This stir-fried cabbage recipe is a delicious and easy vegetable side dish! Cooked with garlic and vinegar, it becomes soft, caramelized and has a deep flavor.

Don’t underestimate this cabbage stir-fry recipe! Easy to make in just 15 minutes with just 6 basic ingredients, this healthy side dish may look simple but is incredibly delicious.
As the cabbage cooks, it becomes soft, meltingly tender, and caramelized. Garlic adds a zesty flavor, while apple cider vinegar adds a subtle sweetness and tang. If you’re anything like me, you won’t be able to resist eating it straight out of the frying pan.
This stir-fried cabbage recipe is one of my favorite healthy side dishes. Great for a weeknight meal, it comes together quickly and goes well with almost any main dish. Next time you have some cabbage chunks left over from making coleslaw or cabbage soup, give it a try. You might be surprised how much you like it!
Ingredients for Stir-Fried Cabbage
This stir-fried cabbage recipe requires 6 basic ingredients.
- cabbage, of course! I especially like the green cabbage here. It is softer than red cabbage, so when you fry it in a frying pan, it becomes really soft and even turns brown. However, depending on the situation, red cabbage can also work.
- garlic – Adds depth to the savory flavor.
- apple cider vinegar – It brings out the natural sweetness of cabbage and adds a tangy taste.
- extra virgin olive oil – This helps the cabbage brown and soften as it cooks.
- and salt and pepper – To make every flavor stand out!
Find the full measured recipe below.
How to make stir-fried cabbage
This cabbage stir-fry recipe couldn’t be easier.
- Start by sizzling the garlic in olive oil. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Then add cabbage, salt and pepper. Cook until cabbage is tender, about 2 minutes.
- Add apple cider vinegar and cook until cabbage is tender and brown. The cabbage will release quite a bit of liquid into the pan. Cook, stirring or turning frequently, until the moisture evaporates and the cabbage begins to brown in place, about 6 minutes.
That’s it! Taste and serve.
Recipe Variations
Like most simple side dishes, this stir-fried cabbage recipe lends itself to a variety of variations. Here are a few of my favorite ways to change things up:
- Try using butter instead of olive oil For a richer depth of flavor
- Try using rice vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar. Give your cabbage an Asian finish with a drizzle of tamari, soy sauce, and/or crunchy chili!
- Add other vegetables. Saute the sliced onions until soft before adding the cabbage to the pan. Or add some shredded carrots along with the cabbage!
- Mix the spices. I like to stir in a pinch of smoked paprika or a little cumin during the last few minutes of cooking. And I often simmer red pepper flakes with garlic.
- Add fresh herbs. Finish the cabbage with chopped fresh dill, thyme or parsley before serving.
Let me know what variations you try!
What to Serve with Roasted Cabbage
This Roasted Cabbage is a delicious and quick side dish that goes well with almost any meal! Pair it with a quick cooked protein for a weeknight dinner or serve it with one of these recipes:
What do you like to serve with sautéed cabbage? Let us know in the comments!
Easier Side Dish Recipes
If you like this easy cabbage stir-fry recipe, try one of these vegetable side dishes:
Stir-fried Cabbage
serve 6
This stir-fried cabbage recipe is an easy and delicious vegetable side dish! The cabbage becomes incredibly soft and caramelized as it cooks. Seasoned with apple cider vinegar and garlic to add depth of sweet and savory flavor.
Prevent your screen from going dark
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds, or until fragrant but not brown.
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Stir in the cabbage, a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook for 2 minutes or until the cabbage is tender.
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Add the vinegar, tossing, and cook, stirring or tossing occasionally, until most of the liquid has disappeared and the cabbage is tender and browned, about 6 minutes. Taste and serve.