Sautéed Cabbage – Easy Cozy Side Dish for Weeknights

Sautéed cabbage in a skillet with golden edges, herbs, and black pepper.

Sautéed cabbage is fast, budget-friendly, and goes with almost everything.
It turns tender and sweet with golden edges—simple but so satisfying.
If it looks a little dry, a splash of broth makes it silky.

Why You’ll Love This Sautéed Cabbage

  • Quick: Ready in about 15 minutes.
  • One-pan: Easy cleanup.
  • Cozy flavor: Buttery, lightly sweet, and mild.
  • Versatile: Works with bowls, sandwiches, and hearty dinners.

Ingredients for Sautéed Cabbage

ingredients for sautéed cabbage
Cabbage, onion, butter, and simple seasoning
  • Green cabbage (1 medium head) – slice into ribbons; purple cabbage works too.
  • Onion (1/2, sliced) – sweetness.
  • Garlic (2 cloves) – savory depth.
  • Butter (2 tablespoons) – cozy flavor; olive oil works too.
  • Olive oil (1 tablespoon) – helps prevent burning.
  • Salt + black pepper – simple seasoning.
  • Broth (2–4 tablespoons optional) – silky finish.
  • Lemon juice (1–2 teaspoons optional) – brightens.

How to Make Sautéed Cabbage

collage showing steps to make sautéed cabbage
Slice, sauté, brown, and finish
  • 1. Slice: Cut cabbage into thin ribbons.
  • 2. Sauté: Melt butter + oil over medium heat. Cook onion 3–4 minutes until soft.
  • 3. Bloom: Add garlic 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • 4. Cook: Add cabbage, salt, pepper. Cook 8–10 minutes until tender with golden edges.
  • 5. Finish: Add broth if needed, then lemon juice if using.

Tips for Perfect Sautéed Cabbage

  • Use a big pan so it browns instead of steaming.
  • Let it sit between stirs to build golden edges.
  • Season early, adjust at the end.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Add smoked paprika.
  • Add crushed red pepper.
  • Add sliced apples for sweetness.

Storing & Reheating

Fridge: 4 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth.

Serving Suggestions

  • With corned beef and potatoes
  • With rice bowls

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Side Dish
Method: Sauté
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Reader Review: So simple and surprisingly delicious. The golden edges make it!

Leave a rating and tell me—more browned or more tender?

Leave a Comment