so, so good—it fills your mouth with so much fermented flavor and funk, but it isn't overly astringent or too acidic. Also, hot tip: I'd say there's a hierarchy of sauerkraut packaging. Bagged krauts are crisper than jarred, but jarred krauts are so much tastier and better than canned sauerkrauts.

What is another name for pickled cabbage? ›

Sauerkraut is pickled or fermented cabbage that has a distinctive sour flavor.

Is pickled cabbage good for the gut? ›

Summary. Sauerkraut is a versatile food full of essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Live sauerkraut can also contain probiotic bacteria, which are good for your gut. Some nutrients in sauerkraut may contribute to improved heart health, bone health, immune function, and inflammation.

How long is homemade pickled cabbage good for? ›

Assemble: Add cabbage to a large glass jar or bowl, along with all other ingredients. Seal jar and shake, or simply stir bowl and cover. Pickle: Set on the counter for at least 2 hours (up to 6), shaking/stirring occasionally. Store tightly sealed in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 weeks.

What to eat with pickled cabbage? ›

I always keep a tub of this crisp, zingy cabbage in the fridge as it keeps for months on end and goes beautifully with so many things… cheeses, fish, barbecued meats or chicken. Shred the cabbage as thinly as you possibly can, transferring it to a large bowl as you go.

How do you know if pickled has gone bad? ›

Visible mold: This is an obvious sign that your pickles have gone bad. Unusually sour taste and smell: If things smell and taste a bit more sour than usual, in an unpleasant way, this may not be a good sign. If you're not liking the taste anyway, it may be time to toss those pickles.

How long can you keep homemade pickled? ›

How long do refrigerator pickles last? Homemade refrigerated pickles last at least three to four weeks in the fridge, McClellan says. Any longer and the quality will start to decline. You'll notice the brine goes from clear to murky and cloudy, and the pickles start to lose their texture.

Can I eat week old cabbage? ›

Wrapped tightly in plastic, a head of cabbage will keep for about two weeks in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Once cut, use cabbage within 2-3 days. Cover and refrigerate cooked cabbage within two hours of cooking and use within 3-5 days.

How long do jarred pickled vegetables last? ›

"As long as the pickles are kept cold, they can last upwards of 75 days unopened in the fridge," Andre shares. Once opened, any pickles should be stored in the fridge, submerged in brine, to maintain freshness for at least up to three months, according to the USDA.

How long can you preserve cabbage? ›

Try to minimize any bruising of your cabbages. Any kind of cell damage makes the cabbage go by more quickly and degrades the vitamin C content. If cabbage is properly stored, it can last from 3 weeks to up to 2 months in your refrigerator. In optimum root cellar conditions, it can even last longer.

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