Instant Pot Cabbage: Quick, Easy, and Delicious Recipes

Cabbage is a versatile, nutritious vegetable that can be prepared in numerous ways. Using an Instant Pot, you can transform cabbage into a delectable side dish in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods. This article explores various Instant Pot cabbage recipes, offering a range of flavors and styles to suit any palate. Whether you’re looking for a simple steamed option, a creamy cheesy delight, or a Southern-style dish, you’ll find detailed instructions and helpful tips to make the most of your Instant Pot cabbage.

What is Instant Pot Cabbage?

Cabbage cooked in an Instant Pot is not only quick and easy but also retains more nutrients compared to other cooking methods. This versatile side dish can be paired with a variety of main courses, making it a staple in many kitchens. The process involves pressure cooking the cabbage, which ensures it becomes tender and flavorful in a short amount of time.

Benefits of Cooking Cabbage in an Instant Pot

Cooking cabbage in an Instant Pot offers numerous benefits:

Quick and Convenient: The pressure cooking process significantly reduces cooking time.
Nutrient Retention: The quick cooking method helps preserve vitamins and minerals.
Versatile Flavors: You can easily customize the dish with different spices and ingredients.
Healthy Option: Cabbage is low in calories and packed with fiber and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to any meal.

Preparation and Cooking Instructions

Ingredients Needed

Recipe Variation	Ingredients
Basic Instant Pot Cabbage	🥬 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced 🍲 4 cups vegetable broth 🧂 ½ teaspoon salt 🌶️ ½ teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
Buttered Cabbage	🥬 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped 🧈 ½ cup unsalted butter 🍲 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Cheesy Cabbage	🥬 2 lbs green cabbage, cut into wedges 🧄 3 cloves garlic, finely diced 🍲 1 cup vegetable broth 🥛 1 cup heavy cream 🧀 1 cup grated cheddar cheese 🧀 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 🌾 2 tablespoons flour 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
Southern Style Cabbage	🥬 1 head of cabbage, roughly chopped 🧅 1 onion, sliced 🍃 6 sprigs fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme 🌿 1 bay leaf 🍎 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar 🍲 1 cup chicken broth 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
Vegan/Vegetarian Cabbage	🥬 1 head of cabbage, chopped 🍲 4 cups vegetable broth 🧈 2 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter 🧄 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧂 ½ tsp salt 🌶️ ½ tsp freshly cracked pepper

Basic Ingredients

1 medium-sized head of cabbage, chopped
4 cups vegetable broth or water
2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly cracked pepper

Optional Add-ins

1 onion, chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme sprigs
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup cheddar cheese for a creamy version

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Preparation Steps

Clean and Chop the Cabbage: Remove the outer leaves, rinse the cabbage under cold water, and chop it into large pieces.
Prepare Other Ingredients: Mince the garlic and chop any additional vegetables you plan to add, such as onions.

Cooking Steps

Set Up the Instant Pot: Add the butter or olive oil to the Instant Pot and select the sauté function. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
Add the Cabbage and Broth: Add the chopped cabbage and pour in the vegetable broth or water. Season with salt and pepper.
Pressure Cook: Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 5-10 minutes, depending on the desired tenderness.
Quick Release: Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to venting. Open the lid and give the cabbage a good stir.

You now have a delicious batch of Instant Pot cabbage that can be enjoyed as a side dish or incorporated into other recipes.

Stay tuned for the next part where we’ll explore various delicious variations of Instant Pot cabbage, from buttered to creamy cheesy delights.

Variations of Instant Pot Cabbage

Buttered Instant Pot Cabbage

Buttered cabbage is a simple yet flavorful side dish that’s easy to make in the Instant Pot. The butter adds richness, while the Instant Pot ensures the cabbage is tender.

Ingredients:

1 medium-sized head of cabbage, cut into large chunks
½ cup unsalted butter
1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the cabbage and set it aside. Add butter and broth to the Instant Pot.
Add Cabbage: Place the chopped cabbage on top of the butter and broth. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook: Seal the Instant Pot and set it to high pressure for 6 minutes.
Release Pressure: Perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to venting. Stir the cabbage to coat it evenly with the butter before serving.

Creamy Cheesy Instant Pot Cabbage

For a richer, indulgent version, creamy cheesy cabbage is an excellent choice. This variation adds a delicious, velvety sauce that complements the cabbage perfectly.

Ingredients:

2 lbs green cabbage, cut into thick wedges
1 cup vegetable broth
3 cloves garlic, finely diced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons flour
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Cook Cabbage: Add cabbage, garlic, and broth to the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes and perform a quick release.
Prepare Cream Sauce: Remove cabbage and set aside. Select the sauté function, add cream, and let it warm. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted.
Thicken Sauce: Mix flour with a small amount of water to create a slurry, then stir into the sauce until thickened. Pour the sauce over the cabbage and serve immediately.

Southern Style Instant Pot Cabbage

Southern style cabbage offers a unique flavor profile with a hint of tanginess from apple cider vinegar and a savory touch from onions and thyme.

