Instant Pot Cabbage is a quick and delicious vegetable side dish that is not only healthy but also complements a variety of main courses!
» You might also like these Instant Pot Ranch Pork Chops.
Instant Pot Cabbage is a must-try dish. Cabbage is an incredibly healthy vegetable, packed with vitamins and minerals, and low in calories. This makes it a perfect addition to any meal, especially if you’re trying to eat healthier.
Cooking in the Instant Pot is actually a really great way to ensure the right amount of tenderness and a nice texture. Plus, the cooking time is super quick, which means that you can have a delicious and healthy side dish ready in just a few minutes. If you like cabbage you might also like these Instant Pot cabbage rolls.
Cabbage pairs well with a variety of main courses, from whole chicken to corned beef, both of which you can make in the Instant Pot as well. You can experiment with different seasonings and flavors to create either a spicy and tangy flavor profile or something more savory and buttery.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cabbage – I use white, green, or red cabbage. The leave are firm enough to hold up well under pressure. You’ll want to trim the cabbage and cut it into either wedges or chunks – your preference.
- Butter or Olive Oil – I use salted butter to add additional flavor in this recipe, but you can also use olive oil, depending on your preference.
- Onion – Any onion you have on hand will work. I like to use sweet onions for a little bit of added sweetness.
- Chicken Stock or Vegetable Stock – I use low-sodium chicken broth, but you can make it vegetarian by using vegetable stock instead.
- Seasonings – Salt, Garlic, Dried Thyme
Why Use An Instant Pot?
The Instant Pot is one of the most useful kitchen appliances you can buy, because it drastically cuts down on the cooking time for developing flavors in soups and stews, getting tough cuts of meat tender, and even baking a cheesecake. If you don’t have one, check out our guide on which one to buy. Also see our guide to How to Use an Instant Pot and the many accessories you can buy for it.
- Don’t Have an Instant Pot? This guide can help you choose the right one.
- See reviews and prices for Instant Pots on Amazon.
- Learn some great Instant Pot Tips & Tricks.
- Click to find more recipes to make in your Instant Pot.
How to Make Instant Pot Cabbage
Turn on saute mode on the Instant Pot. It’ll take a few minutes to heat up, so wait until you hear it popping. Add the butter or olive oil and let it heat up. Then add the onion, salt and thyme. Saute the onion for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then turn off the Instant Pot.
Next, pour in the stock and stir it all up. Place the cabbage in the pot. You can put it directly into the liquid, or if you want a crisper result, put the trivet in and set the cabbage on top.
Close and lock the lid. Set to cook for 5 minutes on high pressure. When the time is up, do a quick release of the pressure and remove the lid.
You’ll want to test the doneness. You might want a crisper or more tender cabbage, so you’ll want to taste it and see how it matches your preference. If it’s not quite done, put the lid back on and let it sit on Keep Warm for 2-5 minutes.
When it’s reached your preferred doneness, transfer the cabbage to a serving plate and season it with salt and pepper, to taste.
This is also when you can season it with other things, like hot sauce, chili powder, cumin, or additional butter.
Additional Helpful Tips
- Be sure to remove the outer leaves of the cabbage before slicing it. Usually the outer leaves are somewhat damaged and tough.
- If your cabbage is particularly large, you may need to cut it into smaller pieces to fit in the Instant Pot.
- You can use different types of cabbage, such as Napa cabbage or Savoy cabbage, for different flavor profiles.
- To make the dish more colorful, you can use a mix of different types of cabbage, such as red and green cabbage.
- You can also experiment with different types of seasoning, such as cumin, chili powder, or Italian seasoning.
- Don’t forget to season the cabbage with salt to taste.
- If you prefer softer cabbage, you can use the natural-release method instead of quick-release.
Main Dishes to Serve This With
This is a great side dish to serve with just about any main dish protein. I like to serve it with chicken and pork. Here are a few options to enjoy:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent the cabbage from becoming too mushy?
There is a chance that the cabbage you use is not as firm or thick as mine and if you cook for 5 minutes it will become too mushy for you. Unfortunately, not all cabbage is the same, so it can take a few tries to get the right consistency, then you can use that method moving forward.
To avoid overcooking the cabbage, you should make sure to slice it into uniformly even pieces. The first time you cook it, you can start with 3 minutes and see how that turns out for you. It’s very easy to turn back on the Instant Pot for a few more minutes if it’s not done yet.
How long will the leftovers last in the fridge?
Any leftover cabbage will last in the fridge for up to 5 days. It might wilt further in the refrigerator, so it won’t maintain that perfect texture that you get right out of the Instant Pot.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers cabbage for up to 2 months in an air tight container or wrapped well in plastic wrap. However, I would recommend cooking the cabbage from fresh rather than storing it pre-cooked in the freezer.
Can I make the dish ahead of time and reheat it later?
You can make the dish ahead of time and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, but it has the best texture and flavor when it’s fresh out of the Instant Pot, so I don’t recommend making it ahead if at all possible.
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Instant Pot Cabbage
Note: Made in a 6-qt Instant Pot
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons (44 ml) butter or olive oil
- 1/2 cup (80 g) onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon (6 g) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (0.5 g) dried thyme
- 4 cloves garlic crushed
- 2 cups (473 ml) chicken stock or vegetable stock low sodium
- 1 cabbage trimmed and cut into 8 wedges
Instructions
- Turn on saute mode on the Instant Pot. Add the butter and let it melt. Then add the onion, salt and thyme. Saute for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then turn off the Instant Pot.
- Pour in the stock and stir. Place the cabbage in the pot.
- Close and lock the lid. Set to cook for 5 minutes on high pressure. When the time is up, do a quick release of the pressure and remove the lid. Test the doneness. If it’s not quite done, put the lid back on and let it sit on Keep Warm for 2-5 minutes.
- Transfer the cabbage to a serving plate and season to taste.
Nutrition
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Laura is a passionate home cook and the owner of A Pressure Cooker Kitchen. She is dedicated to helping people create delicious Instant Pot meals with ease. Laura is an expert at developing recipes that can be prepared quickly and easily using a pressure cooker.