Ingredients:

1 head of cabbage, roughly chopped
1 onion, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic
6 sprigs of fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Sauté Onions: Set the Instant Pot to sauté and heat the olive oil. Add sliced onions and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
Add Ingredients: Add garlic, thyme, bay leaf, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well.
Cook Cabbage: Add cabbage and chicken broth. Stir to combine, then seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 2 minutes.
Release Pressure: Perform a quick release. Remove the bay leaf and thyme sprigs before serving.

Vegan and Vegetarian Instant Pot Cabbage

This variation ensures that vegans and vegetarians can enjoy a delicious Instant Pot cabbage dish. The key is to use vegetable broth and avoid any animal-based products.

Ingredients:

1 head of cabbage, chopped
4 cups vegetable broth
2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly cracked pepper

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the cabbage and mince the garlic.
Sauté Garlic: Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode, heat the olive oil or vegan butter, and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
Cook Cabbage: Add the cabbage and vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper. Close the lid securely and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
Release Pressure: Perform a quick release, then stir the cabbage before serving. Optionally, add plant-based proteins like beans or tempeh for a more substantial meal.

Stay tuned for the next part where we’ll delve into serving suggestions and pairings for your delicious Instant Pot cabbage creations.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

What to Serve with Instant Pot Cabbage

Instant Pot cabbage is a versatile side dish that can complement a variety of main courses. Here are some suggestions to make the most of your meal:

Chicken Dishes

Honey Garlic Chicken: The sweet and savory flavors of honey garlic chicken pair perfectly with the mild taste of cabbage. The cabbage acts as a neutral base that balances the richness of the chicken.
Chicken Marsala: This Italian classic, with its creamy mushroom sauce, is enhanced by the subtle flavor and tender texture of Instant Pot cabbage.

Beef Dishes

Mississippi Pot Roast: The savory, melt-in-your-mouth pot roast is complemented by the crispness of cabbage. The cabbage also soaks up the delicious juices from the roast, making it even more flavorful.
HK Tomato Beef: The tangy and slightly sweet tomato beef pairs well with cabbage, adding a fresh crunch to each bite.

Vegetarian Options

Garlic Buttered Cabbage with Rice: For a simple yet satisfying vegetarian meal, serve garlic buttered cabbage over a bed of fluffy rice. The rice absorbs the garlic butter sauce, making each bite flavorful.
Instant Pot Collard Greens: Combine these two Southern staples for a nutritious and hearty vegetarian meal.

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Cabbage

Leftover cabbage can be repurposed in many creative and delicious ways. Here are some ideas to ensure nothing goes to waste:

Cabbage Soup: Add leftover cabbage to a pot with vegetable broth, tomatoes, and your favorite seasonings for a warming and nutritious soup.
Stir-Fry: Quickly sauté leftover cabbage with other vegetables and your choice of protein for a fast and healthy stir-fry.
Cabbage Rolls: Use leftover cabbage leaves to wrap around a filling of rice and vegetables or meat for a tasty twist on traditional cabbage rolls Pressure Cook Recipes – LemonsforLulu.com.

FAQs

How Many Minutes Should Cabbage Be Cooked?

Cooking times for cabbage in an Instant Pot vary depending on the desired texture. For a firmer cabbage, cook on high pressure for about 5 minutes. If you prefer a softer texture, extend the cooking time to 10 minutes. Always perform a quick release to prevent overcooking.

How to Cook Cabbage in an Instant Pot Video?

For visual learners, watching a video tutorial can be incredibly helpful. You can find step-by-step videos on platforms like YouTube. These videos typically show the entire process, from preparation to serving, making it easier to follow along and replicate the recipe.

How to Can Cabbage in a Pressure Cooker?

Canning cabbage involves a slightly different process than cooking it for immediate consumption. Here’s a basic overview:

Prepare the Cabbage: Clean and chop the cabbage into your desired size.
Blanch the Cabbage: Briefly boil the cabbage before canning.
Fill Jars: Pack the cabbage into sterilized canning jars, leaving some headspace.
Process in a Pressure Canner: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific pressure canner, usually processing for around 20 minutes.

Why Do You Put Baking Soda in Cabbage?

Adding baking soda to cabbage can help preserve its bright green color during cooking. However, it’s important to use this technique sparingly, as too much baking soda can affect the texture and flavor of the cabbage. It’s often better to stick with traditional cooking methods to maintain the vegetable’s natural taste and nutritional value (The Foodie Eats).

Stay tuned for the final part, where we’ll wrap up this comprehensive guide on Instant Pot cabbage with a conclusion and final thoughts.

Conclusion

Cooking cabbage in an Instant Pot is a game-changer for anyone looking to add a nutritious and versatile vegetable to their meals. The ease and speed of using an Instant Pot make it a convenient option for both busy weeknights and special occasions. By exploring various recipes, from simple buttered cabbage to creamy cheesy versions and flavorful Southern styles, you can enjoy a range of delicious dishes that are both healthy and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

Instant Pot cabbage is more than just a side dish; it’s a canvas for culinary creativity. Whether you’re following a vegan diet, craving a creamy comfort food, or looking for a quick and healthy addition to your meal, there’s an Instant Pot cabbage recipe to suit your needs. Don’t forget to experiment with different spices, broths, and add-ins to make each dish uniquely yours.